I Choose to Stay: A Black Teacher

Salome Thomas-El, principal of Reynolds Elementary School in Philadelphia, discussed his memoir I Choose to Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City, published by Dafina Books. Raised in a single parent household, Mr. Thomas-El was a product of Philadelphia’s inner city school system. However, he was identified early as gifted and was encouraged to excel by both his mother and his teachers. After graduating from college, he decided to pursue a career in television or the law. While working as an intern for a sports channel at night, he began substituting in schools during the day. The experience inspired him to pursue a master’s degree and the necessary certification to become a teacher. During his tenure at Roberts Vaux Middle School, Mr. Thomas-El implemented programs such as the 100-book challenge, Saturday tutoring, in-school breakfasts and a successful chess program where his students won national competitions. Mr. Thomas-El read excerpts from his book and rec close