According to Gloria Ladson-Billings, successful teachers of African American children feel what?

Successful teachers of African American children, as articulated by Gloria Ladson-Billings, often feel a strong sense of purpose. This sense of purpose drives their commitment to advocate for and support their students in a way that fosters both academic achievement and cultural pride. Teachers who embrace this perspective recognize the importance of creating an educational environment where African American students see their identities as assets rather than obstacles to learning. Such teachers are motivated to implement culturally relevant pedagogy, which actively engages students by connecting curriculum content with their cultural experiences and backgrounds.

This strong sense of purpose translates into a deliberate approach to teaching that values diversity and aims to provide equitable learning opportunities. It helps teachers to inspire and empower their students and to foster high expectations for all of them. This focus on purpose is essential for developing strong relationships with students and for understanding the challenges they may face personally, academically, and socially. By maintaining a clear and strong sense of purpose, teachers can more effectively counteract biases and advocate for their students' needs.