As we celebrate Black History Month in the School District of Lancaster, we take time to recognize and honor the resilience and transformative impact of Black educators who shape the lives of our students daily. Among them is Ms. Tania Turner, an eighth-grade language and literature teacher at Wheatland Middle School. Ms. Turner’s journey into education extends beyond a career—it is a mission driven by the need for representation, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to her students’ success and empowerment.
A Journey Rooted in Representation
Ms. Turner is the first teacher in her family, one of thirteen siblings raised in a household where education was a top priority. Her parents, both former athletes, emphasized the value of learning and self-improvement, encouraging their children to strive for academic success. Seeking better educational opportunities, her family relocated from Philadelphia to Lancaster, a move that ultimately shaped her future. Inspired by her English teachers in middle and high school, she discovered a passion for writing and storytelling. Recognizing the power of education to uplift and empower, she chose to become a teacher, hoping to spark that same passion in her students and help them find their own voices.
Overcoming Challenges to Become an Educator
Her path to becoming an educator was not without challenges. Attending Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) before transferring to Millersville University, Ms. Turner navigated the complexities of higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to online learning posed difficulties, but her unwavering commitment to education kept her focused. When she finally attended in-person classes, she embraced the opportunity to learn not only about teaching methodologies but also about the broader issues within education, including equity, representation, and the historical disparities that have shaped the American school system. Upon her graduation from Millersville University, Ms. Turner enrolled at Western Governors University in January 2024 and completed her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in six months.
A defining moment in Ms. Turner’s journey was realizing that, throughout her entire K-12 education, she had never been taught by a Black educator. It wasn’t until college that she had her first Black professor—an experience that deeply resonated with her. Taking an African-American Studies class was transformative, affirming her identity and reinforcing the significance of representation in the classroom. This realization fueled her passion for becoming an educator who could be the role model she never had growing up.
Creating Safe Spaces for Students
Now in her second year of teaching at SDoL, Ms. Turner is a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of encouragement for her students. “Many of our kids come in with a backpack of trauma,” she says, reflecting on the challenges many of her students face. She understands the power of being seen and strives to create a learning environment where all students, especially Black students, feel valued and heard. She builds meaningful relationships with her students, making her classroom a safe space where they can express themselves and explore their cultural identities without fear of judgment.
Founding Natural Hair Haven
One of her most rewarding accomplishments is the creation of Natural Hair Haven, a club she founded to celebrate and educate students about natural Black hair. What started as a small group of eight students in her first year has now grown to over 24 participants, including boys. Through this club, Ms. Turner fosters conversations about self-love, identity, and cultural appreciation—discussions she wished she had access to when she was in middle school. She teaches students about the history and significance of natural Black hair, from traditional African hairstyles to the ongoing fight against hair discrimination in the workplace and schools. The club provides not only practical hair care tips but also a sense of belonging and empowerment for students who may have struggled with self-acceptance.
Mentorship Beyond the Classroom: Building Connections
Beyond the traditional classroom setting, Ms. Turner finds creative ways to connect with her students. “In my free time, I enjoy creating TikTok videos—it’s a fun and engaging way for me to connect with my students and build rapport with them.” she shares. Her engaging and relatable content not only strengthens student relationships but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. Her commitment to mentorship extends beyond the classroom.
Ms. Turner is actively involved with Advantage Lancaster, a program designed to expose students to higher education opportunities and life experiences outside of their immediate community. Through this program, students participate in academic enrichment, career exploration, and cultural experiences, broadening their perspectives and aspirations. She emphasizes the importance of representation and ensures that students understand their worth and potential. Whether it’s visiting a college campus for the first time or engaging in discussions about leadership, Ms. Turner encourages her students to dream beyond what they see in their immediate surroundings.
Black History Month as a Daily Commitment
For Ms. Turner, Black History Month is an everyday commitment. “Black history is every single day,” she says. “It’s in the traffic lights, it’s in mailboxes, it’s in blood banks—it’s everywhere.” She believes in the power of knowledge and history to shape perspectives and create change. Her classroom discussions go beyond textbooks, touching on systemic issues such as mass incarceration, unconscious bias, and the erasure of Black contributions in history. She makes it a point to include Black authors, activists, and inventors in her curriculum year-round, ensuring that Black history is not treated as an isolated topic but as an integral part of the broader American narrative.
The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Expression
Representation matters. Seeing a teacher who reflects their experiences allows students to envision a future of possibilities. Ms. Turner embodies what it means to be an educator who not only teaches but uplifts, inspires, and transforms.
Her advice to students, especially Black students, is to embrace their authenticity and reject societal labels meant to minimize their potential. “Be your authentic self,” she advises. “That is the most beautiful thing.” She also encourages students to challenge misconceptions, educate themselves on their history, and advocate for themselves and their communities.
Honoring the Legacy of Black Educators
Ms. Turner’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. “I haven’t told many people, but I was also nominated for Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year! I have gone through the first round, and now I am excited to move forward!” she reveals.
This prestigious recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to education and her unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor educators like Ms. Turner, who remind us that representation in education is not just important—it is essential.
Their presence shapes the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers, ensuring that Black history is not only remembered but lived, every day. Through their passion, dedication, and resilience, they make a lasting impact, proving that education is one of the most powerful tools for change.
A Lasting Impact Beyond the Classroom
The impact of educators like Ms. Turner extends beyond the walls of a classroom. Her work reminds us that learning is not just about academics, it’s about fostering identity, instilling confidence, and creating an environment where every student feels they belong. As we reflect on the importance of Black history, we are reminded that its influence is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, our communities, and our futures.
Ms. Turner’s story exemplifies the power of representation, and a reminder that the seeds of change are often planted in the quiet moments of encouragement, the lessons of history, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every student.