Who We Are
The William J. Watkins, Sr. Educational Institute, Inc. was established in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Baltimore, MD. We envision a just and civil world in which members of society are empowered with knowledge and skills that allow them the freedom to achieve their highest human potential. Our mission is to ensure that ALL children, especially those in under-served and under-resourced communities receive the best education possible. Through our teacher training programs, youth programs, scholarship fund and our instructional model we fulfill that mission. Our programs for youth, theoretical approaches, research, and practices are used to impact educational practice, policy, and outcomes on the national, state and local levels. Through the achievement of our mission, we enhance teaching and learning and help create a better world.
“Education is the Sine qua non (that thing which is needed) for the success of the Negro”
– Rev. William J. Watkins, Sr.
Latest News
Challenges of Teaching African American History in US Public Schools: Reflections on 30 Years of Teaching
This post is based on a roundtable discussion I participated in at the 2015 African Heritage Studies Association Conference in New York City, NY. My oldest son, Akil Parker, was also a member of that panel speaking on his experience as a math teacher. Introduction This paper is a reflection on my more than 30 years of working [...]
Watkins Update Newsletter
Click here for the Fall/Winter 2015 Newsletter
“Cultivating” Culturally Responsive Teachers at Southwest Academy
Through a generous donation to The William J. Watkins, Sr. Educational Institute, Inc. we have partnered with Southwest Academy Middle School in Baltimore County to provide seven teachers with our year long "Cultivating a Culturally Responsive Practice" teacher training. Our philosophy that the most important relationship as regards student success is that between the teacher and student. Principal [...]