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Sharif El-Mekki

Chief Executive Officer The Center for Black Educator Development

Sharif El-Mekki is the Chief Executive Officer of The Center for Black Educator Development (CBED), an organization he founded in May 2019. The center is dedicated to increasing the recruitment, training, and retention of Black educators to ensure that students of color have access to teachers who reflect their cultural backgrounds and share their socio-political interests.125

Background and Education

El-Mekki has a rich background in education, having served as a teacher and principal for over 26 years in Philadelphia schools. He was notably the principal of Mastery Charter Shoemaker Campus from 2008 to 2019, where his leadership earned the school multiple accolades, including recognition from President Obama and Oprah Winfrey for its achievements in student performance.245 He holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and advanced degrees from Cheyney University.35

Key Initiatives

Under his leadership, CBED focuses on four main pillars: Professional Learning, Pipeline Development, Policies, and Pedagogy. These initiatives aim to create a sustainable pipeline for Black educators through various programs, including the Freedom Schools Literacy Program and the Fellowship for Black Male Educators for Social Justice, which he founded in 2014.267

Contributions and Recognition

El-Mekki is recognized nationally as a leader in educational reform, particularly regarding equity and social justice in education. He has served as a U.S. Department of Education Principal Ambassador Fellow and is actively involved in various educational boards and committees.34 Additionally, he contributes to discussions on educational equity through his blog on Philly’s 7th Ward and as a co-host of the 8 Black Hands podcast.58

Sharif El-Mekki's work continues to impact the educational landscape by advocating for greater diversity among educators and improving outcomes for students of color across the United States.

Highlights

Sharif El-Mekki | Speaking Fee | Booking Agent

Related Questions

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Sharif El-Mekki
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Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States