We recently connected with Artavious E. Morgan and have shared our conversation below.
Artavious E., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
From a very young age, I was fully aware that education was my calling. My elementary afterschool evenings were spent completing my homework, watching the Discovery Channel for 30 minutes, reading my book of choice for the following week, and proceeding to my “imaginary” classroom. My family poured into my antics and supported me tremendously in my education, extracurricular activities, and aspirations. At the age of 6, I was able to code, create software applications, perform system reboots, and fully navigate and operate Microsoft systems. My love for technology grew gradually, and by the age of 7 or 8, I asked for my very first PC, and my mother ensured I had the very best. This helped me tighten up my skills and grow a bigger love for technology. My madre (Shontrel R. Morgan) and I normally joke and say, “E’ you were a black man in tech before the lingo went worldwide.” I had full knowledge of the college I wanted to attend by the 5th grade, and I was determined to complete my goals and to do something bigger than myself. At our 5th Grade Moving On Awards Ceremony at Anne Street Elementary School as a scholar in Mrs. Joshula Barton-Sullivan class, I received numerous awards; however, there was one award in particular for which I received a certificate from the White House under the President Barack Obama Administration. At that pivotal moment of my academic career, I would have not imagined it would give me the confidence boost to go after exactly what I want in this life and to never feel as if I could not attain the unattainable.
Sixteen years later, my career, achievements, and legacy have graced several organizations and institutions, boardroom meetings, conferences, leadership conferences and training, and advancement opportunities. My latest work on projects has proven that not only am I passionate about the line of work I do, but I am also eager to continue creating learning experiences for scholars and create a relationship between families, scholars, and institutions to better assist our future generation in being successful. Prior to my new role with lnterest that was shown, and I wanted my children to value their education and become excited about learning English language arts.. At that very moment, I decided to give my scholars a different classroom learning experience, which consisted of me being completely vulnerable, creating a safe space, exploring new ways of learning and engagement, and interacting and collaborating with our parents and families in our learning environment and community , which allowed my parents to truly see that their scholar was happy about learning. I made a promise to myself: I would leave the classroom for good after the 2023–24 academic school year. I started in education as a special education paraprofessional at the age of 18. Immediately after high school, I earned my GACE. I was fully aware; it was time for me to spread my wings and elevate to bigger and better. I continued to critically think and analyze what I could do to help my scholars understand the content. I put myself in their shoes as a seventh grader and listened to their concerns and feedback. I attended various professional development training and conferences and gained knowledge and practices from several professionals in education. One to include would be RCA (Ron Clark Academy) in Atlanta, GA. When I was afforded the opportunity to attend this 2-day professional development, I had two main goals: to network and to also be a better classroom teacher. The traditional model classroom teacher is a bore; it takes more than putting a lesson on your ClearTouch or opening a textbook. If you define the word “teacher,” this is a person who teaches. My teachings went beyond the classroom; for some of my scholars, I was a father figure, a mentor, inspiration to many, their voice of reasoning, and a muse for their education. I’ve never been a person who had to prove myself; the proof was always in the pudding. I was taught to always have dignity and to remember the meaning of being a part of a legacy, to understand the odds of being a black man in America and beat those odds, and to create spaces where once there were none which I saw myself entering.
Attaching myself to something bigger than my own ego or pride, I wanted bigger, and I prayed for bigger. I put in the hard work, dedication, commitment, and time to get where I am. In America, there is a narrative where we blacks have to work twice as hard to get half as much. I was fully aware of this after having careers in corporate America and being employed by Fortune 500 companies. I was determined to turn this narrative down and push myself to not only become a published children’s author but also to allow my scholars to become authors as well. This is where the vision for “Can You Afford It” reached its metamorphosis.
The whole group collaboration increased rapidly in all of my classes, significantly in my Gifted/Honors class. I was eager to continue the level of engagement, however I had to think outside of the box. Being that I was at a Title I school, seeing very little resources to further innovate and provide a world class learning experience I began doing my research. Upon my research I discovered Studentreasures! Studentreasures Publishing has provided the free tools to help create more than 17 million young authors. Providing book publishing kits to ensure hypothetical rocket fuel for writing, classroom fun and dreams. Taking care of the hard part, so teachers can let their students’ creativity soar. At this moment, I said to myself “you’ve really done it now”, my scholars perceived the news of this project and we got the ball rolling with only two weeks. As I stated “you have to create a space”, I was fully aware I had little resources, I could have been the “typical bore teacher” but instead I became the “most impactful” teacher in my building during my first year there. We received high praise and recognition and was honored “Spotlight School” by our school district. All illustrations were completed by the scholars and myself. The creativity and level of critical thinking was evident that my scholars were ready to go to bigger heights and show the world their intellectual and creative side outside of the standardized test, diagnostics and book work.
As an educator, during each PL it is important you analyze the content, grasp the standards and look at the areas where you can improve in how you deliver your model of instruction. By doing this I was named District Model Classroom Teacher for the middle school I was teaching ELA. I’ve had several career changes but education has always been my home. You often leave home in life to find yourself and you go through tribulations which can make you or break you. In order to get back up, you have to follow the course. You have to remember who you are and to be fully aware of any room you walk into, the room is immediately looking at you. Having this mindset has opened numerous doors for me, and has allowed me to prevail as a creative.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Artavious E. Morgan is a native of Griffin, GA with a rich family history that relates back to over 90 years in Spalding County, he is the great-great grandson of Rev. D.F. Fuller. Rev. Fuller built and founded New Hope Baptist Street in Griffin, GA and was known for his successful ministry, agriculture and philanthropic contributions to Spalding County. Due to his legacy the City of Griffin later honored Rev. Fuller by renaming the proximity of the the family land which consists of 87 properties to D.F. Fuller Drive. Another key figure in Morgan life was his great-grandfather the late Mr. J.C. Morgan, who was a pioneer for Pomona Products in the late 40’s. A key instrument in the Industrial Warehouse industry where he inherited a small percentage of the company. From his humble beginnings he was determined to create generational wealth and stability for his family, which resulted to inheritance of land, properties, and assets. As of today, The Morgan Family Land is still standing with 78 years attached to its roots.
Morgan attended Georgia Southern University where he studied Sociology, he was a member of Men of Vision and Excellence (M.O.V.E), The American Sociological Society, and was the recipient of the Summer 2020 Internship Scholarship Program (ISP), offered by the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD),. As a life-long learner Morgan has continued to perfect his craft by also earning certifications from Andrew Young School of Social Work at Georgia State University and The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. He has been featured in Bold Journey Magazines, Shoutout Atlanta and Voyage ATL of Voyage Magazines.
At the age of 18, shortly after graduating high school Morgan began his career in education serving as Emotional Behavior Disorder Paraprofessional at the elementary level. During this time he was the youngest employee for Griffin-Spalding County Schools System. He continued his career in K-8th education by serving as an Assistant Site Coordinator, Data Clerk, Special Education (EBD, MOID, Autism, Interrelated and Self-Contained), and Seventh Grade Gifted/Honors and General Education English-Language Arts Teacher. Within his career, he has received Teacher of the Month at Anne Street Elementary School, Cowan Road Elementary School, Cowan Road Middle School and District Walk-Through Model Classroom Teacher. Mr. Morgan is known to be pivotal pioneer creating first class learning experiences for scholars. The presentation of his 2024 CRMS Homecoming Court received high praise in the city, which resulted to the court being featured in The Griffin Daily News https://www.griffindailynews.com/education/cowan-middle-school-announces-2024-homecoming-court/image_815435c9-3939-5ce0-8989-00b0ea2e8769.html. Shortly afterwards, he teamed up with his former Academic Coach to co-chair CRMS Black History Fashion Show, which showcased the lens of fashion throughout the decades in the African American Community resulting to high student and parental involvement. Morgan did not stop there, as a strong AVID A+ teacher he was fully aware of how to pull scholars together pertaining to College and Career Readiness, he implemented several AVID strategies during his delivery of instruction. The CRMS Counseling Department saw perfect fit for Morgan to be hands on with the CRMS Career Fair serving as a co-chair and ensuring the logistics and being fully responsible for the overall success of the event.
Prior to joining Atlanta Public Schools, Morgan worked for Griffin-Spalding County Schools, Henry County Schools, Fayette County Schools and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Mr. Morgan is viewed as a profound educator with inventive and real-world approaches to coaching and developing other educators. Labeled as an exceptional educator and leader who has planned and implemented effective standards-based classroom instruction and has assisted other teachers in the same. Morgan is a strong driven and committed educator, but he also has a genuine heart for students and school improvement. Mr. Morgan Former Administrator, Mr. Brandon Davis, Ed.S once stated: “He is by far one of the most ardent educators that I have encountered, and he continues to achieve at high levels in all that he does.”
As Morgan continues to soar to new heights, as the Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy newest Parent and Family Engagement Liaison, he states: “I’m blessed to be afforded the opportunity to join TAG Academy and Atlanta Public Schools. My main goal is to continue to push scholars and families to academic success and be a light to our future game changers.” Morgan will be responsible for creating and building relationships and maintaining a mutual understanding among
school, community and home, implementing policies & coordinating programs with efforts to build a large capacity for parental involvement and creating a comprehensive system effort to increase the Academic Achievement of students and to encourage families to support schools and to lower existing barriers to parental/family participation.
Student Testimonials
Mr. Morgan, I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for all the time and effort you’ve dedicated to teaching us ELA this year. Your passion for literature and language has truly inspired me to become a better writer and reader. Your insightful feedback on my essays and discussions in class have not only improved my academic skills but also boosted my confidence. I will always remember the engaging lessons and the way you made learning so enjoyable. Thank you for being such a supportive and caring teacher. Even though our paths may not cross in the future, your impact on my education and personal growth will always be remembered. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
2. You are like a huge inspiration to me. Throughout this school year, you have been there for me and stood up for me. I could always tell you that you have good intentions. Even when you were tough, it helped shape me into the tough young lady I am today. I wanted to say thank you and tell you how much you mean to me. I also hope that this is a “see you” later and a not a goodbye. But if it is, I want you to know how cool and supportive you are. I love how fun you are. Class was always fun. I also am glad you helped get me to step out of my shell and be more confident in myself. You’re the best.
3. I am so glad that you were able to come into our lives and guide us through this school year. this was personally the hardest year of schooling so far but your endless support, kindness, and persistence certainly helped me complete it. I’d also like to say thank you for your endless patience for our class because i know all of the drama can be a lot. as much as I’d like for you to follow us into the eighth grade, I also realize that you need to continue to achieve higher and higher levels of knowledge and experience as we do, and as much as I’d like to see you again next year.
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How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Supporting artists and creatives is crucial for a thriving society, not just for the sake of art, but for its vital role in innovation, cultural expression, and overall well-being. To foster a flourishing creative ecosystem, society must prioritize a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, education should emphasize creativity and critical thinking from an early age, nurturing individual expression and fostering a culture of appreciation for artistic endeavors. Secondly, accessible and affordable spaces for artists to work and showcase their talents are essential. This includes affordable studio spaces, community arts centers, and public art initiatives that provide platforms for diverse voices and perspectives. Thirdly, financial support for artists is paramount, through grants, scholarships, and artist residencies, recognizing the crucial role they play in enriching society. Additionally, promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts ensures representation for all voices and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant creative community. Equitable access to technology and resources empowers artists to reach wider audiences and connect with fellow creatives globally. Lastly, strengthening intellectual property rights protects artists’ creative output and ensures their contributions are valued and compensated fairly. By implementing these measures, society can cultivate a supportive environment for artists to thrive, enriching cultural landscapes, driving innovation, and fostering a more fulfilling and vibrant society.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ Harper Lee’s timeless masterpiece, transcends the boundaries of a simple coming-of-age story, becoming a powerful indictment of prejudice and a poignant testament to the enduring values of empathy and justice. The novel’s profound impact lies in its ability to expose the insidious nature of racism and its devastating consequences for individuals and society. Through the innocent eyes of Scout Finch, Lee masterfully navigates the complexities of racial injustice in the American South, exposing the hypocrisy and cruelty that permeate the seemingly idyllic town of Maycomb. The trial of Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of justice and the insidiousness of prejudice. The novel’s unflinching portrayal of the societal pressures that led to Tom’s unjust conviction highlights the need for courage and moral conviction in the face of societal norms. Moreover, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, reminding us that true justice requires acknowledging the humanity of all individuals, regardless of their race, background, or social status. Through Scout’s journey of discovery, the novel inspires readers to challenge their own biases and to recognize the inherent value in every human being. Ultimately, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ remains a timeless masterpiece, a powerful reminder of the need for social justice and the importance of compassion in a world plagued by prejudice and injustice. Its message resonates deeply with readers of all generations, urging us to confront the darkness within ourselves and strive for a more just and equitable society.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvessaintart?igsh=MTI0bGFveWVxNTMwZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artaviousmorgan
- Other: https://linktr.ee/artaviousmorgan
