ABOUT ME
Kumar Rashad
WHERE I COME FROM
I was born in Cleveland in a single parent household surrounded by loving siblings and my community family. We moved to Frankfort Kentucky in 1992 where I became a graduate of Franklin County High School and then Kentucky State University. I received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Pure Mathematics. I moved to Louisville, KY in 2000 to attend the University of Louisville. I received a Master's of Art and Teaching with a specialization in high school mathematics pedagogy. I was raised to represent my community so I use every oppurtunity to help create policies that strengthen the bond between you and me.
A THRIVING CAREER
I started teaching in Jefferson County Public Schools in January of 2003 where I was an alternative certified teacher in the Minority Teacher Recruitment Program. At Western High School I became familiar with and joined youth mentoring programs like the YMCA YNOW Mentoring Program and then Seneca's Men of Quality.
I have since created chapters of the Men of Quality Youth Mentoring Program chapters for Stuart Academy in 2014 and where I currently teach at Breckinridge Metropolitan High School.
Advocacy for my kids is what led me to take on leadership positions within my union. I created programs to recruit, train, and mentor minority educators because many children of color have no role models. This advocacy helped our cause gain national attention with the National Education Association and within our own local Jefferson County Teachers Association where I have served as both a Regional and State Director. Currently I am also the Ethnic Minority Director of the National Council of Urban Education Associations.
MISSION STATEMENT
Equality Meets Opportunity
I'm on a mission
to conquer ignorance and superstition.
Many have lost the vision
so I assume the position
of a leader because I'm qualified
I never step aside
I love when WE work together.
Its always better to unify.
And I for one will never back down
from an individual or system
that tries to pump MY PEOPLE like a piston.
But Im always yelling peace when Im under attack
because no one can disrupt me when God has my back.
And love is the platform that we spread thru the earth
and may the power of love save US from destroying the universe
Selected Experience
Jefferson County Teachers Association Region 4 Board of Director 2023 - Present
Louisville Metro Council District 3 Councilmember 2023 - Present
National Education Association Representative Assembly Member 2016 - Present
Kentucky Eduation Association Delegate Assembly Member 2016 - Present
National Council of Urban Education Associations Ethnic Minority Director 2017 - Present
Kentucky Education Association Board of Director 2016 - 2023
Resume Highlights
1993-1998
B.S. Pure Mathematics
Kentucky State University
I received a Bachelor's of Science from Kentucky's top Historical Black College and University. I was able to teach math as an undergraduate assistant employee of Professon Dr. Helm. I was voted Mr. KSU by my colleagues in 1996 and went on to create the International Students Association during my tenure.
2000-2005
Master's of Art and Teaching
University of Louisville
I am thankful to Jefferson County Public Schools for offering me a chance to learn educational pedagogy while in the practice of my own classroom. The collaboration between our district and the Minority Teacher Recruitment efforts of the University of Louisville really gave me my wings.
Advocacy & Community Engagement
Student engagement begins with community engagement. We can't advocate for our students without making sure that our community is uplifted and empowered.
Our Voice in Frankfort
Lead in Frankfort in opposition to BR69, which would limit teachers' academic freedom
Councilman Kumar Rashad, one of the resolution's sponsors, is also a Jefferson County Public School teacher.
Spoke in Opposition to the Immigrant Border Crisis at the Granny Respond Rally at the Muhammad Ali Museum
Defended racial equity during JCPS board meeting
As a teacher and a councilman I sponsored an ordinance that forbids public money to be used to displace vulnerable families of my students.
NEA RA 2023 delegation overwhelmingly adopted my NBI which instructs NEA to create a data bank with authentic and diverse lesson plans and pedagogy. (Take that Florida!)
COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
Selected Awards & Honors
Organizations & Affiliations
