Alicia Brown
English Teacher, John J. Duggan Academy: Age 39
It’s called ‘the Royals.’
That’s the name Alicia Brown gave to a program she created to empower young women in middle and high school through mentorship, leadership development, and life skills education. It’s an after-school program that initially started in the basement of her church.
“We get together every two weeks, and we engage in meaningful conversations and activities,” said Brown, an English language arts teacher at Springfield’s John J. Duggan Academy, adding that the program is centered around mental health awareness in young women and “helping them build healthy coping mechanisms to navigate life.”
The Royals is just one example of how Brown is making a difference inside the classroom and beyond, and building on a passion for working with, and helping to guide, young people that goes back to the days when she was a summer camp counselor.
“I grew up in Springfield myself, and I love the fact that I can build these relationships with my students where they can see a teacher that they can relate to,” said Brown, a graduate of Springfield College, adding that she’s always focused on making an impact that goes beyond a day’s lessons in English. “Not only are we focusing on academics in the classroom, we’re also teaching them about the foundations of life and how to be successful outside these four walls.”
Elaborating, she said that much goes into being a Royal, and that designation, if you will, goes beyond participation in the twice-monthly meetings.
“You being a Royal … you wear that everywhere you go,” she explained. “It means we’re taking our academics seriously and we’re making sure we show up to school, and it’s important that we have healthy communication skills when we need to converse with one of our friends when we feel that something is a little off; it’s how you carry yourself outside of here.”
Brown’s impact inside and outside the classroom was summed up by Duggan Principal April Robinson, who nominated her for the 40 Under Forty award. “She’s my go-to teacher when a student needs extra support and uplifting,” she wrote. “This strong teacher-student rapport positively impacts student confidence, engagement, and overall achievement.”
When not teaching and guiding young people, Brown enjoys spending time with her 20-year-old daughter, Imani, and other family members. “I’m very family-oriented,” she said. “Spending time with my family is very important to me.”
—George O’Brien
