First Black Teacher at US High School, Retires After 47 Years of Service
JD Sweet, who made history as the first Black teacher at Central Kitsap High School in Washington, has retired after a remarkable 47-years of teaching. Reflecting on his career, Sweet expressed concern over students’ excessive reliance on cell phones
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JD Sweet, who made history as the first Black teacher at Central Kitsap High School in Washington, has retired after a remarkable 47-year teaching career.
Sweet concluded his tenure as a social studies educator at Olympic High School, where he spent the latter part of his career.
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Sweet began his teaching journey in 1977 at Central Kitsap High School. Reflecting on his early days, he shared, “It was the first time, I’m not sure, there were white students that had a Black person in a position of authority over them.” Despite facing resistance from some students, parents, and colleagues, Sweet remained steadfast in his commitment to education.
Throughout his career, Sweet emphasized the importance of critical thinking. He encouraged his students to analyze and question information, preparing them for a world that demands more than just factual knowledge. His teaching philosophy went beyond basic academics, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals.
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Reflecting on his career, Sweet expressed concern over students’ excessive reliance on cell phones and emphasized the need to nurture their creativity and interpersonal skills.
