Who are you and what are your practitioner sites?
Kendra Cox, Sullivan Middle School in Worcester
What inspired you to join the Doctoral Program in Transformative Education?
The inspiration that led to me joining the Transformative Education Doctoral Program began at Clark years ago where my professors founded in me a deep, sustained commitment to equity, social justice, and the belief that education can and should be a liberating force. I’ve spent the last twenty years as an educator and throughout that time, I’ve held onto the belief that all students deserve to be seen, heard, and valued in their full humanity. All of my work as an educator, whether as a teacher, Focus Instructional Coach, assistant principal or as the principal of Sullivan Middle School has been grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy and a relentless push toward equity—not just in name, but in practice. Leading in a diverse, urban school means constantly examining how we show up for students and caregivers, and ensuring that our systems reflect care, high expectations and inclusive excellence. I am here to learn and grow and become a better leader for the staff, students and caregivers that I work in service to.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope this program will support me in continuing my learning journey and strengthening my growth as a leader, a change agent and an activist. My goal is to challenge and inspire the educators I serve to broaden their skills and pedagogical practices, placing equity and social justice at the center of our work. I am deeply committed to advocating for systems that serve all children well, and I believe this doctoral program will equip me to better guide adult learners through honest conversations about race, identity, and bias while also creating space for students to engage authentically in their own learning. This work is not easy, but it is essential, and it defines my purpose as a school leader.