Although he has earned five degrees, authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and books and is currently scholar-in-residence and director of the Institute on Education Equity and Justice at American University, Dr. Antonio Ellis considers his most meaningful accomplishment his graduation from high school. K-12 was his toughest challenge.
“My disability led to me being teased and bullied by both students and teachers,” Ellis recalls, explaining that he received special education services throughout his primary school years due to a stuttering disability. He says he was also often absent and failed second and fifth grade.
“Because of the teachers who blatantly told me and other teachers that I would be in jail before the age of 18 and would not graduate from high school, my primary meaningful accomplishment is earning my high school diploma,” Ellis adds. However, once he made it into high school, he began to realize his potential — and the importance of supportive educators.
“I met a teacher who saw value in me and made me believe that I could be an achiever,” Ellis says. “My music teacher, Mr. Linard McCloud, taught me self-determination, perseverance, tenacity and grit.”
Those qualities guided him through college and graduate school.
“He went from being a child-at-risk to being a K-12 school administrator, university professor and published scholar,” says Leon Burns, a business analyst in the Washington, D.C. area and Ellis’ Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother. Burns says Ellis’ journey has made him “highly sought after for support and mentorship by children and adults with disabilities.”
Ellis currently practices the principles he has researched by serving as director of special education for the District of Columbia Public Schools.
