Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Rasheema Caldwell.
Hi Dr. Rasheema, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story begins in the heart of Miami, Florida—Liberty City, to be exact. Growing up, survival was a daily reality. School was an escape, but college wasn’t even a blip on my radar.
My senior year of high school, life took a devastating turn. I lost four friends in a drive-by shooting. Another student was involved in a tragic murder-suicide. The gang violence wasn’t just background noise; it was the soundtrack of my adolescence. It was my mother, seeing the relentless challenges, who made a decision that would change my life. She signed me up for college. I found myself at Florida A&M University, a world away from the streets I knew. But the challenges didn’t end there.
During my college years, I became a mother. Balancing motherhood and academics was hard, and I nearly lost my place in school after getting caught up in a brawl among friends.
As if that weren’t enough, my parents divorced, and I experienced homelessness while a student. It was a time of immense hardship, a period when I wasn’t sure how I would keep going. But then, something shifted. A professor, Dr. Owusu Ansah Agyapong, an educator, saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. This educator poured into me, spoke life into me, and told me that I could be someone great. That moment, that belief, became a turning point. His belief in me became my “why.” It ignited my passion for education. I realized that if one person could make such a difference in my life, I could do the same for others. Therefore, I chose to become an educator because an educator chose me.
My journey from those uncertain beginnings, from those kindergarten dreams, to the reality of earning a doctorate has been about leading with a heart for “the first.” As a first-generation college student, I understand the unique challenges and triumphs of those who break new ground. Today, with 20 years in education, including 10 years as a teacher and 10 years in leadership, I serve as an assistant principal at Carver High School. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, the transformative impact of education, and the profound difference one person can make in the life of another. It’s a story written with the ink of adversity, but it’s being lived out as a testament to triumph.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. My life has been marked by closed doors, but also by the opening of new ones, often in unexpected ways.
My story includes the impact of growing up amidst the constant threat of violence and tragic losses in high school, a period of homelessness during college, and becoming a mother at just 20 years old, a true contrast to where I am today. During my college years, my mom faced the challenges of homelessness as well. There was one period when she came to live with me while I was in school. Also, during that time, my father gained custody of my two younger siblings, causing a huge divide within the family. These experiences have shaped my understanding of hardship and the importance of perseverance.
In 2006, I moved to Atlanta with my daughter, carrying little more than her furniture and some clothes. I began my journey in Atlanta as a 5th-grade classroom teacher. Those were humble beginnings. I remember a time of financial strain where, after paying all the bills, there was nothing left. I didn’t even have my own furniture for a while. Being paid only once a month made budgeting and survival a constant challenge.
Despite these hardships, I focused on my teaching craft, determined not only to survive but to thrive. Through dedication and hard work, I began to climb the ladder, moving from the classroom into leadership roles. This upward trajectory is a direct result of my commitment to growth and my refusal to be defined by my past struggles.
I also battled depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Feeling like I’d failed hit hard when I resigned from a principalship in Florida and moved back to Atlanta after less than ten months. It was a tough decision and brought on a serious struggle with depression. However, I was able to turn that pain into something positive, a testament to the strength we can find within ourselves even in the darkest of times. You see that pain-fueled action! In August 2021, I organized a conference called “The Forgotten,” bringing together Yandy Smith-Harris of Love and Hip Hop, Mrs. Danisha Rolle and Mrs. Theresa Bowe (NFL wives), Dr. Wislene John, Mrs. Yolanda Weems, and Mr. Shannon Williams, all educators, to address the critical issue of mental health and to support educators during the pandemic. The success of “The Forgotten” truly showed my strength in turning personal struggle into a positive force, finding a way to shine light even during a dark period.
Where I am from, you often hear the phrase, “getting it from the mud”. As you can see, it is not just a saying; it’s the story of my life. It’s about overcoming adversity, about turning nothing into something, and about the unwavering belief that a better future is possible, no matter how difficult the present may seem.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
You ask about my work, my specializations, what I’m known for, and what fuels my drive. It’s the years I have spent in the heart of education, from the foundational joy of a Pre-Kindergartner grasping a new concept to the triumphant stride of a graduating senior stepping into their future.
My journey began in the classroom, where the spark of curiosity in a child’s eyes ignited my “own” enduring commitment to student success. Those years as an elementary and middle school teacher weren’t just about imparting knowledge; they were about cultivating potential, understanding individual needs, and growing to become lifelong learning. This foundation informs me of everything I do.
My specialization, if I can call it that, lies in transformative leadership. I’ve had the privilege of serving in diverse roles – as a school-based and district leader – each role providing a different way of seeing how the whole world of education works. I’ve learned to foster positive team environments, understanding that a thriving school hinges on the collective energy and shared vision of its educators. Whether it’s supporting high-needs populations or steering a school towards academic improvement, my focus remains steadfast: for the love of children, meeting students where they are.
What am I known for? Perhaps it’s my ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles. I think back to my days at Harper-Archer Middle School, where I began my leadership journey with Atlanta Public Schools in 2012. It was seen by many as one of the more challenging schools on Atlanta’s Westside. It had a reputation. Yet, we focused on using data to really understand where our students were, building a strong and positive school environment where they felt safe and supported, and providing extra help exactly where it was needed. We believed that every student, no matter the circumstances, deserved a chance to succeed. This experience truly reinforced my belief in the power of clear goals, strong teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to students. I was determined to help change the narrative at Harper-Archer and create a place where students could thrive. Seeing those students make progress and achieve their goals, despite the school’s reputation, was incredibly rewarding and a testament to the hard work of the entire school community. This was my starting point for knowing I can turn obstacles into opportunities, and I have carried that with me throughout my career.
Now, as Assistant Principal of Carver STEAM Academy, overseeing counseling, college and career readiness, and graduation planning, I stand on the front lines of empowering our students to achieve their dreams. And this brings me to what I am most proud of: the success of the Class of 2025. To witness them earning over $14 million in scholarships and achieving such high college acceptance rates, and their eagerness to graduate with pride, is more than just satisfying—it’s the realization of potential and nurtured dreams taking flight.
What sets me apart? I am an authentic and transparent leader. I don’t see problems as things that can’t be fixed, but as chances to find new and better ways of doing things. On this journey, I desire to leave a legacy. Ultimately, I don’t want the “Caldwell Legacy” I aspire to build measured in titles, but through the impact on individuals: the student who felt seen, the teacher who felt empowered, and the parent whose child’s unique journey was truly understood. In turn, for me, the best part of it all will be knowing that it was built from the heart!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
First, although it doesn’t fall in those categories, a resource that helps me do my best work in life is my spiritual attachment to God. I am a member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church and I am very connected to my Pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Sutton, in addition to my family, I have a host of mentors including, Dr. Jermaine Dawson who have become true thought partners and inspirations as I navigate this work. These resources offer diverse perspectives and practical strategies that contribute significantly to my personal and professional development.
But to answer your question on the scale of what you are asking, I am a fan of TED Talks. The concise and impactful presentations offer insights on various topics, sparking new ideas and challenging my thinking. They’re easily accessible and provide a quick dose of inspiration and knowledge on everything from leadership and innovation to psychology and well-being.
Speaking of books, I’m currently looking forward to diving into “The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity” by George Couros. From what I understand, Couros delves into creating environments that foster innovation and creativity, which resonates deeply with my desire to continuously improve and think outside the box. The principles of empowering individuals to learn and lead with a creative mindset seem incredibly valuable.
I am just now tapping into an educational podcast, as I prepare to launch my own. My podcast will feature the voices of individuals who directly or indirectly “touch” the lives of children – educators, mentors, youth leaders, etc. – exploring their personal experiences and how they navigate their own lives while influencing the next generation. Importantly, the podcast will highlight the human aspect of these individuals, acknowledging that while they often present a composed “front face,” they have their own personal lives, including their own children, their own families, facing their own unique challenges and overcoming adversity, in order to do what they love.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: doc.caldwell
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=dr-rasheema-caldwell-03a38b181
- Twitter: RL_Caldwell
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Image Credits
Photo credit: Vaul Alexander, Photographer
