Written: February 2022 Updated: April 2026
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the voices, contributions, and everyday impact of individuals who continue to shape our communities in meaningful ways. In schools across the country, educators play a critical role in that story by guiding students, building confidence, and creating spaces where learning feels possible.
At Proximity Learning, that impact is felt daily through virtual educators who bring passion, creativity, and purpose into their virtual classrooms. One such teacher is Mrs. Dion Lucas, who became an educator to teach the future leaders of America. If there’s a day she doesn’t tell her husband, “I’m off to teach the future leaders of America,” before logging on to teach, he will ask, “Isn’t this school day missing something?”
So who is Dion Lucas, and how has she impacted her students? Read on to discover what I learned from speaking with this inspiring veteran math teacher during Black History Month.
More Than a Motto
While Mrs. Lucas has been in the teaching profession since 2004, both in-person and virtually, it is apparent that Mrs. Lucas is a very passionate educator, and this energy radiates off the screen. She is not someone who stumbled into this profession. Rather, she embodies what it means to be a teacher. It isn’t surprising to learn that she is also a mentor teacher, and in addition to helping student learners, she loves helping to guide new talent entering the teaching profession.
She sees the value of reciprocal learning alongside new teachers. She mentions that while she brings experience and background knowledge into the field, there is no shortage of innovation and new ideas amongst her mentees and peers.
The Takeaway
There’s something powerful about remembering why you started. Whether you’re teaching in Alabama, Texas, or anywhere across the country, your mindset shapes your instruction, your lesson plans, and ultimately your students’ experience. Staying open to learning from other educators, no matter your experience level, keeps your teaching fresh, relevant, and grounded in growth.
Planted Seeds
Mrs. Lucas was trained well before the surge of online learning as a virtual teacher through the National Virtual Teacher Association (NVTA) certification and maintains a deep interest in the pairings of education and technology. The NVTA is a professional development organization that supports educators transitioning into virtual instruction. Through training, resources, and community support, it helps teachers strengthen their online teaching skills, adapt their curriculum, and build confidence in a digital learning environment, which can make all the difference when navigating new technology.
Mrs. Lucas believes it’s her background as a student athlete that strengthened her willingness to take risks and apply these new technologies to her educator experiences. She’s not afraid to try something new or collaborate with others, and she encourages any teachers (especially those coming from a brick-and-mortar background) to ask questions.
She says, “I know it can be intimidating, but we’ve got to get teachers to think along the same lines as our students — you’re not a failure if you don’t know something. You’re not a failure if you try something once and it doesn’t exactly work out right. We’re all learners, and that’s okay.”
She eagerly provides insight on methods virtual teachers, especially from traditional backgrounds, can utilize to tie in the engaging activities typical of physician classrooms with rotating breakout rooms, poll features, music as timers, fun visual content, and building social connections.
If teachers want to learn more and become certified by the NVTA, she highly recommends partnering with them to take advantage of their content, professional development, and the NVTA teaching community.
“The NVTA planted a seed in me years ago, and I’ve never stopped being a lifelong learner and sharing that learning with others.”
The Takeaway
Trying something new can feel uncomfortable, especially when moving from traditional classrooms into a virtual environment. Growth often starts right there: in the questions, the trial and error, and the willingness to learn alongside your students. The more you lean into that mindset, the more confident and adaptable you become in your teaching.
Math, Music, and Engagement
Mrs. Lucas’ favorite aspect of teaching is seeing kids engaged in the lesson. Her students are willing to learn and explore. She consistently reminds them that learning is not linear and that by having a positive outlook and realistic goals, they can achieve great things together.
Mrs. Lucas, a percussionist, incorporates music into her lessons regularly. “Teaching numbers and math go hand in hand with music. The students love it, and it makes it fun for all of us.”
When students see her playing drums or shaking a cabasa while singing a math formula, it creates an immediate connection. Students with a deep interest and love for music start to let down their guard or “fear of math”, making it easier for them to engage in new or challenging content.
“I got my lifetime certification back when they offered it, so I could potentially teach until I’m 102 years-old!” She says, “But teaching has never been a job to someone like me, I’m all about the connections and giving back for the greater good. It’s truly been a calling.”
The Takeaway
Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as bringing your personality into the classroom, whether through music, storytelling, or creative ways of presenting mathematics. When students feel connected, they’re more willing to take risks, participate, and stay invested in their learning.
The Legacy
To Mrs. Lucas, Black History Month is an opportunity to thank all the hidden figures and pioneers who shaped our country into what it is today. She is grateful for their sacrifices and services to all mankind, and believes diversity is crucial in enhancing staff and technology in schools.
“Diversity is not just a melting pot to me. For example, I love to eat my husband’s cooking, and when he’s cooking up something like a new recipe or a tossed salad, and he’s bringing in new ingredients and experimenting with new techniques, sauces, and ideas — that’s truly when things become innovative. That’s how I see diversity and collaboration. It’s those moments where we all start sharing our experiences, skills, and making connections – that’s the way forward and how we build better things.”
The Takeaway
Diversity in schools goes far beyond representation. It’s about collaboration, perspective, and shared experiences. When educators bring their full selves into their work and learn from one another, it strengthens the entire learning environment and creates more meaningful opportunities for students.
It’s Generational
This year, Mrs. Lucas would like to give tribute to her mom for Black History Month. Her mother, Deborah McNeal, has been teaching math and music for over 40 years, both in-person and virtually. She plays five instruments, is a choir director and band director at church, and has never stopped teaching.
“I am truly blessed to have her as a mentor,” she says.
The Takeaway
Teaching often runs deeper than the classroom. Whether it’s family, mentors, or your broader community, those influences shape how you show up for your students. Carrying that forward creates a ripple effect that lasts far beyond a single school year.
Her Advice for Future Educators
Before sharing her advice, it’s clear that everything Mrs. Lucas has experienced, from her background to her mentors, has shaped how she approaches teaching and supporting others. That same sense of purpose carries into the guidance she offers to future educators.
First, she says, “I will never forget my mom’s words on my first day of teaching. She said, ‘Just be yourself and have fun!’ I’m grateful to follow in her footsteps, and I wish the same for others, too.”
Her second piece of advice is that if you’re on an island by yourself, you aren’t embracing diversity and collaboration in your classroom. She says, “You gotta connect, ask questions, be around people who can help you grow. You know, I’m grateful for each opportunity to give back what my mentors gave me to shape my career. Teamwork makes the dream work, and I am happy to be part of PLI’s team.”
The Takeaway
Connection is vital in the classroom and within your support system. Teaching isn’t meant to be done alone, and the more you collaborate, ask questions, and lean on others, the stronger your impact becomes.
Carrying the Legacy Forward Through Teaching
Spending time with Mrs. Dion Lucas, it becomes clear that teaching is more than a profession. It’s a calling rooted in purpose, connection, and impact. Her story is a reminder that teachers influence lives, build confidence, and help students see what’s possible for themselves. Especially during Black History Month, stories like hers highlight the importance of representation, dedication, and the lasting impact of educators in every community.
For educators looking to continue growing in their careers, Proximity Learning offers the opportunity to bring that same passion into a virtual classroom, connecting with students across schools and expanding your reach. With the support, structure, and flexibility of virtual teaching, you can continue making a meaningful difference, no matter where you are.
Interested in carrying your legacy forward through teaching? Learn more about teaching with Proximity Learning and discover how you can bring your impact to students who need it most.
