Dr. Essie McKoy
~ Educator, Author, Speaker, Coach ~
~ Educator, Author, Speaker, Coach ~
Copa: Where are you from?
Dr. Essie: I grew up in Milwaukee, North Carolina and spent eighteen years there with my parents and siblings. Once I graduated from high school, I decided to attend college in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and remained there for thirty-five years where I worked and sought more degrees. About three years ago I decided to move to the DMV-DC, MD, and VA area. Copa: What schools have you attended, and degrees have you earned?
Dr. Essie: I received my Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) and an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed. S.) in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education with certification in Learning Disabilities from Winston-Salem State University. I have additional areas of certification in Public School Administration/Principalship, Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English, and the Superintendency. My dissertation topic, “A Study of Elementary Principals’ Perceptions of Accountability and Leadership in an Era of High Stakes Testing,” is a foundational part of my first book, “The Heart of School Transformation: My Journey into Transforming Urban Schools.” I attended The Urban Superintendent’s Program at Howard University and The American Association of School Administrators and received the National Superintendent’s Certification. In addition, I attended Harvard University’s Public Education Leadership Project Program and many other leadership programs throughout the nation, including the Wake Forest University Leadership Program for Public Engagement, The Distinguished Leadership Program and the Distinguished Leadership Program Digital Learning at North Carolina State University, The Principals’ Executive Program – Leadership Program for Assistant Principals at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received the Program’s Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and graduated from the Principals’ Executive Program – Leadership Program for New Principals at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I received the prestigious Jack McCall Award. Also, I attended the Mastering Leadership Dynamics Program with the BB&T Institute, as well as three other programs at BB&T. In addition, I was accepted into The National Scholars Honor Society. When doing speaking engagements, I share with audiences that I have attended twelve different colleges and universities either seeking a degree or certification, serving as an instructor, or attending a leadership program. Also, I have taught at A&T State University, ITT Technical Institute, and George Mason University. A fun fact is that I attended school for twenty-seven years from kindergarten to my doctorate. Usually kids are like, "WOW that is way too much schooling!" |
Copa: How many books and collaborative publications have you authored to date?
Dr. Essie: I am grateful that I have been involved in thirteen publications across the nation and currently working on my fourteenth book. My involvement has been as solo author, contributing author, co-author, or foreword author. Six of those books have been Amazon bestselling books and I have been honored as the bestselling author for several of my books. Some of those books are:The Heart of School Transformation; My Journey into Transforming Urban Schools, Coaching Champions- How to understand the players before giving the plays; A Guide to Improvement and Success, Women of Virtue: Walking in Excellence,Leadership Tidbits, and The Grylfriend Code Sorority Edition, Vision and Purpose; Inspiring Our Community, and Women Who Lead; Extraordinary Women with Extraordinary Achievements – Featuring School Principals. Please visit my website to learn more about all my books at www.dressiespeaks.com. Furthermore, I write for Vision and Purpose Lifestyle Magazine and Media.
A complete list of Dr. Essie's work:
Dr. Essie: I am grateful that I have been involved in thirteen publications across the nation and currently working on my fourteenth book. My involvement has been as solo author, contributing author, co-author, or foreword author. Six of those books have been Amazon bestselling books and I have been honored as the bestselling author for several of my books. Some of those books are:The Heart of School Transformation; My Journey into Transforming Urban Schools, Coaching Champions- How to understand the players before giving the plays; A Guide to Improvement and Success, Women of Virtue: Walking in Excellence,Leadership Tidbits, and The Grylfriend Code Sorority Edition, Vision and Purpose; Inspiring Our Community, and Women Who Lead; Extraordinary Women with Extraordinary Achievements – Featuring School Principals. Please visit my website to learn more about all my books at www.dressiespeaks.com. Furthermore, I write for Vision and Purpose Lifestyle Magazine and Media.
A complete list of Dr. Essie's work:
- Authored "The Heart of School Transformation; My Journey into Transforming Urban Schools"
- Contributing Author of "Coaching Champions - How to understand the players before giving up the plays: A Guide to Improvement and Success"
- Contributing Author of "Two Women of Virtue: Walking in Excellence"
- Co-Author of "Two Leadership Tidbits: Powerful Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know in Order to Win"
- Contributing Author of "The Grylfriend Code Sorority Edition"
- Contributing Author of "Vision and Purpose; Inspiring Our Community"
- Foreword Author of "Women Who Lead; Extraordinary Women with Extraordinary Achievements-Featuring School Principals"
- Contributing Author of "Vision and Purpose Lifestyle Magazine"
- Forward Author of "Iron Sharpens Iron: Inspired to Achieve, Think and Grow"
- Coming Soon: Foreword and Co-Author of "Empowered to Win 3"
Copa: At what time in your life have you've known you were a good communicator?
Dr. Essie: Early in my life my parents made sure that I served in many different capacities in church. That was the beginning of me developing my communication skills. I served as secretary, Sunday school teacher, delegate at conventions, singer in the choir, guest speaker at Youth Day Service, Bible School teacher, and other roles, all of which allowed me to hone my skills. What I did not know then but found out later in life is that I was molding the person I have become. So, my journey on the path to becoming a good communicator started when I was a youth and continued throughout my life. I have had many opportunities to polish my skills to be able to do what I do today!You may checkout some of my weekly podcast shows at Dr. Essie Speaks Education where I speak about education and other topics at www.dressiespeaks.com/podcast or https://bit.ly/DrEssieSpeaksEdPlaylist or https://bit.ly/DrEssieSpeaksEducation
Dr. Essie: Early in my life my parents made sure that I served in many different capacities in church. That was the beginning of me developing my communication skills. I served as secretary, Sunday school teacher, delegate at conventions, singer in the choir, guest speaker at Youth Day Service, Bible School teacher, and other roles, all of which allowed me to hone my skills. What I did not know then but found out later in life is that I was molding the person I have become. So, my journey on the path to becoming a good communicator started when I was a youth and continued throughout my life. I have had many opportunities to polish my skills to be able to do what I do today!You may checkout some of my weekly podcast shows at Dr. Essie Speaks Education where I speak about education and other topics at www.dressiespeaks.com/podcast or https://bit.ly/DrEssieSpeaksEdPlaylist or https://bit.ly/DrEssieSpeaksEducation
Copa: Who were the two people who were the most influential in your life, in what way?
Dr. Essie: My mother and father! My mother was a woman of strength. She showed me how to be a woman of courage, a virtuous woman, and a woman who puts God above all things. My mother was a wise woman who helped others and gave back throughout her life. Thank goodness she passed her wisdom, grace, and strength on to me. She was a spiritual woman with so much dignity and poise! In addition, my father was another person who influenced me a lot. He conveyed the importance of getting an education and working hard for what you want in life. Both of my parents did not graduate from high school but had the wisdom to emphasize the importance of seeking an education and obtaining college degrees. My father was a wise man who put God and family first and he instilled that in me.
Dr. Essie: My mother and father! My mother was a woman of strength. She showed me how to be a woman of courage, a virtuous woman, and a woman who puts God above all things. My mother was a wise woman who helped others and gave back throughout her life. Thank goodness she passed her wisdom, grace, and strength on to me. She was a spiritual woman with so much dignity and poise! In addition, my father was another person who influenced me a lot. He conveyed the importance of getting an education and working hard for what you want in life. Both of my parents did not graduate from high school but had the wisdom to emphasize the importance of seeking an education and obtaining college degrees. My father was a wise man who put God and family first and he instilled that in me.
Copa: How long have you had a knack for writing?
Dr. Essie: God gifted me with the ability to write! I knew early on that I liked writing, but not to the extent that I write today. I think going through the tedious process of writing my dissertation, thesis, and other lengthy papers taught me how to be patient with the writing process and how to do technical writing. I have always wanted to write my own book and did just that! Of course, my entire professional life has evolved around the field of education. So, it was quite natural for me to write a book about my journey in making an impact in public education. There is still so much more for me to share, but now I am focused on other genres and topics that allow me to share in a variety of ways.
Dr. Essie: God gifted me with the ability to write! I knew early on that I liked writing, but not to the extent that I write today. I think going through the tedious process of writing my dissertation, thesis, and other lengthy papers taught me how to be patient with the writing process and how to do technical writing. I have always wanted to write my own book and did just that! Of course, my entire professional life has evolved around the field of education. So, it was quite natural for me to write a book about my journey in making an impact in public education. There is still so much more for me to share, but now I am focused on other genres and topics that allow me to share in a variety of ways.
Copa: In your opinion, who are your three favorite speakers of all time?
Dr. Essie: There are so many and depending on what topic whether it is gospel, inspiration, motivation, or just education, but to name a few, the entire Jakes family, especially TD and Serita Jakes and Sarah Roberts Jakes! Other speakers include Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, MD, and former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama!
Dr. Essie: There are so many and depending on what topic whether it is gospel, inspiration, motivation, or just education, but to name a few, the entire Jakes family, especially TD and Serita Jakes and Sarah Roberts Jakes! Other speakers include Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, MD, and former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama!
Copa: What are your most important topics?
Dr. Essie: Some topics that are important to me are education, investing, and using your voice and abilities to make a difference.
I have been an educator for thirty-two years and love sharing with others the importance of education. Education is such a broad topic, and the most important thing is for young people to educate themselves about the plans they have for their lives.When I talk about the importance of education, I am not only speaking about going to college, but enlisting in the military, seeking a trade or skills, gaining an internship or apprenticeship, going into the workforce, or even taking a gap year. You must educate yourself about what you want to do!
Another topic that I believe we talk little about with our kids is investing.Investing has such a tremendous impact on our lives and it needs to be a topic of conversation more in our communities. Young people should seek advice and learn the art of investing now so when they grow older, they will have the resources and the means to live the lifestyle they desire to live. We, as the adults have a duty to share so that the next generation will not only be wiser, but wealthier. Last, but not least is the topic of using our voices, talents and gifts to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. There are so many individuals that are tremendously gifted,and it is important that they use their gifts not only to impact their own lives, but the lives of others. They should share their voices, talents, and skills to uplift others, to bring about change, and to make a positive difference in our nation and in our world!
Dr. Essie: Some topics that are important to me are education, investing, and using your voice and abilities to make a difference.
I have been an educator for thirty-two years and love sharing with others the importance of education. Education is such a broad topic, and the most important thing is for young people to educate themselves about the plans they have for their lives.When I talk about the importance of education, I am not only speaking about going to college, but enlisting in the military, seeking a trade or skills, gaining an internship or apprenticeship, going into the workforce, or even taking a gap year. You must educate yourself about what you want to do!
Another topic that I believe we talk little about with our kids is investing.Investing has such a tremendous impact on our lives and it needs to be a topic of conversation more in our communities. Young people should seek advice and learn the art of investing now so when they grow older, they will have the resources and the means to live the lifestyle they desire to live. We, as the adults have a duty to share so that the next generation will not only be wiser, but wealthier. Last, but not least is the topic of using our voices, talents and gifts to give back and make a difference in the lives of others. There are so many individuals that are tremendously gifted,and it is important that they use their gifts not only to impact their own lives, but the lives of others. They should share their voices, talents, and skills to uplift others, to bring about change, and to make a positive difference in our nation and in our world!
Copa: What are four different things that women can do right away to change their lives for the best?
Dr. Essie: Some advice I offer for women are:
1) No matter what you go through, keep pushing forward. In life you will encounter challenges but use those as learned lessons and opportunities to become better. While at the time of dealing with your challenges, you may not feel that you can move forward, but I promise you if you do, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish!
2) Make sure you are financially able to take care of yourself even if you have a significant other who is the bread winner. My mother has always told me to be able to provide for yourself and I did just that! In life, you never know what may happen, but if you are financially stable, you will be okay in terms of meeting your basic needs.
3) Seek to better yourself every day. Never give up on your dream or plans. Always reflect and think about where you go from here and keep
elevating yourself in every possible way.
4) Prioritize your health, your well-being, your mental state, and make sure you remember to treat yourself (a getaway, a spa day, a dinner, a shopping spree, etc.) Often as women, we spend a tremendous amount of time taking care of others but neglect our own well-being. We must and have to do a better job at self-care! As we have heard, your health is your wealth and that must be a top priority!
Dr. Essie: Some advice I offer for women are:
1) No matter what you go through, keep pushing forward. In life you will encounter challenges but use those as learned lessons and opportunities to become better. While at the time of dealing with your challenges, you may not feel that you can move forward, but I promise you if you do, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish!
2) Make sure you are financially able to take care of yourself even if you have a significant other who is the bread winner. My mother has always told me to be able to provide for yourself and I did just that! In life, you never know what may happen, but if you are financially stable, you will be okay in terms of meeting your basic needs.
3) Seek to better yourself every day. Never give up on your dream or plans. Always reflect and think about where you go from here and keep
elevating yourself in every possible way.
4) Prioritize your health, your well-being, your mental state, and make sure you remember to treat yourself (a getaway, a spa day, a dinner, a shopping spree, etc.) Often as women, we spend a tremendous amount of time taking care of others but neglect our own well-being. We must and have to do a better job at self-care! As we have heard, your health is your wealth and that must be a top priority!
Copa: What does the future hold for Dr. Essie Mckoy?
Dr. Essie: Right now, I have so many dreams and plans about my future, but the most important factor is to allow God to navigate my journey to where He wants to lead me. Of course, I will continue to expand my business, write books, write for the magazine, and do special projects around the world. I will redesign my podcast to include more inspirational and motivational topics.I look forward to reconnecting with my AKA family and making an impact. In addition, I will give back to the field of education until I decide to retire again and focus solely on my business. There are places I want to travel and look forward to relocating one final time to a tropical location. I never like to start something and not finish. So, I will plan on how to finish one more degree in ministry and use that to make an even bigger impact in our world! The future is bright, and the dreams and vision will continue to unfold!
Dr. Essie: Right now, I have so many dreams and plans about my future, but the most important factor is to allow God to navigate my journey to where He wants to lead me. Of course, I will continue to expand my business, write books, write for the magazine, and do special projects around the world. I will redesign my podcast to include more inspirational and motivational topics.I look forward to reconnecting with my AKA family and making an impact. In addition, I will give back to the field of education until I decide to retire again and focus solely on my business. There are places I want to travel and look forward to relocating one final time to a tropical location. I never like to start something and not finish. So, I will plan on how to finish one more degree in ministry and use that to make an even bigger impact in our world! The future is bright, and the dreams and vision will continue to unfold!
Copa: How do you feel about being Copa Style Magazine's 2021 "Woman of the Year?"
Dr. Essie: I am truly honored and blessed to have been selected as Copa Style’s Magazine 2021 Woman of the Year! Amazingly, when I first moved to the DMV, I wrote down a few goals and one of my goals was to be featured in Copa Style Magazine. Well, never would I have imagined that the editor would have contacted me to express interest in making me their 2021 Woman of the Year! Unbelievable and I think it shows how you think something, speak something, and write something, you will manifest something!Thank you to the entire Copa Style Magazine team! I am humbled and honored!
Dr. Essie: I am truly honored and blessed to have been selected as Copa Style’s Magazine 2021 Woman of the Year! Amazingly, when I first moved to the DMV, I wrote down a few goals and one of my goals was to be featured in Copa Style Magazine. Well, never would I have imagined that the editor would have contacted me to express interest in making me their 2021 Woman of the Year! Unbelievable and I think it shows how you think something, speak something, and write something, you will manifest something!Thank you to the entire Copa Style Magazine team! I am humbled and honored!