Culture in the Classroom

Everyone needs a bit of cultural awareness in their life, and Mr. Ibida has us covered! Chibueze Ibida, is the current World Culture and History teacher at UACHS. Ibida is a Nigerian man, from the Igbo tribe, and he has a lot to teach from his own culture. The love for his culture is prominent in his teaching and he wants to share that with all of his students.

“Sometimes I come in wearing my traditional clothes. I do it to show that there are lots of cultures in the African American and Caribbean community- it’s not all the same,” Ibida said.

He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, briefly attending Rutgers, then transferring and graduating from Kean University in 2012, majoring in History and Education. Having come from a family of teachers he feels that teaching is something that comes naturally to him.

“It is in my blood, my mom was a teacher, all my aunts are teachers, and my sister is a teacher. I have been passionate about teaching since tutoring in high school,” Ibida said. 

While huge factors go into being a teacher, Ibida’s only concern is for his students. He tries his best to radiate energy in the classroom. 

“I really enjoy teaching and thought, ‘Hey— I can do this.’ My mom told me once maybe I wouldn’t like it because of the politics, but it’s about the kids. Not the politics.” 

So far Ibida enjoys working at UACHS, and he cannot wait to see what this new year will bring. Everything that he wants his students to know, he tries to make it clear that he is always willing to be there for them. 

“Students here are very focused and polite compared to past schools I have taught at,” Ibida said. “I am inviting, if they ever have a question after class or need something after school, I’m glad to help in any way I can.” 

Whether it’s discussions about the world, missing assignments, or even if you are in need of someone to talk to, Ibida’s door is always open.