Creating a culture of inclusion in education

Cory Mainor, BA ’05 (English), MEd ’09 (teaching and learning), is currently an assistant principal at Arlington Public Schools in the Washington, DC area. While at the University of Oregon, Mainor worked as an instructional assistant for the Eugene School District 4J. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Mainor worked as a teacher for 14 years in Oregon and Virginia. In his current role, he is focused on implementing a culture that seeks equity in student achievement and establishes community with various educational stakeholders.

What does it mean to you to be a Duck? 

There was no other option than to be a Duck! I grew up in Eugene. Ducks were in my family, at the barbershop, in my schools, and at church. I was mentored through the Guide Right Program sponsored by the Delta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated (the fraternity I gladly joined when I was an undergrad). When I finally became a Duck (and Double Duck) it was a rite of passage into the family and community that raised me and prepared me to engage community with a spirit of service, a heart for inclusion, and an openness for collaboration to create spaces for innovation. 

What is one experience at the University of Oregon that shaped your career path?  

My student teaching experience had the greatest impact on my career path. I was blessed to be paired with Dr. Leah Dunbar, DEd ’20 (educational leadership), as my cooperating teacher. She was not “doctor” at that time — however, she was just as masterful of a teacher. She led me through my practicum experience, then entrusted her students and I to each other when she went on maternity [leave]. Lessons I had planned with her prior often required adjustments for differentiation or in meeting the inquiry and interests of students. I learned humility, the power of grace, and how to leverage relationships to encourage students toward productive struggle in academics as well as in conflict. 

As an educator, who are your role models in the field? How do you serve as a role model for your students?  

My grandfather J.D. Jones, MS ‘68 (counseling), completed post-graduate work at the UO College of Education before he became an educator at Federal City College (now University of the District of Columbia) and then at Lane Community College where he spent the bulk of his career before retirement. Some of my teachers growing up were his students. 

Dr. Jerry Rosiek . . . I honestly don’t remember what course he taught when I was there, but I still find myself quoting him. His passion for equity and inclusion in education is rarely matched. His presence was a breath of fresh air compared to other courses I was taking. 

My wife, Janeene Mainor, is by far, the greatest educator I have ever witnessed. 

Professionally, I follow the equity and educator training work and research of Rich Milner, IV among many others. 

Hopefully, I serve as a role model to students by valuing and giving space for their authentic voices and experiences. Students contribute to creating classroom norms and managing the classroom; they know that identities and the intersections of their identities are welcome, and therefore they provide space in their spheres of influence outside of the classroom and beyond as they matriculate into life after high school. 

What is something that you wish people knew about being an educator?  

A person is not really a teacher until a student welcomes them to be. 

Anything else you would like to share?  

If you are an educator interested in coming to the Washington, DC area, check us out at https://careercenter.apsva.us. I am always looking for collaborative and innovative people to work with our students. 

—Interview by Peyton Hall, UO Alumni Association student associate