
Ep. 22: Jamal Ahmad, Pittsfield Public Schools
In this episode, host Erick Ramos-Jacobo sits down with educator, artist, and former Pine Cobble School administrator, Jamal Ahamad (now at Pittsfield High School). From sketching Spider-Man as a kid to teaching dance, facilitating workshops, and leading as an administrator, Jamal shares how the arts have always been a source of comfort, connection, and discovery.
This episode explores how creativity informs Jamal's leadership, the role of empathy and process in both teaching and the arts, and why risk-taking in creative practice matters for educators and students alike. Jamal’s journey highlights the power of art to cultivate identity, community, and resilience.
This episode was recorded in December 2023. Some references and information may be dated.
Stay tuned for a follow-up episode with Jamal coming this winter!
A full transcript of the episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/TLAR-JA
About Jamal: Jamal Ahamad has nearly a decade of teaching experience in Berkshire County—he is currently the Assistant Principal at Pittsfield High School. He has also taught algebra, African-American studies, and dance. Jamal earned a B.A. and an M.S.Ed. from MCLA, where he has served as an adjunct professor in the education department. In his spare time, Jamal frequently facilitates workshops for his fellow educators, choreographs and teaches dance, designs multimedia projects, and leads playwriting workshops.