By: Tracie Carter, RLS Media
The Newark educational community is learning of the sudden passing of one of its performing arts educators who taught in the city's West Ward.
According to city officials, Ms. Wakina Humphrey was a dance education instructor at Ivy Hill Elementary and had taught at 15th Avenue School and Arts High School, among several schools.
Humphrey reportedly died of a asthma attack Tuesday and was not in school during the incident.
According to a bio released by Humphrey on a community forum website, she possessed a BFA in Dance from Montclair State University and a MA in Education from St. Peter's College.
“I was currently a member of Seventh Principle Performance Company, Directed under Candace Hundley- Kamate and Yaya Kamate.” - Ms. Wakina Humphrey
"My educational philosophy is to support the current educational environment. We must learn to be accepting, adapting, and open to change. I plan to extend a partnership of guiding students through the process of creativity, continual growth, and adjustment.
I will be expecting a high level of involvement in the classroom because I know that we are all different learners with different perceptions, aspirations, and values.
I believe in differentiated teaching and aiming for student achievement and I am a strong advocate of respect, consistency, and responsibility in her online bio," Ms. Humphreys said.
Teachers at Ivy Hill Elementary School and officials around the district were informed of Ms. Humphrey's death and no arrangements have been confirmed at this time.
Our Metro Morning Crew sends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Humphrey's family, students, colleagues and the entire City of Newark for her passing.