Welcome to the Good Dads Podcast blog! In this post, we delve into an inspiring episode featuring Mr. Antanus Pullum, a passionate elementary school educator and the founder of Gentlemen By Choice. Mr. Pullum shares his remarkable journey from aspiring lawyer to dedicated teacher, driven by a desire to proactively shape young minds. We’ll cover the key points discussed in the podcast, provide show notes, and give you a detailed bio of our esteemed guest.
Guest Bio: Mr. Antanus Pullum
Mr. Antanus Pullum is a dedicated and passionate educator with 27 years of experience in the field of education. A native of North Las Vegas, Nevada, Antanus is the proud son of James and Gertrude Pullum, who instilled in him the importance of being comfortable in his own skin. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and has devoted his career to helping students thrive in educational spaces.
Antanus is also a father who believes that fatherhood is a journey, not a destination. His personal and professional experiences have shaped his approach to education and fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of presence and action in both roles. He is committed to moving the needle of learning and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Contact Information
- Email: Pullumasp@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Teech4lyfe
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Episode Summary
In this inspiring episode of the Good Dads Podcast, we sit down with Mr. Antanus Pullum, an elementary school educator and the founder of Gentlemen By Choice. Mr. Pullum shares his journey from aspiring lawyer to dedicated teacher, highlighting the importance of being proactive in education. He discusses the influence of his parents, the critical role of relationships in the classroom, and his mission to get more black men involved in the school system. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact passionate educators can have on their students and communities.
Key Topics Discussed
- Background and Inspiration: Mr. Pullum’s upbringing and the values instilled by his parents.
- Career Shift: How and why Mr. Pullum switched from pursuing law to teaching.
- Gentlemen By Choice: The founding and goals of his mentoring program for young boys.
- Importance of Relationships: The role of building strong relationships with students and their families.
- Representation in Education: The necessity of having diverse role models in schools.
- Fatherhood Insights: Balancing professional responsibilities with being a present and supportive father.
Quotes from Mr. Antanus Pullum
- “My parents showed me what love looks like, what it sounds like, what it feels like, what it tastes like.”
- “I always knew I wanted to work with kids, and I said to myself, you know, being a lawyer would I really work with kids? And it was when they were in trouble. Because America is such a reactive society, and I said, what can I do to be proactive? And I switched my major to teaching.”
- “I’m not just a teacher. I’m an educator. It’s about being transparent and being present. It’s about representation and being present.”
- “If you build a relationship, they don’t want to let you down. I’ve had kids say this, they’re like, ‘Mr. Pullum, I always say, what would Mr. Pullum do?'”
- “Children make up 25% of the population but 100% of the future. If we don’t invest in that, the future is coming regardless.”
Important Mentions
- Books:
- The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary by Joseph Michelli – A book that Mr. Pullum recommends for its insights on building relationships and creating a positive environment.
- People:
- James and Gertrude Pullum: Mr. Pullum’s parents, who greatly influenced his approach to life and teaching.
- Richard Jack III: Mr. Pullum’s partner in founding Gentlemen By Choice.
- Organizations:
- Gentlemen By Choice: An organization founded by Mr. Pullum that focuses on mentoring young boys and equipping them with life skills, leadership qualities, and more.
Upcoming Projects
Antanus is excited about initiatives to increase the involvement of black men in the school system, whether through teaching, volunteering, or attending school board meetings. He believes that their presence is essential and is actively working to encourage more men to participate in these crucial roles.
Memorable Experience as a Dad
One of the most significant moments for Antanus was when his son became a dad. This experience profoundly impacted him and reinforced the importance of being present and supportive in the lives of his children.
Key Message
Antanus urges the community to move beyond talking and complaining about issues and to start taking action. He emphasizes that “Superman is not coming to save us,” and that it is up to us to create the change we wish to see.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Balancing fatherhood with professional responsibilities has been a challenge for Antanus. He acknowledges that at times he was more focused on helping other children while not fully attending to his own. He learned the crucial lesson to take care of home first and then reach out, ensuring that presence means truly being present.
Personal Story
A principle that Antanus lives by, imparted by his father, is the importance of one’s name and word. “Son, you have your name and your word,” his father said. Antanus strives to protect the Pullum brand and commits wholeheartedly to his promises. He teaches his students that there is no try—either you do or you don’t.
Antanus Pullum’s dedication to education and fatherhood serves as an inspiration to many, and his commitment to taking actionable steps to improve the community is a testament to his character and leadership.
Watch the Full Episode
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Good Dads Podcast for more inspiring stories and valuable insights. Share this episode with friends, family, and anyone who might benefit from hearing Mr. Pullum’s remarkable journey. Join us in taking action to support and improve our education system by getting involved in local schools, whether through teaching, volunteering, or attending school board meetings.
Thank you for reading and being a part of the Good Dads Podcast community. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children and our communities.
