Interview with Nzingha West, author of “Is My Kid Stupid?”

About Nzingha West

Nzingha West is a special education specialist working in New York City. As an instructor Nzingha’s expertise has been featured onRadio Disney, 106.7 Lite Fm in New York, News 12 Connecticut, NPR Radio and several parenting magazines. Before starting her education career Nzingha worked in several labs as chemist. Nzingha has honed her education expertise over 10 years in New York City schools and private companies. Nzingha has worked with several prestigous schools such as The Harlem Children’s Zone, University Settlement, The New York Foundling, The American Museum of Natural History and The City College of New York among others.

Nzingha is also the owner of Urbane Academics where she provides Special Education Advocacy, Educational Testing and Private and Small group instruction from her office. Because of her vast level of knowledge and expertise, Nzingha has worked with students in some of the most prestigious schools in New York such as the Brearley School, The Dalton School, The United Nations International School, The British International School as well as several public and parochial schools.

Nzingha firmly believes in the fair education of all students and their families no matter their economic status.

You can visit Nzingha West’s website at www.ismykidstupid.com or www.urbane-academics.com.

The Interview

Who is your biggest supporter?

I would say family. I have a really supportive, wonderful family who allowed me to rant and rave and get upset about this book.

Your biggest critic?

I am my biggest critic. It’s easy to find things wrong, but not necessarily easy find things right with your own work.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I am most passionate about Education and literacy. Education is so important. I am also passionate about education reform. The children we have nowadays aren’t motivated in the same ways that we were. Finding innovative ways to motivate and teach these children have been paramount in my practice.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Two things are the most important in my life right now, my family (dog included) and my practice. I love the work that I do, and I find tremendous pleasure in making it work for the families that I work with.

What are some of your long term goals?

In a year or less, I’d like to write another book, and continue on as an author and educator and special education consultant etc.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

My greatest achievement as an author has been finishing the book. So many talented writers just hold on to their books for fear of rejection. I say just do it.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

My book is different because it discusses what to do after a diagnosis. As a practitioner it’s easy to give out information on how to recognize symptoms and what causes learning disabilities. What is difficult is giving out practical information about services that fit the needs of different types of families and where they can obtain them for free. Sometimes removing your ego is the hardest part. Everyone wants to think they know everything in their area of expertise, but many do not have the skills to decipher the laws and make them useful for families.

About Is My Kid Stupid?

In her new, informative book Is My Kid Stupid?, Special Education expert Nzingha West offers proven methods of approach that will increase the quality of your child’s education whether your child is learning disabled or just really far behind in school. You can finally stop worrying about your child’s education, because now you’ll have all of the most powerful resources available to you; a book written by an expert and the knowledge that comes with it.