Margaret J Starkes

Dr. Margaret J. Starkes has been writing for most all her life. She has kept a journal and written poetry consistently since she was 10 years old. During her high school years, she developed a passion for writing rap songs that she performed across the city of Pittsburgh and beyond In 1987, she wrote and released a 12" rap record entitled, "The Real Queen of Rap" at age 15, making her the first female to release a rap album from Pittsburgh. Dr. Starkes carried her passion for writing and...See more

Dr. Margaret J. Starkes has been writing for most all her life. She has kept a journal and written poetry consistently since she was 10 years old. During her high school years, she developed a passion for writing rap songs that she performed across the city of Pittsburgh and beyond In 1987, she wrote and released a 12" rap record entitled, "The Real Queen of Rap" at age 15, making her the first female to release a rap album from Pittsburgh. Dr. Starkes carried her passion for writing and rhyming into her teaching career where she wrote and directed Black History Plays, earning her The Thanks to Teachers Award in 1995. Now, as a Principal in her 28th year as an educator, Dr. Starkes uses her gift of rap to reach back and connect with her students in creative and innovative ways. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her back-to-school videos as "The Rapping Principal", where she uses rap to send positive messages to her students and families. Beyond her reputation as the Rapping Principal, Dr. Starkes is also widely recognized for her dedication to children and families. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Chatham University, helping to prepare future teachers for a career in the field of education. Dr. Starkes earned her B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania and her Masters and Doctorate of Education degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She is the proud parent to three amazing young adults, who inspire her to go a little higher each day - Isaiah, Nile and Zion. Dr. Starkes is an Award Winning Children's Author. Jazzi's Journey a three part book series, encouraging young people to dream big and remember that they create their own destiny. Little Jazzi is most certainly on a journey! Stay tuned to see where she is headed next. See less