In 1991, Dr. Fleming was named Michigan Teacher of the Year. In 1992 he was awarded the Crystal Apple as National Teacher of the Year by President Bush at the White House. Eastern Michigan University granted him an honorary doctors degree in Education in 1993.

All of these well-deserved awards are the culmination of a unique journey in education. Tom was raised by his grandparents in Detroit, Michigan. He quit school at age 16 to join the National Guard. While serving tours in France and Germany he discovered a deep desire to learn to read better so that he could understand the teachings of the Bible. Tom returned to the States determined to complete his education. Attending night school while working as an attendant at the Ypsilanti State Hospital, he earned his diploma. After marriage and two children he continued with his studies at William Tyndale College and graduated in 1964 with a bachelor of religious education degree and a minister's license. Tom continued his pursuit of knowledge at Eastern Michigan University where he earned an M.A. degree and teaching certification in Special Education. His first classroom experience was teaching social studies and English at the W.J. Maxey Boys School in Whitmore Lake, Michigan.

For the past 20 years he has dedicated his life to helping delinquent and neglected youth, teaching history, government, and life skills. Since 1988, Tom has been the community liaison to the office of Minority Affairs Advisory Committee at the University of Michigan.

Thomas reminds us that as an African-American he is personally aware of the consequences caused by limited opportunities in urban areas. In his many speaking opportunities across America he hears the frustrations of parents who feel their children are not getting the education they should. But Tom warns that a rush to remove children in mass from public schools, and establish private schools in areas economically more stable, is to practice a different form of segregation. He believes the AAE can cause a collaborative partnership between parents, teachers, and business leaders to find less reactionary solutions.