Join Elandriel Lewis of United Way of Greater Nashville as she presents “Focus on Survival State Skills: Using Pictures to Support Child Success.” The human brain uses images every day to support learning and understanding. Join us to learn the why using pictures in the classroom to support a more positive classroom climate that supports positive child behavior. We will also explore several strategies to successfully implement pictures in your classroom.

This is a companion session to “Supporting the Survival State in Crisis.” If you missed that session, you can find it archived below on this page. This session is a part of our Conscious Discipline/SEL series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar resources here and the slides here.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis is the Manager of Early Learning and Training for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works with community early childhood teachers and leaders to ensure lifelong educational and personal success for children and families. Elandriel believes that every child deserves safe, stable, nurturing relationships and time outdoors to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Join Ambere Lewis as she presents, “Making it All Connect with the Frog Street Pre-K Curriculum.” Making it all connect is a crosswalk of Frog Street Pre-K program components, conscious discipline social emotional learning, and teaching strategies gold assessment. This session will explain the components of Frog Street curriculum and make the connection between the components while offering strategies to implement the program within your classroom and Early learning centers.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children 3-5 years of age. Download webinar slides here.

About the Presenter: Ambere Lewis is the Manager of Read to Succeed for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works alongside instructional coaches, directors, children, and families to ensure educational success for young children. Ambere’s philosophy is that children learn in various learning styles and she believes it’s important to be willing to adapt to meet the individual needs of each child. One of her favorite quotes is, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s we rob them of tomorrow,” by John Dewey.

Join Ambere Lewis as she presents, “Preparing for your Teaching Strategies GOLD Checkpoint.” GOLD Checkpoints are full of planning, assessing, and documenting. Join us and learn 10 tips to help you prepare and complete a successful checkpoint and learn what quality documentation consists of when documenting in Teaching Strategies GOLD.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children from birth to 8 years of age. Download webinar slides here.

About the Presenter: Ambere Lewis is the Manager of Read to Succeed for United Way of Greater Nashville where she works alongside instructional coaches, directors, children, and families to ensure educational success for young children. Ambere’s philosophy is that children learn in various learning styles and she believes it’s important to be willing to adapt to meet the individual needs of each child. One of her favorite quotes is, “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s we rob them of tomorrow,” by John Dewey.

Join Elandriel Lewis of United Way of Greater Nashville as she presents “Conscious Leadership: The Power of Unity.” Now more than ever, trauma is epidemic in our communities with wide-reaching effects across health, education, and life outcomes for individuals and their families. Trauma is a community issue calling for all members to unite and support the brilliance present in all of us. Join us and learn healing-centered practices for conscious leadership to optimize individual and family outcomes and strengthen communities.

This session is a part of our Conscious Discipline/SEL series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar handout here and webinar slides here.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis is the Manager of Early Learning and Training for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works with community early childhood teachers and leaders to ensure lifelong educational and personal success for children and families. Elandriel believes that every child deserves safe, stable, nurturing relationships and time outdoors to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Join Annie Paraison, founder of Love Before All, LLC, as she presents “Self-Care is Preventative Mental Health.” This session aims at building an understanding of the role self-care plays in stress management and mental health. Participants will explore the biology of stress and connect how programming can be an obstacle to and a facilitator of positive mental health. A series of specific strategies to implement in daily practice will be offered to support integration and practice in personal life.

This session is a part of our Conscious Discipline/SEL series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar slides here.

About the Presenter: Annie graduated from Vanderbilt University in May of 2008 and worked on a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy in 2014 at Walden University. She is completing certifications in Leadership and Management, Women in Executive Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as licenses in the American insurance arena.

Join Lauren Hanner, an Instructional Coach with the Read to Succeed program at First Steps, Inc. as she presents, “An Introduction to Teaching Strategies GOLD: The What, The How, and Why of Assessment.” What is TSG? How do we gather assessment data? Why is it so important? Join us for a crash course in everything Teaching Strategies GOLD as we answer these questions and many more.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth-8 years old. Download webinar handout here.

About the Presenter: Lauren Hanner has been with First Steps, an inclusive preschool in Nashville, for the past 7 years. She currently serves as the Instructional Coach and has previously taught in Pre-K, Preschool (Threes), and Toddler classrooms. Lauren received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University as well as a M.Ed in Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Lauren has worked with GOLD, both as a teacher and as an Instructional Coach.

Join Elandriel Lewis of United Way of Greater Nashville in part 2 of our series on “Supporting Optimal Brain Development in Young Children.” In this session we will discuss skills and strategies for building a solid foundation for future success in young children, particularly during difficult times. If you missed the first session, you can find it archived on this page.

This session is a part of our infant and toddler series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth-3 years old. Download webinar handout here and download the slides here.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis is the Manager of Early Learning and Training for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works with community early childhood teachers and leaders to ensure lifelong educational and personal success for children and families. Elandriel believes that every child deserves safe, stable, nurturing relationships and time outdoors to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Join Elandriel Lewis of United Way of Greater Nashville in “Phonological Awareness in the Early Childhood Classroom.” Phonological Awareness is the understanding of how the sounds of spoken language can be combined, segmented, and manipulated, and is essential to learning how to read. In this session, explore the Phonological Awareness Continuum and develop new ways in which to intentionally support PA skills with young children.

This session is a part of our infant and toddler series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth-5 years old. Download webinar handout here and download the slides here.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis is the Manager of Early Learning and Training for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works with community early childhood teachers and leaders to ensure lifelong educational and personal success for children and families. Elandriel believes that every child deserves safe, stable, nurturing relationships and time outdoors to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Join Erika Burnett as she presents, “Self-Preservation During Covid-19.” During this webinar we will focus on unapologetically prioritizing our mental, physical and spiritual health during these trying times. As we support our partners, our communities, our children, we must also support each other and radically LOVE ourselves. With tips and tricks from local health and nutrition experts, will explore the best ways to manage and support a healthy and positive personal ecosystem.

From this session, participants will:

• Understand the physiological impact of stress and trauma
• Gain tools to better assess their overall health and wellness
• Aquire strategies for crisis driven health and stress management

This session is a part of our Conscious Discipline/SEL series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. 

About the Presenter: Erika R. Burnett is the founder and principal trainer for The Burnett Group, LLC whose mission is to inspire professionals, deepen impact, and challenge the status quo of service delivery in Middle TN and surrounding areas. She enjoys serving as a master trainer, consultant, and facilitator across a variety of topics including strategic planning and board development, civic engagement, youth development, leadership exploration, and understanding and working across lines of difference. Most recently, Erika alongside Co-Conspirator Nicole Kemp, launched the Women of Color Collaborative. The Collaborative serves as an intentional incubator for women , curating supportive spaces and opportunities for collaborators to work, play and build together while centering their identity. Erika received her B.A. in English Education from Tennessee State University and her M.Ed. in Community Development Action from Vanderbilt University. She is a proud AmeriCorps, Nashville Emerging Leader, New Leaders Council & Leadership Donelson Hermitage Alum who has been committed to Nashville’s nonprofit community for over 15 years. She enjoys teaching various genres of dance with under-served populations and whispering to the plants in her garden.

Elandriel Lewis presents “The Role of Life Experiences in Shaping Brain Development.” A growing body of research shows that traumatic experiences before the age of 18 have long-lasting effects on the brain development of children. This session explores the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on the developing brain, and how teachers and caregivers can help mitigate them.

This session was originally developed by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth’s Building Strong Brains Initiative. It is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of all ages. Download webinar handout here.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager of Early Learning and Training

Dr. Toni Sturdivant presents “Viewing Literacy and Play with a Diversity Lens.” During this webinar we explore thta incorporating culture in learning is not only impactful for identity, but also for key literacy skills. We learn how children notice race and other differences very early, how adults can support this learning in a positive and inclusive way, and the effects on children when adults do not provide this support.

From this session, participants will:

• Understand the development of racial awareness and identity
• Understand the importance of culturally relevant practices
• Understand the importance of play in Early Childhood Education
• Understand how play and literacy are connected.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth to age 8.

About the Presenter: Dr. Toni Sturdivant is a scholar-activist who earned her PhD in Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her dissertation was “Developing While Black: An Examination of Racial Discourse found in the Play of Black Preschoolers.” Before this, she earned her MA in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, specializing in Child Development. Dr. Sturdivant has been a Pre-K teacher for SAISD and HEBISD, a Master Teacher for Pre-K 4 SA, and a University Instructor at UTSA, UTA, TWU, and TCCD. Dr. Sturdivant is the mother of two daughters.

Elandriel Lewis shares learning strategies to start this school year off strong, despite – and even because of – the challenges that currently face us. This session is a part of our Conscious Discipline/SEL series and is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar handout here, slides here and tip sheets here.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis is the Manager of Early Learning and Training for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works with community early childhood teachers and leaders to ensure lifelong educational and personal success for children and families. Elandriel believes that every child deserves safe, stable, nurturing relationships and time outdoors to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Join Elandriel Lewis of United Way of Greater Nashville in learning how to join our community of learners through the RTS Google Classrooms. In preparation for the upcoming 2020 RTS Early Childhood VidCon, we are setting up 2 Google Classrooms to support learning, create community, and continue the conversation. Join us in this session to learn how to access these classrooms and how best to use them.  This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar slides.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis is the Manager of Early Learning and Training for the United Way of Greater Nashville where she works with community early childhood teachers and leaders to ensure lifelong educational and personal success for children and families. Elandriel believes that every child deserves safe, stable, nurturing relationships and time outdoors to support academic and social-emotional growth.

Kathleen Seabolt of the Vanderbilt Child and Family Center presents “An Introduction to Emergent Curriculum.” Emergent Curriculum is a way of teaching that focuses on being responsive to children’s interests, needs and motivations. Teachers will be provided information on the importance of positive relationships, observation, and playwork to implement Emergent Curriculum. This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children 3-5 years old. Download webinar companion packet and webinar slides.

About the Presenter: Kathleen Seabolt, Ed.D is an ECE consultant and trainer, and former kindergarten teacher (and kindergartener) currently serving Vanderbilt University as executive director for the Child and Family Center. She studied Communications at Chapman University, earned her BA in Child Development, Communications and Social Policy and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College. She is passionate about early literacy and nature education.

Elandriel Lewis shares how to support staff, children, and families through the School Family. The School Family is a Conscious Discipline structure designed to promote an environment of learning through safety and connection. This webinar is a part of our Conscious Discipline/SEL series.  This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar companion packet.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager of Early Learning and Training

Elandriel Lewis discusses skills and strategies for building a solid foundation for future success in young children, particularly during difficult times. This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar companion packet. Download webinar companion packet.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager of Early Learning and Training

Riki Rattner of Be Well in School shares the science behind the breath as a tool for self-regulation, the mental and physical implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and strategies for disrupting negative thought patterns and promoting de-escalation. This workshop combinaes practice, theory, and discussion.  This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children 3-5 years old. Download the webinar companion packet.

About the Presenter: Riki Rattner, M.Ed., 200 RYT, is the Founder and Director of BeWell in School. Riki began her teaching career as a Teach for America Corps Member teaching 4th grade at Robert Churchwell Elementary School. She used breath and movement to help her students cope with challenges in and out of the classroom. The positive effects in her classroom led Riki to implement a yoga program for the entire 4th-grade cohort and a yoga club for students of all grades. Her use of yoga and breath in the classroom and in her own life inspired her to earn her Registered Yoga Teacher certification in the summer of 2017. Through classroom teaching and her personal yoga journey, Riki realized her passion for increasing access to the tangible tools that have changed her life. In 2019, she launched a Kid’s Yoga Program at the Margaret Maddox YMCA while also working to build BeWell in School through community yoga classes and partnerships. Riki believes that it is a right to know how to use breath and movement to calm the mind and body.

Learning to read starts early. In this webinar, Marie Preptit from Nashville Public Library’s Bringing Books To Life shareS research-based practices that help young children develop skills they need before they learn to read. These practices can easily be integrated into activities throughout the day. This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth – 8. Download webinar companion packet here.

About the Presenter: Marie Preptit serves as the Program Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life. She possesses a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Belmont University. Marie coordinates day-to-day programming, partner relations, data collection, and outcome reporting. She also conducts story times, teacher training, and workshops for parents, all while supervising part-time outreach assistants. She brings to the program experience as a preschool teacher as well as a preschool administrator.

The Survival State develops when we are born and exists throughout our life. In this state the focus is solely on safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to everyone, from children and families, to teachers and administration, to experience varying levels of trauma. As centers reopen, it will be tempting to want to catch up on academics. However, if this trauma is not addressed, learning will not be able to occur. In this session, Elandriel Lewis provideS background knowledge and strategies for supporting the Survival State in children and adults during times of crisis.  This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages. Download webinar companion packet.

About the Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager of Early Learning and Training

With so much to learn and so little time to do it in, we sometimes unintentionally rush our students from one activity to the next. By engaging with the natural world and the countless materials it has to offer, children can gain unprecedented opportunities to construct knowledge for themselves. Misha Davydov shares how learning at nature’s pace is the key to helping students develop patience, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace change.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth to age 5. Download webinar companion packet.

Presenter: Misha Davydov, Nature Educator

Students love to read favorite books again and again. Susan Frizell from Nashville Public Library’s Bringing Books To Life suggestS wonderful books to make each read aloud an impactful learning experience. Early literacy concepts to emphasize with each reading, for infant – pre-K, ARE discussed, as well as lively story time rituals and practices.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children birth to age 5. Download webinar companion packet.

About the Presenter: Susan Frizsell’s years of teaching experience with preschool, elementary, and then middle school art inspired her to create fun and engaging lessons to keep students attention while teaching state standards. Now she’s passing along what she’s learned and created to teachers as Curriculum Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life! with the Nashville Public Library. 

Conscious Discipline is a trauma-informed, brain-based self-regulation program rooted in neuroscience, child development research and psychology. Conscious Discipline teaches adults to foster safety and connectedness, unleashing the ability to learn and problem-solve. Both children and adults learn to manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors, empowering them to reach their goals. Download webinar companion packet here.

Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager Early Learning and Training

Research shows secure adult-child relationships are a prerequisite for healthy child development.  This session will demonstrate how the Baby Doll Circle Time curriculum can provide vital one-on-one connections without increasing staff burdens. Download webinar companion packet here.

Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager Early Learning and Training

To provide quality care to others, it is imperative that practitioners provide quality care to themselves. This becomes even more important during times of isolation. This session provides an introductory look at the causes and effects of stress, trauma, and burnout, and the ways in which you can combat and prevent them while in isolation. Also provided is information on how to support families, children, and staff during these difficult times. Download webinar companion packet here.

Presenter: Elandriel Lewis, Manager Early Learning and Training

Keynote speakers Ana Benderas and Marylin Zuniga from Quetzal Education Consulting present “Disrupting the School to Prison Nexus: Routines and Rituals for a Healing-Centered Classroom.” In this opening session, Ana and Marylin discuss routines and rituals that can help disrupt the school to prison nexus that deeply impacts students in early childhood education. This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children infant through age 8. Download webinar slides and note-taking tool.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form. 

About the Presenters: Ana Benderas has a Masters of Arts in Education and over 12 years of field experience. She is an expert in restoring students’ connections with literacy. From teaching functional literacy in Indigenous communities, to leading highly rigorous project-based learning for Latinx students, Ana is a culturally sustaining literacy expert. She brings her experiences as a classroom teacher, department chair, teacher coach, community organizer, and activist to impact educational change on a systemic level.

Marylin Zuniga is an educator and organizer from New Jersey. She has a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Family & Child Studies. A public speaker, educator organizer, and expert facilitator in K-6 curriculum design, Marylin has established her expertise in social justice elementary education. She believes education is a calling and makes sure to lead with spirit and to center love in everything she does.

Quetzal Education Consulting provides culturally sustaining and innovative solutions for educational institutions, nonprofits, and parents who seek to meet the educational needs of students, teachers, and families of Color.

Riki Rattner of Be Well in School presents “Redefining School Discipline: Considering Trauma and SEL Neeeds.” Riki explores the science behind the breath as a tool for self-regulation, the mental and physical implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and strategies for disrupting negative thought patterns and promoting de-escalation. This workshop combines practice, theory, and discussion. Download webinar slides and Breath to Be Well notes.

NOTE: There are some technical issues in this recording, one of which being that the recording starts slightly late. We know that you will still find the information valuable!

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenter: Riki Rattner, M.Ed., 200 RYT, is the Founder and Director of BeWell in School. Riki began her teaching career as a Teach for America Corps Member teaching 4th grade at Robert Churchwell Elementary School. She used breath and movement to help her students cope with challenges in and out of the classroom. The positive effects in her classroom led Riki to implement a yoga program for the entire 4th-grade cohort and a yoga club for students of all grades. Her use of yoga and breath in the classroom and in her own life inspired her to earn her Registered Yoga Teacher certification in the summer of 2017. Through classroom teaching and her personal yoga journey, Riki realized her passion for increasing access to the tangible tools that have changed her life. In 2019, she launched a Kid’s Yoga Program at the Margaret Maddox YMCA while also working to build BeWell in School through community yoga classes and partnerships. Riki believes that it is a right to know how to use breath and movement to calm the mind and body.

BeWell in School teaches mindfulness and movement as a proactive behavior management system. We provide an alternative approach to traditional discipline by teaching effective strategies for self-regulation. Our mission is to provide students with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom, and beyond, by making wellness strategies available to all.

Suzanne Dinwiddie of Tennessee Deaf-Blind Project presents “Social, Environmental, and Adapted Literacy: Looking at Literacy Opportunities from a New Perspective.” Any environmental information or social interaction presented outside a child’s visual range, without regard to their auditory skills level or their physical needs is ineffective. Children with complex learning/medical needs and/or sensory loss have limited, inaccurate or incomplete access to people, the environment and traditional literacy materials. This presentation discusses practical ways of structuring the environment, modifications of materials, and communication strategies to increase active participation in the literacy experience. Download webinar slides.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenter: Suzanne Dinwiddie, M.Ed., COMS, CTVI, CEIM, serves as an educational consultant for the Tennessee Deaf-Blind Project. She is an early childhood assessment specialist, vision teacher, infant massage instructor, and orientation and mobility instructor. Suzanne provides technical assistance to families, teachers and school systems throughout Tennessee concerning children (ages 0-21) with combined hearing and vision loss.

The Tennessee Deaf-Blind Project is a federal grant associated with Vanderbilt’s Children Hospital.

Erika Burnett of The Burnett Group presents “Working Across Lines of Difference: Relationship building in times of crisis.” Also known as implicit social cognition, implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions in an unconscious manner. In a work environment typically driven by deadlines, deliverables and measurable outcomes, there must be concerted effort on the individual and organization to identify barriers and opportunities to understand and work across lines of difference. Starting with a systems-level analysis, this presentation engages in a scaffolded learning experience centering our socialization as the root cause of our implicit bias. Next, we examine our local cultural context, followed by tangible action items for working across lines of difference.

Download webinar slides. Download Communication Style. Download Dimensions of Identity.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenter: Founder & Principal Trainer Erika R. Burnett leverages her years of nonprofit leadership and community engagement experience to support the growth and development of a variety of professionals and organizations. She enjoys serving as a master trainer, consultant, and facilitator of various topics, including volunteer management and engagement, youth development, team building, leadership exploration, and generational differences.

Officially launched in 2016, The Burnett Group, LLC inspires professionals, deepens impact, and challenges the status quo of service delivery in Middle TN and surrounding areas.

In this session, panelists discuss “Effective Coaching Practices to Support Student Success” and explore strategies for supporting teachers around COVID-19 and racial inequity through recognizing the role of self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-care in instructional coaching; planning for virtual and in-person coaching; and novel strategies that support teachers in changing times. Download webinar slides.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Panelists:

• Caroline Christopher, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning, Vanderbilt University
• Jenine Marshall, Instructional Coach, Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center
• Susan McClain, Multi-Classroom Leader and Instructional Coach, Casa Azafran Early Learning Center
• Katherine Newman, Research Coordinator, Peabody Research Office, Vanderbilt University
• Annie Paraison, Lifelong Learner, Founder and Owner of Love|ALL (Love Before ALL) LLC
• Elandriel Lewis, Manager, Early Learning and Training, United Way of Greater Nashville

Dr. Harriet Bailey and Rhodus Riggins of Bailey, Pullis, & Riggins LCC present “Implicit Bias: What Educators Need to Know.” Participants explore content related to implicit bias. Conversations and reflections challenge participants to embrace that we all have biases that have the potential to impact our personal and professional practice and ultimately the services and outcomes for children and families. This session also explores the potential impact of implicit bias on expulsion rates for children of color. Download webinar slides. Download Understanding Implicit Bias.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenter: Dr. Harriette Bailey is an Associate Professor, B-K Coordinator, Principal Investigator, and Co-Principal Investigator at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Dr. Bailey has extensive experiences in higher education, early intervention, early care and education, and child and family outcomes. She is passionate about preparing students to deliver effective and equitable services for diverse children and families. She is a member of North Carolina’s State Interagency Coordinating Council, a Governor appointed position, and co-owner of Bailey, Pullis & Riggins LLC.

Rhodus Riggins, Jr. is Quality Enhancement Coordinator at the Education Quality Improvement and Professional Development Project at the University of North Carolina- Greensboro and Adjunct Faculty member at Alamance Community College. Rhodus has over 30 years of extensive experiences in research, technical assistance, professional development, evaluation, and higher education. His research and professional development interests include: quality supports for early care and education professionals, family engagement, social-emotional wellness, cultural competency, racial equity, and implicit bias. Rhodus is a grassroots advocate and champion from the Low Country region of South Carolina. He holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Public Policy, & Advocacy in Early Childhood.

Bailey, Pullis, and Riggins LLC provides Coaching, Mentoring and Training on: Cultural Competency, Racial Equity, Implicit Bias, Culturally Responsive Organizations and Leadership. They tailor all Professional Development, Coaching and Mentoring opportunities to fit the needs of the audience.

Dr. Jen Neitzel and Dr. Ebonyse Mead of the Educational Equity Institute present “Culturally Responsive Anti-Bias Practices: A Tool for Advancing Equity in Education.” This session provides an overview of culturally responsive anti-bias teaching practices. The presenters offer a rationale for changing the way we provide instruction within our nation’s schools to promote more equitable outcomes for Black children. The session focuses on behavior management practices, instructional practices, and establishing more meaningful relationships with children.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of all children. Download session slides here.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenters: Dr. Jen Neitzel is the Executive Director of the Educational Equity Institute, which is focused on eliminating the educational and opportunity gaps within communities through systems level change. Prior to this work, Jen was a Research Scientist and Technical Assistance Provider at FPG Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill for 15 years. During her time at FPG, her work focused on implicit bias; disparities in suspensions and expulsions; trauma; and culturally responsive anti-bias practices. Jen presents frequently at state and national conferences and is widely published in peer-reviewed journals. She also is the author of “Achieving Equity and Justice in Education through the Work of Systems Change.”

Dr. Ebonyse Mead is the Birth to Kindergarten Clinical Instructor at Georgia Southern University and president of the Educational Equity Institute. For 18 years, Ebonyse has worked in communities to improve health and educational outcomes for children of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Since 2016, Ebonyse has provided statewide training on diversity, inclusion and equity with a particular focus on examining structural barriers to educational equity, implicit racial bias, and culturally responsive instruction to the early childhood workforce in North Carolina.

The Educational Equity Institute’s vision is to build just and equitable communities who collectively work towards lasting change. The mission of the Educational Equity Institute is to facilitate authentic engagement and relationships that empower communities to guide the work of systems change.

Margaret Boersma of Creative Education in Action presents “Developing a Growth Mindset by Living Inside a Story.” This session focuses on lessons of identity and growth mindset. Through experiential learning strategies, students live inside the story and learn lessons from Mother Beetle and their adventures with Rat. With strategies such as soundscape, adventures in the forest, interviewing to discover another perspective, movement sentences, dance and tableaux, teachers enable students to deepen their learning while making connections to their own lives, other stories, and their communities. Download webinar slides and handout.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children pre-K through elementary.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenter: Margaret Boersma, OCT is a teacher trainer, coach, speaker, and educational consultant. Her varied career in teaching, combined with her expertise in social/emotional learning, allows her to assimilate the affective domain (people skills) with academic curriculum goals. Having trained extensively in the arts, and with Dr. Eric Jensen in brain compatible pedagogy, Margaret’s heart is to transform classroom practice to enable students and teachers to thrive. Her innovative training programs result in students gaining leadership and communication skills while becoming compassionate citizens. She works with school districts and schools in Canada, the U.S, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Creative Education in Action works to transform classroom practice to enable students and teachers to thrive. The way we teach and empower students and their teachers includes a “first-person learning approach” by living inside a story. SEL is foundational and taught within diverse contexts.

Dr. Darwin Mason, Jr. and Kamilah Matthews of Mason3 Consulting present “Creating Cultural Competence through Literacy: Text That Celebrate.” Elandriel Lewis of United Way of Greater Nashville follows this session with a brief overview of the conference.

Given the rapidly changing demographics in our state and country this presentation is designed to equip teachers and leaders with the fundamental knowledge and understanding of cultural competence, how to increase student voice, and celebrate diverse cultures through literacy. Specifically, this presentation examines the nature and function of culture; the development of individual and group cultural identity; and the influences of culture in literacy. Download webinar slides.

This session is appropriate for teachers, instructional coaches, leadership, and caregivers of children of all ages.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of this reflection form.

About the Presenters: Darwin L. Mason, Jr. currently serves as the Executive Principal of John Early Museum Magnet CEO of Mason3 Consulting. Dr. Mason attended Southwestern Christian College and received his bachelor’s degree in music vocal performance and psychology from Fisk University, his master’s degree in administration and supervision from Tennessee State University and his doctorate degree in Learning Organization and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. His resume reveals experience nurturing and molding young minds in the classroom and in other areas as well, such as successfully leading diverse faculties in both suburban and urban districts in Middle Tennessee. Dr. Mason has served as an instructional leader, volunteer, counselor, coach, missionary, youth leader, organizer, and mentor to children and adults. These experiences have influenced and formed a strong commitment to impact every learner in a holistic manner.

Kamilah Mathews is a high achieving, eager educator with a strong literacy background and the ability to develop strategic plans. She began her teaching career in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana and joined MNPS in 2009. Her experiences include teaching in both urban and suburban settings, elementary and middle school ELA teacher, single-gender classes, inclusion, and EL co-teacher. Each of these opportunities make her confident in data driven decision making and knowledge of pedagogy to meet the needs of diverse learners. As the Literacy Teacher Development Specialist (LTDS) for John Early Museum Magnet Middle Prep, Mrs. Mathews strives to cultivate teacher talent and increase student achievement through leadership and collaboration.

Mason3 Consulting nurtures leaders as they develop a tool box of leadership skills that equip them in creating a safe, exciting environment that encourages self-evaluation, self-expression, outward thinking, and creativity for learners.