Click to read article: Tennessee revises its enforcement of law prohibiting classroom discussions about race and bias

...But Diarese George, the director of the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance, says this law is ultimately a disservice to students and educators.

“This is the kind of legislature that impacts anybody who’s committed to being truthful in classrooms,” George says.

He worries that the law and its vagueness could discourage teachers from addressing issues around racism that are unfolding in real time — whether in current events or on school grounds.

“The same things we’re trying to remove educators from discussing, talking, teaching about, bringing into the classroom are the same things that are happening in school districts and schools systems across the state,” George explains...

Earlier this year, we conducted some surveys and focus groups to help us revamp our membership experience. One of the things you shared was you wanted more tailored professional learning! We're excited to launch the first virtual PD training in that series based on your feedback. This will be a live webinar. If you are unable to attend, you will be able to watch the playback on our website. Register below!

Best Practices and Strategies for Trauma-Informed Teaching
Wednesday, November 17. 2021
3:30-5:30 PM on Zoom Webinar
 
PD Description: Dr. Marcus Matthews will share strategies that help educators assist traumatized students self-regulate and deescalate when in potentially hazardous situations. This professional development will give specific and practical strategies that will help teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents develop healthy and supportive relationships with students who might not have had healthy and supportive relationships with any other adults in years, if ever. 

**We will be able to provide certificates of completion if you are able to receive in-service credit at your district. Please check with your district first!**

Dr. Marcus Matthews
Principal, Consultant, & Author
 
Dr. Marcus Matthews is an author, educational leader and consultant and motivational speaker. He holds a doctorate in higher and adult education, a master’s in instruction and curriculum leadership and a bachelor’s in journalism, all respectively from University of Memphis. He also earned his K – 12 Instructional Leadership License from Christian Brothers University. The Memphis native has 17 years of experience in education having served in the roles of English teacher, literacy specialist, behavioral specialist, behavioral analyst, dean of students and assistant principal. His previously was the assistant principal at Nicholas Hobbs Academy (Youth Villages), a non-profit psychiatric residential treatment facility serving more than 100 young men with severe behavioral/emotional/mental challenges in a Level 4 (maximum security) setting. He is currently the principal at Frayser Community Schools in Memphis, Tennessee.