We support educators of color
We are committed to elevating the voices and experiences of diverse educators in Tennessee.
The mission of TECA is to amplify the voice, presence, and support for educators of color while remaining student-centered and solutions-oriented. Additionally, not only do students of color deserve educators that resemble them in the classroom, they also need the same individuals advocating on their and their communities’ behalf in education policy. This ensures that people with shared experiences (educators of color were former students of color) are addressing issues that take into consideration the inequities and disparities students of color face that are often overlooked in policy when Tennessee’s student population is viewed as a whole.
When educators are equipped with knowledge of policies that dictate operations in schools, in addition to advocating for policies that support equity in education, they are better prepared to engage and be passionate about the work they are doing in classrooms. This increases accountability across systems in addition to allow educators to see the connection between the work taking place outside the classroom that affects what takes place inside the classroom. Ultimately, these efforts develop more effective teachers and opportunities that nurture student growth and success.
About Our Educator Diversity Advocacy Council
Our Core Values
Dr. Diarese George
Co-chair, Educator Diversity Advocacy Council
Executive Director at Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance
Gini Pupo-Walker
Co-chair, Educator Diversity Advocacy Council
State Director, Education Trust in Tennessee
Evetty Satterfield
Council Member
District 1 School Board Member, Knox County School Board
Lindsey Mattingly
Council Member
Manager of Resident Development, Nashville Teacher Residency
Dr. Rick Vanosdall
Council Member
Professor and Interim Dean COE, Middle Tennessee State University
Shanacia Thomasson
Council Member
6th Grade Math Teacher, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System