Our Story
Diarese George, Ed.D., a former classroom teacher in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, founded the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance in Fall 2016. He and other founding board members saw a lack of people of color involved in education policy at all levels, as well as a lack of convening space and resources in Tennessee for the recruitment and retention of educators of color.
In early 2017, TECA filed to formalize its status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Tennessee. Around the same time, it was selected by Conexión Américas as a sub-grantee for its educational equity grants, forming the foundation for its continuous impact through mentorship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities. TECA proudly amplifies the voice, presence, and support for educators of color while remaining teacher-led, student-centered, and solutions-oriented.
Dr. George transitioned from founding executive director in August 2025. Shawn Boyd, Ed.D., served in the role of interim executive director until May 2026, when Lequite Manning, Ed.D., was selected as executive director.
In early 2017, TECA filed to formalize its status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Tennessee. Around the same time, it was selected by Conexión Américas as a sub-grantee for its educational equity grants, forming the foundation for its continuous impact through mentorship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities. TECA proudly amplifies the voice, presence, and support for educators of color while remaining teacher-led, student-centered, and solutions-oriented.
Dr. George transitioned from founding executive director in August 2025. Shawn Boyd, Ed.D., served in the role of interim executive director until May 2026, when Lequite Manning, Ed.D., was selected as executive director.
Our Partners
Here are some of the amazing organizations that choose to partner with us.
