We craft meaningful experiences for educators of color in Tennessee to amplify their voices, advocate for equitable policies and practices, and expose them to leadership opportunities.
What is the Fellowship?
The TECA Fellowship is a year-long experience designed to inform and empower local professionals. The Fellowship provides new skills, networking opportunities, growth experiences, and community with other teachers of color.
Why create a Fellowship for Educators of Color?
A 2018 report from the Tennessee Department of Education, entitled "Teacher and Administrator Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Tennessee," suggests that diverse teachers expose students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds to different perspectives and experiences. Additional studies have found that students of color with access to an educator of color experience 1) higher academic achievement, 2) better attendance, 3) reduced risk of dropping out, 4) lower suspensions and expulsions, and 5) higher educational attainment. Simply put, the retention, elevation, and support for teachers of color is imperative to the success of all students in Tennessee.
While nearly 35 percent of Tennessee students identify as racially and ethnically diverse, only 14 percent of teachers in Tennessee classrooms are teachers of color. Even more concerning are the 15 percent of teacher prep candidates of color in the teacher pipeline. This disparity in racial representation between teachers and students has far reaching implications for student achievement. TECA aims to strengthen the skillset of current educators of color, and provide high-quality programming for incoming teachers of color.
While nearly 35 percent of Tennessee students identify as racially and ethnically diverse, only 14 percent of teachers in Tennessee classrooms are teachers of color. Even more concerning are the 15 percent of teacher prep candidates of color in the teacher pipeline. This disparity in racial representation between teachers and students has far reaching implications for student achievement. TECA aims to strengthen the skillset of current educators of color, and provide high-quality programming for incoming teachers of color.
What is included in the Curriculum?
The TECA Fellowship includes a combination of curriculum, peer learning groups, and independent work. Curriculum components of the experience include:
The Fellowship culminates in a policy or programmatic proposal including a thorough examination of an issue, logic model, and plan of implementation. The Fellowship Facilitator and Curriculum will support you as you develop these pieces.
- 8 weeknight 2.5 hour sessions September through April
- Sessions are tentatively scheduled for the second week of each month
- Book studies (1-2 total)
- Books provided
- Reflection papers (2 total)
- Fellows are asked to view or attend local and/or state school board meetings and write a 1-2 paragraph reflection paper
- Mentorship opportunities
- Peer Learning Groups meet 3 times during the year
The Fellowship culminates in a policy or programmatic proposal including a thorough examination of an issue, logic model, and plan of implementation. The Fellowship Facilitator and Curriculum will support you as you develop these pieces.
What are Alumni saying?
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The fellowship has made me feel bolder and more willing to take risks and speak up for our students. It has also taught me to be more engaged, more critical, and less willing to take things at face value; I analyze decisions more closely and ask who will be impacted by the decisions we make; I also look more closely at who is making the decisions." |
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Tatiyana Webb
State cohort, 2022 |
"Before last year I wasn't sure how much longer I would be able to stay in the profession. Without having other educators of color to connect with in my building, it was hard to want to push through the microaggressions, systematic obstacles, and violence that happen on a daily basis. After the fellowship, I have a renewed sense of purpose in the field and desire to grow in my knowledge and expertise. I am also now an associate dean of academics at my school with an emphasis on culturally responsive practices in the classroom and assessing our academic policies for equity. I never would've imagined wanting to pursue something of that nature! Lastly, I am wanting to pursue a doctorate in education policy within the next three years."
"Life-changing, vision-affirming, necessary! Thank you so much! I don't think I have the words to explain how participating in this type of fellowship during this time changed my trajectory. Again, thank you."
"Life-changing, vision-affirming, necessary! Thank you so much! I don't think I have the words to explain how participating in this type of fellowship during this time changed my trajectory. Again, thank you."
Program Staff
Dr. Shawn Boyd,
Programs Manager