On March 19, 2024, Research for Action (RFA) will host a Teach-In gathering in Pittsburgh titled, “Wisdom to Action: Learning from Black Educators to Diversify Allegheny County’s Teacher Workforce.” This event is informed by our organization’s recent Allegheny County Education Research project study, Small but Mighty: Lessons from Black teachers’ Experiences in Allegheny County. The Teach-In will be an eventful evening focused on celebrating the contributions of Black educators, understanding challenges experienced from Black educators the field, and applying lessons learned to better support Black teachers and in turn increase retention.
This dynamic convening is an opportunity to network with educational stakeholders and learn directly from students, educators, and educational influencers through engaging presentations and a panel discussion, and leave with tools to support the movement of efforts impacting the diversification of the county’s educator workforce.
RFA Speakers
- Kate Callahan, Executive Director
- Siettah Parks, Research Associate
- Kevin Burgess, Research Analyst
- Mary Eddins, Policy Associate
- Saxon Nelson, Director of Community Engagement
Invited Speakers & Panelists
- Tamara Allen-Thomas, Superintendent, Clairton City School District | Bio
- Jason Rivers, Director of Narrative Transformation, Conflict Resolution & Violence Prevention, Pittsburgh Public Schools
- Dawn Gordon, Principal, Pittsburgh King PreK-8, Pittsburgh Public Schools | Bio
- Wayne Jones, CEO, Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship | Bio
- Kathy Wilson Humphrey, President, Carlow University | Bio
- Danielle Smiley, Propel Schools Educator and former Propel Teacher Residency Program Resident | Bio
- Deshanna Wisniewski, Educator, Hampton Township School District | Bio
Special Guests
- Alexis Walker, Education Coordinator, City of Pittsburgh, Office of the Mayor
- Joseph P. Stamerra & Allegheny 4-5 Grade Choral Ensemble
Order of Events
4:30 pm – 6 pm
- Learning & Networking
6 pm – 8 pm
Program
- Welcome & Introduction
- Youth Performances & Special Greetings
- A Look at the Research
- Short Break & Activity
- In Sharp Focus: A Dialogue on Teacher Diversity
- A Token of Gratitude for Teachers
Resources
Suggested Reading