Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education

FUTURO Fall Leadership Conference
2023-10-21 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | 2200 Children’s Way, Nashville, TN 37232
Calling all FUTURO Students and Alumni!
Join us for the in-person FUTURO Fall Leadership Conference! The 2023 FUTURO Fall Leadership Conference will be held in-person on Saturday, October 21st (9:30am-6:00pm). This full-day conference will feature an opportunity to network early in the day with employers, organizations, and companies who support our Employer Advisory Board, along with guest speakers, panel presentation, networking with other FUTURO chapters, and you will hear from distinguished FUTURO Alumni and community leaders. This will be a full-day conference event, please be sure to prepare for a day long of networking, learning, and being with our FUTURO familia.
Continental breakfast and lunch is included, please arrive between 9:00am-9:30am to allow time for parking and registration. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO ATTENDING.
Dress in Business Professional attire.
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Public Charter School Data in Focus: A Deep Dive Into Stanford University’s National Charter School Study
2023-10-05 09:00 - 10:00 | 1207 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
In June 2023, Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) released the third installment of their National Charter School Study, which assesses students’ academic growth in charter schools across the United States. Join us for this event, Public Charter School Data in Focus: A Deep Dive Into Stanford University’s National Charter School Study, where we will discuss the results of the new national study, including data specific to Tennessee’s public charter schools.
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Pa’lante: Advancing Latino Student Success in Tennessee
2023-09-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Today, one out of ten K-12 students in Tennessee is Latino. It is also estimated that Tennessee’s Latino population is expected to grow the fastest of all ethnic groups, expanding by nearly 400,000 people by 2040.
Join The Education Trust–Tennessee for an important conversation to explore national and state trends related to Latino student success, the important role for education advocates, and considerations for policymakers and leaders about how to ensure we are equipping Latino students in Tennessee to succeed in school and beyond.
Featured speakers include:

Amanda Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Latinos for Education
Laura Delgado, Program Director, Pionero Scholars, College of Education, Lipscomb University
Ruby Aguilar, Teacher, Glencliff High School, MNPS

This event is part of The Education Trust-Tennessee Policy and Community Speaker Series and is co-hosted by the following Latino-serving organizations of the TN Alliance for Equity in Education: Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, TIRRC, Latino Memphis, La Paz, ECE, Su Casa, FUTURO, Inc. Diverse Learners Cooperative, Latino Achievers, TN Latin American Chamber, Vol State Seal of Biliteracy and Pionero Scholars at Lipscomb University.
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Stand Against Injustice - Blocked from the Ballot
2023-09-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
We kick off our Stand Against Injustice Virtual Lunch & Learn series, presented by Nissan Foundation, with a look at voting rights in Tennessee. Hear from national experts and community leaders on why so many in our community are blocked from the ballot. Learn about current efforts to expand the right to vote and the barriers they face.
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Addressing Summer Hunger through Summer EBT
2023-09-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
When schools close for the summer, nearly 30 million children that rely daily on USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs lose access to these nutritious meals. Thanks to bipartisan action by Congress, States have two powerful new tools to fight summer hunger. The 2023 Omnibus, signed into law late last year, established a permanent Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program, which will provide benefit dollars to eligible low-income families with children to purchase groceries during the summer months. Additionally, the law included a provision permitting non-congregate feeding options for summer meal programs in certain rural areas.
With both programs set to be fully operational in 2024, there are several steps states can take now to prepare for effective implementation. Please join The Education Trust and the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) on Wednesday, September 6, from 12-1 pm ET, for a briefing with Food and Nutrition Service staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on implementation and next steps. Wednesday’s conversation with Agency staff is an opportunity to learn more about the steps FNS has taken to-date to prepare for successful implementation, and what actions partners can take to support.
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MICAH’s 2023 Public Meeting
2023-08-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
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Race-Conscious Affirmative Action and The Education Implications for Tennessee
2023-08-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join us for a deep dive into the recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States impacting race-conscious affirmative action.
This webinar will provide an overview of the history of affirmative action, the SCOTUS decision’s impact on campus diversity, and the educational short-term and long-term implications for Tennessee. Additionally, we will discuss best practices and strategies for supporting students in both K-12 and higher education spaces with navigating these new restrictions.
We will be joined by Ameshia Cross (Assistant Director of Higher Education Communications, the Education Trust – National), Michaele Turnage Young (Senior Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund), and Dr. Eric Stokes (Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Orientation, The University of Memphis).
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AWAKE Tennessee Day on the Hill - Special Session
2023-08-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Cordell Hull
Join AWAKE’s Day on the Hill for a morning of advocacy and lobbying during the Special Session on Public Safety.
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SCORE Institute: Accelerating Black Male Success (Nashville)
2023-08-16 09:30 - 10:30
This summer, SCORE is hosting a five-part SCORE Institute series elevating innovative practices from across the country that are preparing students for careers.
Tennesseans want access to quality jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families. Tennessee businesses need skilled workers. Across the country and in Tennessee, innovative partnerships are developing to better connect education and the workforce. This series will bring together education leaders, business leaders, policymakers, and community leaders for monthly 90-minute sessions on topics that strengthen the connection from education to the workforce. Each institute will feature a national thought leader and a panel discussion with leaders from across the state.
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League of Women Voters - Tennessee & Moms Demand Action - Gun Sense for Tennessee: How Do We Get There?
2023-08-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting

AWAKE Tennessee - Youth Advocacy Summit
2023-08-12 09:00 - 16:30
AWAKE is thrilled to host our inaugural youth advocacy summit!
This full day event is open to Nashville-area students, entering grades 7th- 9th during the 2023-2024 school year, who are interested in building leadership and problem-solving skills. We will introduce the community issue to students at the beginning of the day, they will learn the steps to creating impactful solutions from issue experts, break up into teams to create their advocacy projects, and the day will conclude with a community showcase where students will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for a cash prize.
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AWAKE TN: Policy 101: Gun Laws in Tennessee
2023-07-20 17:00 - 18:30 | Sexual Assault Center (101 French Landing Dr., Nashville, TN 37228, United States)
Join AWAKE and their partners at Moms Demand Action to learn about the current state of gun laws in Tennessee, how we compare with other states, and vehicles for reform moving forward.
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SCORE Institute - Rural Pathways to Workforce Readiness
2023-07-19 08:30 - 10:00 | 1207 18th Ave S, Nashville

YWCA Nashville & Middle TN - Stand Against Injustice - The Second Amendment in Our Communities
2023-06-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” ~ U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment
For most of American history, those 27 words generated little debate. However, over the last 50 years, the Second Amendment has become central to our “culture wars,” with deeply partisan interpretations over what these words were meant to protect. This Stand Against Injustice webinar features academics, advocates, and community leaders with unique perspectives on America’s relationship to gun rights and the Second Amendment.
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For Nashville's Future Mayoral Candidate Forum
2023-06-26 17:00 - 20:00 | 2400 Clifton Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37209, United States
The Nashville Child and Youth Collaborative believes a great city is measured by how it supports its children and youth.
Join us for a discussion about Nashville’s future with 2023 Mayoral Candidates hosted by the Nashville Child and Youth Collaborative and Nashville Public Radio – 90.3 WPLN News to learn more about this year’s candidates and their ideas and views on prioritizing our city’s next generation. The event will be moderated by Khalil Ekulona, host of WPLN’s daily show, This Is Nashville and representatives from the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Parking is free! Overflow parking if needed will be provided at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. Carpooling and ride sharing is strongly recommended.
#ForNashvillesFuture
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Diverse Learners Cooperative - Diverse Learner Teacher Retention: Report Launch
2023-06-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Nashville Entrepreneur Center (41 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210, United States)
This spring, the DLC team has led a research project to identify the factors that most influence special education and EL teacher retention. In collecting over 300 survey responses, conducting focus groups, and interviewing teachers from across Tennessee, we have analyzed the data to identify themes that speak to the concerning trend of increasing teacher attrition.
We are thrilled to invite you to the Diverse Learner Teacher Retention research report launch. We will present our findings, hear from a diverse panel of teachers on the realities of the role, and offer recommendations for school, district, and state leaders to improve teacher retention for diverse learner educators.
Parking:
Parking will be validated by the Entrepreneur Center for the Bus Barns Parking Garage on the corner of Lea Ave and Hermitage Ave. The address for the garage is: 11 Lea Ave Nashville, TN 37210
Refreshments:
Light refreshments will be served, including Tiff’s Treats cookies.
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SCORE Institute: High School Models That Lead To Jobs
2023-06-21 08:30 - 09:30 | 1207 18th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
This summer, SCORE will host a NEW five-part SCORE Institute series elevating innovative practices from across the country that are preparing students for careers.
Tennesseans want access to quality jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families. Tennessee businesses need skilled workers. Across the country and in Tennessee, innovative partnerships are developing to better connect education and the workforce. This series will bring together education leaders, business leaders, policymakers, and community leaders for monthly 90-minute sessions on topics that strengthen the connection from education to the workforce. Each institute will feature a national thought leader and a panel discussion with leaders from across the state.
Register

A Legislative Review and Interactive Forum for Youth & Adult Allies
2023-06-13 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
This event will serve as an opportunity for students to interact with state lawmakers, discuss legislation, and strategize for the next legislative session. Additionally, practitioners who work alongside youth will be able to learn more about the political process and how to best serve as an ally to students when they exercise their voice.
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TECA - ConnectED Murfreesboro
2023-06-07 17:30 - 19:30 | 1756 MTSU Boulevard Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Join TECA Facilitator-in-Residence Kia Jarmon for an informative, interactive session. TECA ConnectED sessions are 1.5 – 2 hours long and include light snacks.
ConnectED is an opportunity for educators of color from (around the state of TN) to build a communal healing practice. We will go beyond the individualism of self-care and support the collective journey towards reflection, self-advocacy, and growth. In our time together, we will develop and reclaim the tools and agency needed to demonstrate real change in the community and the systems we operate in.
​“When we are all healing, the world has no choice but to adapt.”
Open to all educators of color, TEC Fellowship Alumni, TECA Members, and friends.
Parking: Parking passes are not required. Put “Blue Raider Dr.” into your GPS and it should lead you to the correct entrance. See the included image and park in the lot marked with an “X”.
Room number will be emailed to you.
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Know Your Rights: What You Need to Know About Tennessee’s Censorship Bills from the 2023 Legislative Session
2023-06-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join the Tennessee Coalition for Truth in Our Classrooms for a briefing and discussion on the new censorship laws that passed in the Tennessee General Assembly in 2023, and how educators, students and community members have been affected and are responding.
Stella Yarbrough, Legal Director of The ACLU of Tennessee, will guide attendees in understanding the content and legal implications of the censorship bills that are impacting implicit bias trainings, student pronoun restrictions, parents’ rights, higher education, education obscenity, sports participation, and library complaints. This webinar will also give updates on what you need to know about the implementation of censorship laws from 2021 and 2022 regarding school curriculum, instruction, and materials.
Additionally, we will be joined by Laura Schroeder, Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs of PEN America, who will share about how what’s happening in Tennessee connects to the larger national trends and global context of the censorship movement.
The attendees will also learn about current advocacy efforts led by Coalition partners and we encourage others to share their local concerns or efforts as well. Attendees will leave with actionable resources and ways to advocate on these important issues and make sure their voices are heard.
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AWAKE Tennessee - Advocacy 101: Demystifying the TN Legislature
2023-06-01 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AWAKE to learn the basics of the Tennessee legislature and getting involved in policy advocacy.
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API Middle TN - Navigating Therapy for the API Community
2023-05-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
​Navigating therapy can be challenging when trying to find a qualified and skilled provider that’s a good fit for you. You may be interested in therapy or other forms of support for your mental wellness, but don’t know where to start. You find yourself frustrated with not wanting to spend the money on an intake if the therapist isn’t going to be a good fit. On top of all of that, therapy has in inherent power dynamic that can feel uncomfortable to navigate. We’re going to share all the “tea” on how to navigate finding a culturally sensitive provider who can best meet your individual needs. Personal experiences to be shared by webinar hosts. This webinar is appropriate for anyone who identifies as part of the API community.
Workshop led by Safe Haven Trauma Services.
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YWCA Nashville & Middle TN - Stand Against Injustice - 2023 TN Legislative Wrap Up
2023-05-31 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join us for a debrief of a busy and controversial legislative session with community leaders and experts, including Dr. Sekou Franklin, Elizabeth Millsaps, Reggie Nash, and Jasmine Ying Miller. While maneuvers for political power dominated the headlines, this also diverted attention away from proposed or passed bills that impact Tennesseans’ daily lives. YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee promotes trauma-informed, survivor-centered policies and practices and youth empowerment efforts that contribute to community accountability and harm reduction at the intersection of racism, sexism, and gender-based violence. Our panelists will discuss some of the legislation that impacts our clients and communities we serve, while framing these proposals considering larger power struggles in the state and nation. As we recap our most recent legislative session, we’ll also provide resources for those who want to get involved and help make a difference. Join us for this important conversation and be part of the stand against injustice.
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AWAKE - Spring Awakening
2023-05-18 17:00 - 19:00 | 3820 Charlotte Ave Suite 146, Nashville, TN 37109
Join the AWAKE team and volunteers for our annual spring social on Thursday, May 18 at 5pm. We will celebrate legislative successes and join a conversation about how we will move forward in advancing gender equity in TN. Join us for food, drinks, and networking to learn more about AWAKE’s work and how you can get involved in advocating for a more equitable society! Register here.

SCORE Institute: Today’s Workforce Skills
2023-05-17 10:30 - 11:30 | 1207 18th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212

Tennessee’s 3rd & 4th Grade Retention Law: What’s Next for Students and Schools?
2023-05-15 16:00 - 17:00
Join The Education Trust – Tennessee to review the latest updates on 3rd and 4th-grade retention. We will dig into what we know about Tennessee’s new 2023 retention law and share critical next steps for students, families, educators, and advocates. We’ll be joined by the Tennessee Education Research Alliance, who will present their findings on summer learning camps in Tennessee.
To learn more, check out these resources:

Retention Legislative Tracker, Ed Trust TN, 2022
The Cost of Retention Memo, Ed Trust TN, 2022
An Examination of The 2021 Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration Act, Ed Trust TN, 2021
Retention Policies in Tennessee, TN Comptroller’s Office of Education Research and Accountability, 2023
Summer Learning Camp Enrollment, Attendance, and Achievement Trends in Ten Tennessee Districts, TN Education Research Alliance, 2023

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TIRCC - Climate Justice Summit
2023-04-28 17:30 - 19:30
Register here.

Tennessee Policy & Advocacy Training for Educators
2023-03-21 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Are you an educator or advocate who wants to better understand the policy making process, legislative advocacy, and current bills moving through the Tennessee General Assembly? Join us for an advocacy training that will review important education governance structures and review current priority policy issues impacting educators this legislative session.
Participants will hear directly from current educators across the state on how they have engaged in local advocacy while in the classroom. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of educator-specific issues, resources on how to take action, and tangible tools for staying engaged in local and state advocacy.
This event is held in partnership with members of the TN Alliance for Equity in Education who support educators across Tennessee including: ALLMemphis, Diverse Learners Cooperative, Leadership for Educational Equity, Nashville Teacher Residency, Nashville Public Education Foundation, Relay Graduate School of Education, TN Educator of Color Alliance, Teach for America – Memphis, Teach for America Nashville-Chattanooga, TN Community School Network, UnifiEd, and Volunteer State Seal of Biliteracy.
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Know Your Undocumented Rights (Youth Only)
2023-03-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join The Education Trust – Tennessee and Jazmin Ramirez a community organizer with the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights coalition, to learn about the latest policies impacting undocumented youth and how to show up as an ally. We will cover what to do in situations like being stopped by the police, interactions with ICE agents, and workplace raids.
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Understanding Tennessee's Education Budget with the Sycamore Institute
2023-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
On February 6th, Governor Lee delivered his annual State of the State address, unveiled his priorities for the year, and gave his recommendations for the 2023 – 2024 budget. Tennessee’s budget is one of the most significant pieces of public policy our governor and the Tennessee General Assembly tackle each year. Join us and Mandy Spears Pellegrin, Deputy Director of The Sycamore Institute, to reflect on Governor Lee’s budget and the important education implications it has for our students and schools communities. Advocates will leave this session with resources and a better understanding of Tennessee’s budget content, how the budget process works, and how the budget will impact our education system this upcoming year.
About the Sycamore Institute:
The Sycamore Institute is an independent nonpartisan Public Policy Research Center that works to help Tennesseans understand the complex issues impacting our state by providing accessible, reliable data and research. Each year, the Sycamore Institute conducts a thorough analysis of Tennessee’s budget, seeking to support stakeholders to understand where money comes from, where it goes, and what factors influence its flow through the state.
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