MTSU education center hosts lunch-and-learn about engaging Black, male readers

Natalie Griffin, Middle Tennessee State University assistant early childhood education professor, will present at a Tuesday, April 25, lunch-and-learn event hosted by the College of Education’s Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity about reading motivation and engagement for Black male students. Education faculty and staff are encouraged to attend in person or virtually via Zoom.

MTSU’s Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity in the College of Education encourages education faculty and staff to attend the Tuesday, April 25, lunch-and-learn event about reading motivation and engagement for Black male students.

Presenter Natalie Griffin, assistant early childhood education professor, said she’s happy to contribute to the scholarly work faculty are doing at the college.

Dr. Natalie Griffin, assistant professor of early childhood education (MTSU photo) — Dr. Natalie Griffin

“I (also) feel honored as an assistant professor to be able to share some of the work I’ve been doing with my colleagues,” Griffin said.

The center will host the event both in person in Room 110 of the College of Education building and via Zoom from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25. Those interested in attending should register beforehand at https://forms.office.com/r/KwFX9WQEiX, though those attending virtually can join the day of via https://mtsu.zoom.us/j/83715520325. In-person attendance includes a lunch from McAlister’s Deli and will be capped at 20 attendees.

“Attendees can expect to gain an overview of what research tells us about how reading motivation looks for younger Black males in early elementary school,” Griffin said. “They can also expect to take away some new ideas, tips and reminders for how to cultivate an early childhood classroom that is inclusive and provides representation for all children.”

Griffin will also share some of her work helping teachers create these culturally relevant classrooms through children’s literature.

Dr. Michelle Stevens, director, Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity, MTSU College of Education — Dr. Michelle Stevens

The center, which recently marked its one-year anniversary, aims to help cultivate an inclusive and diverse education college by intentionally recruiting diverse faculty, teacher candidates and educational personnel from a multitude of backgrounds.

Michelle Stevens, center director, and her staff have rolled out a calendar of events this past year — from student success workshops and student forums to students of color collective meetings and cultural awareness and humility workshops — to work toward that mission.

To learn more about the Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity, visit the website at https://www.mtsu.edu/fjecoe/. To keep up to date with the center’s events, check out its calendar at https://www.mtsu.edu/fjecoe/events.php.

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)