Speak Truth Fellowship

We are seeking educators who are passionate about elevating youth voices.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Speak Truth is a 6-month (January-June 2022) educator fellowship designed to elevate youth voices in Washington, DC. Selected fellows will create Speak Truth discussions with groups of students during out-of-school time through the following process:

TRAINING: Fellows receive brief, intensive training from Center for Inspired Teaching in the Speak Truth approach – a model for student-led civic discussion that has been in development for more than 6 years.
PLANNING: Fellows partner with their students to plan a series of after-school Speak Truth seminars; Fellows receive coaching and support from Inspired Teaching throughout the process.
IMPLEMENTING: Fellows host and document at least 3 Speak Truth seminars that are shared with a wider community, serving as examples of what Speak Truth can look like in myriad settings.

Please note, only educators who work within Washington, DC are eligible to participate in this program.

Deadline
Monday, December 13, 2021 11:59 PM

Decisions Announced
Monday, December 20, 2021 6:00 AM

Apply Today!

Why is this program important now?

At a time when students and teachers are struggling to find hope amid the challenges of another pandemic-shrouded school year, Speak Truth addresses academic standards while offering a meaningful place for youth to air their thoughts and feelings. These student-led seminar discussions address young people’s social and emotional needs, while also building critical academic skills.

Young people care about issues affecting them and the world around them. Elevating youth voices is critically important not only for students’ well-being, but for their development as problem-solvers and future leaders. The Speak Truth model offers a way to bring meaningful student-led conversations into any setting where young people gather together – in-person or virtually.

Speak Truth is a program of Center for Inspired Teaching. The program consists of seminar discussions led by students, on topics of their choosing. Through a carefully structured design, the Speak Truth approach positions students as emerging experts and teaches them how to engage in civic discourse around critical issues in their lives and in the broader community.

Today, over a thousand students have participated in Speak Truth. The teachers who have shaped this program have learned what it takes to design a student-centered speaking and listening experience that builds the skills of critical media literacy and civic discourse. These are the skills that will enable our future leaders to fight for social and environmental justice, which is why we think Speak Truth should be a part of every student’s learning experience.

What does a Speak Truth seminar entail?

A student facilitator researches a topic they wish to discuss with peers. They select resources to share on the topic and prepare questions to guide the discussion. Discussions typically last between 45 and 90 minutes and are entirely driven by the student participants. All ideas are welcome, and students learn skills that help them moderate the conversation. The goal is not for students to leave the discussion with a conclusion about the topic; rather, they leave with a widened perspective, an appreciation for different viewpoints, and a desire to learn more. This one-pager offers a play-by-play of the discussion structure.

What are the requirements of a Speak Truth Fellow?

Sign and submit a written agreement (which includes a signature(s) from your applicable supervisor(s)) committing to full participation in the program.
Read the Speak Truth Guidebook in its entirety (36 pages).
Attend a 2-hour Speak Truth Training session on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. At this session you will begin crafting your implementation plan.
Submit an implementation plan to the Speak Truth Teacher Coach by Friday, January 21, 2022 which includes:
1. A plan for recruiting, selecting, and preparing student-facilitators
2. A calendar scheduling at least 3 Speak Truth Seminars between February and June of 2022.
3. A plan for securing student attendance and participation at all scheduled seminars
4. Goals for participation and outcomes
Participate in at least 3 check-in calls with the Speak Truth Teacher Coach over the course of the Fellowship.
Take attendance and collect student feedback surveys for each Speak Truth seminar. Submit these to Inspired Teaching for grant recording purposes.
Arrange to have the Speak Truth Teacher Coach or other Inspired Teaching staff attend and document at least one of the three Speak Truth seminars between February and June of 2022. Permission to photograph must be secured with all responsible parties in advance.
Provide a written reflection on the Speak Truth Fellowship experience.

What are the benefits of being a Speak Truth Fellow?

A $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
The opportunity to provide engaging and transformative learning experiences for the students you serve.
Unlimited access to support from the Speak Truth Teacher Coach for the duration of the program.
Certification as a Speak Truth Coach after successful completion of the program – this certification qualifies a teacher to become a Speak Truth professional development facilitator with Center for Inspired Teaching.
Recognition in Inspired Teaching publications and promotions as a Speak Truth Fellow.

Apply Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to create a special after school program to implement Speak Truth or could I integrate it into something I’m already doing with students after school?

You can absolutely integrate Speak Truth into work you are already doing. We believe adding Speak Truth seminars to your existing afterschool programming is a great way to try something new with your students and strengthen their relationships with each other through this meaningful dialog. That being said, Speak Truth can be an effective weekly stand-alone afterschool program, and Fellows who wish to pursue this route will receive support from our Speak Truth Teacher Coach in crafting a plan for successful implementation.

How many students do I need to participate?

We are actively seeking Fellows who can serve at least 25 students in their program but will consider accepting applicants who work with smaller groups. An effective Speak Truth seminar must have at least 10 students, though 25 is the ideal number.

What kinds of topics do students choose to discuss in Speak Truth seminars?

Over 1000 young people have participated in Speak Truth seminars, and have selected topics of great importance to them and to their community. Topics have included The Purpose of Higher Education; The For-Profit Prison System; Colorism; Gentrification; Cancel Culture; and Climate Change. More topics, including blog posts detailing the student conversations, can be found at this link.

Can I apply with a colleague?

Yes! Teamwork is always a good idea. If two Fellows work together, we would split the $500 stipend between you both.

Do I have to hold all Speak Truth sessions outside of school hours?

Yes. The sessions can take place before school, after school, on weekends, or on holiday breaks.

Is Speak Truth just for high school students?

Yes, though the Speak Truth approach can be used with younger learners, this Fellowship is for educators who work with young people aged 14-18.

I work with young people outside of Washington, DC. Can I apply?

Unfortunately no. This Fellowship is for educators from schools and youth-focused programs in Washington, DC. You may, however, participate in our other FREE programming for educators! Check out our year long calendar of Institutes.

Dr. Michelle Edwards

Director; Founder & CEO, The Idari Collective

Dr. Edwards is the Founder and CEO of the Idari Collective. Idari means leadership in the Yoruba language. The Idari Collective is a coaching, mentoring, and consulting firm whose mission is to come alongside leaders, especially Black women leaders, so that they will thrive in leading their personal and professional lives.

She is a native Chicagoan and a career educator who found her way to the East Coast as a resident principal in New Leaders, Inc. during its inaugural year in Washington DC. She also served as a principal in Anacostia at Orr Elementary for almost a decade. Michelle returned to New Leaders in 2013 as the Director of the Emerging Leaders Program. Dr. Edwards served for nearly seven years as the Executive Director at Live It Learn It, an experiential learning nonprofit located in Washington, DC that partners with schools and cultural institutions to create and deliver experiential learning opportunities for Black and Brown elementary-aged students.

She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and received a Certificate in Executive Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. Michelle is a graduate of Creative Results Management, where she was trained to coach. Dr. Edwards also advocates for social justice and racial reconciliation as a leader of the DC Unity and Justice Fellowship, a new 501c3 in Washington, DC where she serves as the inaugural Board Chair. She is a trained Urban Missionary, a proud, 25+ year-member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the mother of two adult sons, Darren and Dante.

Meag Campos

Project Manager

With over ten years of experience in education, Meag Campos is dedicated to making learning accessible for all students and to supporting their social-emotional growth. Her career spans working with elementary through high school students, during which she has served as a Teacher, Learning Specialist, and Instructional Coach.

She holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy leadership from the University of New Orleans. Her passion for education is matched by her love for reading and exploring the world with her husband and two sons.

Micaiah Anderson

Community Outreach Specialist

As a Community Outreach Specialist, Micaiah is responsible for program promotion and outreach support for Inspired Teaching events and workshops. Micaiah has a passion for collaborating with community members to build-power and connect. She is an educator with a heart for youth and has experience supporting students fight injustices within their schools and communities. She has a BA in Political Science from, the real HU, Hampton University & anticipates graduating in May 2024 with a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Policy Transformation from Georgetown University.

AUTONOMY

"I want to have a say in what happens to me."

Autonomy is the need for independence; the ability to make choices, to create, to explore, and to express oneself freely; to have sufficient space, to move around, and to feel unrestricted with opportunities to exercise free will.

Brady Maiden

Speak Truth Faculty

As Speak Truth Faculty, Brady helps to lead one of our model youth programs. She provides training and support to high school students as they lead and engage in Speak Truth discussions on issues important in their lives. Brady has her Master’s in Public Policy from George Mason University and her BS in Political Science from Northern Arizona University. She is passionate about community, equity, and coalition building recognizing that learning and growing with the community at large is how we continue to be impactful.

What brings you joy in life?

I find joy in spending time with my friends and family and meeting new people. I like going to concerts and festivals, and finding new books to read.

The Learner’s Cycle, Wonder-Experiment-Learn, and the Teacher’s Cycle, Observe-Plan-Instigate, comprise Inspired Teaching’s approach to engaging students in inquiry-based learning.

When they are engaged in the Wonder-Experiment-Learn Cycle, students are immersed in learning. They take the lead in designing authentic learning experiences around their own interests and their school’s standards of learning. Each discovery leads to a new question which in turn leads to more wondering and more learning. In the Wonder-Experiment-Learn Cycle, Learn is not a destination or an endpoint; it is a deeper understanding, leading to a deeper wondering and new possibilities that create new entry points to further exploration. The cycle continues because what students have learned generates more wonderings that require more experiments that foster more learning – and on and on.

The Observe-Plan-Instigate Cycle is the work of an Inspired Teacher. While a student is expected to follow the Wonder-Experiment-Learn Cycle, the teacher joins them on the learning journey while following their own cycle of Observe-Plan-Instigate. This cycle ultimately serves to ensure an inquiry-based atmosphere is at play in the classroom.

Jaqueta Abbey

Teaching and Learning Specialist

Jaqueta is the Teaching and Learning Specialist for Inspired Teaching. In addition to her current role with Inspired Teaching, Jaqueta is a first-grade teaching assistant. Her background features a variety of traditional and non-traditional experiences in the field of education, including working as an adjunct professor, teaching summer reading programs to children and adults, and tutoring children in the foster care system. Jaqueta earned a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an M.A. in Interactive Media from Elon University.

What brings you joy in life?

Creative self-expression! In addition to my passion for storytelling, I love dancing of all kinds. I've studied belly dance, bachata, and Brazilian Zouk among other styles. I also enjoy glass fusing, crocheting, photography, and cross stitching. These art forms allow me to express myself and build connections with other people at the same time. I think life would be a lot less vibrant without artists and storytellers!

Michelle Welk

Communication & Marketing Specialist

As Communications and Marketing Specialist, Michelle is responsible for finding and creating new ways to highlight Inspired Teaching and promote its programs in order to expand and deepen the organization's impact. Michelle has worked in communications in an array of settings, from creative agencies to state politics to national nonprofits. She has a BA in Journalism from Temple University in Philadelphia and is passionate about education, access, and equity.

What brings you joy in life?

My son, the beach, making a persuasive argument and good food!

Max Peterson

Real World History Assistant Teacher

Max received his Bachelor’s degree in History and African American Studies from Boston University in May 2016. He has worked in museum curation at the Museum of the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Max has worked with young people of varying ages from young children to young adults transitioning to college.

Feedback and Accountability

We grow through feedback and an understanding that the quality of our work is a reflection of what we are learning, but the shift to remote learning this spring disrupted a lot of the tools teachers were used to using to evaluate student growth. How might we do things differently this fall? Participants in this workshop will explore ways to bring meaningful assessment into the virtual and/or socially-distanced classroom and approaches to student feedback that strengthen motivation, and build relationships and achievement.