Webinar: Best Practices for Strengthening African American History Education by EVERFI K-12

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About This Webinar

Best Practices for Strengthening Black History Education

Florida’s African American History Task Force (AAHTF) works with districts across the state to implement the teaching of the history of African peoples and the contributions of African Americans to society. In this webinar, participants learn how the AAHTF and the School District of Palm Beach County are working to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.

Topics include:
-The importance of incorporating African American history across content areas
-Best practices for creating and implementing a district plan
-Challenges experienced by districts and how to overcome them
-Examples of successful implementation

With insight from an AAHTF leader and veteran district administrator, participants walk away with easy-to-implement resources and opportunities to network with other administrators.

Presenters

Dr. Bernadette Kelley-Brown

Associate Professor & Principal Investigator

Dr. Bernadette Kelley-Brown has been an associate professor in the College of Education at Florida A&M University since 1995. Dr. Kelley has extensive experience with secondary education, computer technology, and educational leadership. Dr. Kelley has also assisted science and mathematics faculty and staff in the development of web-based courses with support grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Kelley currently serves on several statewide steering committees for curriculum and instruction. In addition, the governor of the State of Florida appointed her to the African American History Task Force, which she chaired from 2000 to 2014. Dr. Kelley is still the principal investigator for this grant where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the African American History grant from the State of Florida.

Brian Knowles

Manager of the Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, & Gender Studies

Brian Knowles is a dynamic speaker, writer, researcher, and educator with the distinction of being twice named by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s Top Black Educators (2018 and 2022). His research and writings have been featured in the Journal of Literacy Innovation: Rethinking Literacy Instruction and XanEdu Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Blog. Brian has also designed a series of state-wide, secondary-level courses that highlight the historical contributions of African Diasporic people.

Brian currently serves as Manager of the Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Gender Studies within the School District of Palm Beach County, the tenth–largest public school district in the United States.

Mathew Kirouac

Senior Director, K-12

Originally from New Hampshire, Mathew Kirouac moved to Florida to attend the University of South Florida graduating with a Bachelor of Science in secondary social studies education. Mat taught various leveled and AP economics classes in Pasco County, Florida for nearly a decade before joining EVERFI in 2013 where he now serves as Senior Director for K12 supporting the nation’s largest districts.

Mat works closely with district executives and curriculum supervisors helping support mandates around financial education, mental health, substance abuse, career readiness, and student wellness in Florida.

EVERFI K12 Team

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