Stories of Resilient Educators: Teaching Through a Pandemic

A spoken narrative and song inspired by teachers and created by teaching artists, this project amplifies and uplifts stories of resilient teachers in Metro Nashville Public Schools during the 2020/21 school year. Teachers applied to be part of a Narrative 4 Story Exchange in an open application process, and in this application they were invited to share reflections on teaching. Five of these applicants were chosen to meet online to share and exchange stories of resiliency in teaching. Project leader Amanda Cantrell Roche wrote a spoken narrative incorporating teachers' quotes, and Alison Brazil wrote and recorded an original song with co-writer Matt Lipscombe inspired by the stories. Jon Royal contributed to visioning meetings as well as a voice in the spoken narrative.  

amandacroche.com

Thank you to Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) for being a sponsor, and to the many donors who made this possible. To donate and add your name to supporters: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stories-of-resilient-educators-sore

And thank you to resilient teachers, everywhere. We see you, and this is for you!

Teachers whose stories were shared and whose words shaped this project:

Dr. Nikki Hughes, Warner Arts Magnet Elementary

Jessica Henderson, Glenview Elementary School

Susan Henderson Isel, Antioch Middle School

Brigid Whitaker, Glenview Elementary School

Aaron Litvack, Maplewood High School

Linda Wynkoop, Glencliff High School

Dr. Shauntazia Shorter, Cane Ridge High School

Laura McAfee, Ida B. Wells Elementary School

Caroline Sharp, Oliver Middle School

Thelma Guzman, Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School

Tania Mejia, Park Ave. Elementary and Johnson Alternative Learning Center

Caison Bridger, Jones Paideia Elementary School

LaDonna Williams, Thomas A. Edison Elementary School

Hannah Spear, Tom Joy Elementary School

Paige La Grone Babcock, Apollo Middle School

Jennifer Abel, Hermitage Elementary School