On May 20, 2023, OEA is teaming up with the Hilliard Education Association, OEA-R, and many community partners in Hilliard to host a big book giveaway event for central Ohio students. Upwards of 9,000 books featuring diverse characters, written by diverse authors as part of this Read Across America event. HEA member Tiffany Thomas explains the power of diverse literature in children's lives, and encourages families to come pick out a book with their kid at this Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers event. 

A Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers

• Free books | Family activities | Community Resources | Snacks
• May 20th, 2023
• 10am – 2pm
• Warehouse #839, Hilliard United Methodist Church, 3691 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43026
• All are welcome!
• FULL DETAILS: www.ohea.org/diversereaders

JOIN US FOR A SUMMER CELEBRATION OF DIVERSE READERS| The inaugural Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers event is open to all families. In addition to free books for preK-6th grade readers, there will be plenty of free family activities and snacks while supplies last. 
When we read books that have characters of all races, genders, and backgrounds, students discover their own voices and learn from the voices of others. Let’s come together to kick off a great summer by celebrating diverse readers, so we can set all students up for success!

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Tiffany Thomas, Hilliard Education Association member
  • Tiffany Thomas is a 17 year dedicated educator and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Hilliard City School District. She is a native of Columbus, Ohio, a proud graduate of Columbus City Schools, and mother to a fierce three year old little girl. She has been an English Language Arts teacher for the past sixteen years and recently transitioned into the position of Innovative Media Specialist at Hilliard Bradley High School. During her time in the classroom,Tiffany has focused her approach on developing lessons and standards aligned curriculum for grade level courses that incorporated culturally relevant teaching practices, helped develop the district wide ELA curriculum , and represented her colleagues as a Hilliard Education Association Building Representative. Graduating from Ohio University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Integrated Language Arts and from The Ohio State University in 2008 with a Master’s of Arts in Diversity Studies, Tiffany has honed her skill and love for culturally relevant education through her teaching practices and numerous professional development opportunities she has created and led in her district and community.
  • Throughout her professional journey, Tiffany responded to her colleagues' need for meaningful professional development by creating opportunities for teachers to share in their own journeys with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She has been able to create opportunities for teachers to work with authors such as Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely, Mindy McGinnis and Natalie Richards, concerning valuing student experience in the classroom. In the spring of 2020, the murder of George Floyd sparked a
    movement within the Hilliard City School District that created a need for strategies and pedagogies when trying to embrace the black, brown,and disenfranchised voices within the classroom. Tiffany partnered with a group of colleagues, Pam Antos, Kelsey Burkett, Daniel Redman, and Lane Vanderhule, to lead the charge and create professional development opportunities for teachers centering on embracing anti-racist pedagogy and practice within our classrooms. In efforts to create an environment that every student feels comfortable, accepted and heard, Tiffany has taken the reins of the DEI efforts within her building, helping to lead a team of teachers in both culturally relevant teaching and restorative practices. She has also led professional development for other HSCD diversity facilitators as well as helping them to develop effective DEI teams throughout the district. Furthering the chance to always value student voice, Tiffany leads the Diversity Club, a student group that meets monthly to discuss current DEI topics and the
    effects of these issues on them as high school students and members of the global society. These conversations are open to all and are a transformative experience for both students and staff.
  • This year Tiffany was recognized as the 2023 OCTELA Outstanding English Language Arts Educator in the Secondary category and nominated to represent Ohio as a Teacher of Excellence at NCTE.

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• TheOhio Education Association represents about 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children.

This episode was recorded on May 8, 2023.