Problem Solver
Keisha Edwards
Areas Keisha Edwards is Knowledgeable in:
Equity & Inclusion, Leadership Development, Capacity Building, Innovative Instructional Practices, Facilitative Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Techniques Keisha Edwards Uses:
In all of my work, I utilize creative processes to help folks understand themselves & others better, more deeply understand and navigate complex problems, gain skills, and ultimately become strong advocates for learning, innovative problem-solving, change.
I am well-versed in and utilize the following in my process work:
*Ground rules *Group decision-making processes *Short direct-instruction *Simulations *Coaching in real-time *Role-play based on real workplace challenges *Utilizing personal story as a tool for transformation *Group dialogue *Reading & discussion *Training “games” (i.e. chalk talks, & carousels) *Constructivist listening exercises *Art-based activities *Social media *Videos *Flipcharts *PowerPoint *Electronic portal learning
I am well-versed in and utilize the following in my process work:
*Ground rules *Group decision-making processes *Short direct-instruction *Simulations *Coaching in real-time *Role-play based on real workplace challenges *Utilizing personal story as a tool for transformation *Group dialogue *Reading & discussion *Training “games” (i.e. chalk talks, & carousels) *Constructivist listening exercises *Art-based activities *Social media *Videos *Flipcharts *PowerPoint *Electronic portal learning
Keisha Edwards's Problem Solving Skills:
- “Non Traditional” Leadership Development
- Racial Equity
- Positive Youth Development
- Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning
- Using “Story” (Personal Narrative) for Social Change
- Cultural Competence
- Managing High Quality Training & Technical Assistance
- Product Development
- Leadership for Social Justice
- Parent Organizing
- Educational Equity
- Convening Diverse Constituents
Keisha Edwards's Problem Solving Experience:
- Designed and implemented a statewide leadership development program for educators who desired to increase their “Leadership for Equity” skills. A cohort of 15 diverse educators met once a month (full-day sessions) for one year. Learning topics included: Systemic racism in schools, looking at data with a racial equity lens, facilitating “courageous conversations,” developing an anti-racist stance as an educator, and engaging diverse parent & student voice. Project tasks included: All aspects of managing the fellows program including: recruitment & screening of participants, design & facilitate monthly learning sessions, & individual coaching with participants.
- The Stories Project was an exhibit of over 100 black & white and color photographic images that explored the diversity, strength, & complex nature of Portland Public Schools' families & teachers. Over the 5-year duration of the project—I co-designed and delivered more than 30 local, statewide, and national trainings with educators, community member, and youth based on the exhibit. The exhibit was curated at places like the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, Portland State University, K-12 schools, and educational conferences. Through the project, we also supported communities to create their own stories projects & produced several ‘zines that contained stories about the struggle for equity in education.
- Co-created a manual and training institute for the City of Portland that supported residents to facilitate dialogues about race in their respective communities. Over 8 months, we: 1) Designed a training guide about race, racism, and transforming race-based outcomes in Portland, based on the demographics of Portland residents and the desired outcomes for the city, 2) Designed a 3-day train-the-trainer (T.O.T) based on the training guide,
3) Facilitated the 3-day T.O.T institute for 12 lead trainers 4) Assisted in the recruitment and selection of City of Portland residents to be trained as new facilitators by lead trainers, 5) Served as coaches to lead facilitators during the community training, 6) Provided follow up support to City of Portland staff, lead trainers, and new community facilitators as they implemented a series of community dialogs. - Served as process facilitator for a team of diverse educational leaders from across the state charged with creating rubrics and a reflective process to help schools & communities evaluate culturally responsive teacher practice. Over the 6-month project, I designed creative and culturally responsive work tools, facilitated courageous dialogue about race and educator competence, and successfully managed the teams overall work progress. The Guide to Implementing the Alaska Cultural Standard for Educators is the product of our work.