Best Practices for Strengthening African American History Education in Your District

Presented by Dr. Bernadette Kelley-Brown, Principal Investigator, African American History Task Force, and Associate Professor, Florida A&M University; and Brian Knowles, Manager, Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Gender Studies, School District of Palm Beach County (FL)
Moderated by Mathew Kirouac, Senior Director, K12, EVERFI

Sponsored by EVERFI

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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 edWebinar, 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. Leading up to Black History Month (February), we break the conversation into four parts:

• 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.

This recorded edWebinar is of interest to teachers, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders of the middle and high school grades.

About the Presenters

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 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 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. He has also designed a series of statewide, secondary-level courses that highlight the historical contributions of African Diasporic people.

About the Moderator

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. Mat lives outside of Tampa with his three boys (ages 11, 6, and 1) and wife, Lisa, who holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

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