Lives are at stake.
Children’s lives are at stake if we refuse to tell the truth.
History tends to repeat itself in the worst ways.
Negative patterns can seem almost impossible to break.
When we don’t break negative patterns by talking about the hard stuff,
we inflict further trauma and deepen our mental health crisis.
But I know it's easier said than done.
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s 2020 murder, creating equity statements were all the rave, books about racism were flying off the shelves, and organizations couldn’t get enough cultural sensitivity training for their staff.
Everyday Americans pledged their commitment to addressing long-standing racial inequities.
It felt revolutionizing!
How things have changed.
Today— at least 36 states have introduced laws to restrict schools from talking about the race and identity.
❌ Companies are walking back their commitments.
❌ Black books are being banned.
❌ Equity training is no longer supported.
Now, schools and teachers are left confused about how to pick up the pieces and continue the work in meaningful, relevant, and developmentally appropriate ways.
TEACHERS
NEED
tools +Training
I'll help you talk about race without worry.
We’re facing topics about race, money, guns, power, oppression, identity, gender, privilege, war, police, protests… I mean— the list goes on.
If kids have smart phones or eavesdrop on adults, then they've seen or overheard the news and your opinions about it. These topics are NO LONGER off-limits because they’re impacting our communities — Every. Single. Day.
Did you know:
53% of kids have a smart phone by age 11.
YouTube Kids had 53 million weekly viewers.
70% of teens check social media several times a day.
Tackling tough topics with our kids will keep them safe.
As a black mother to black children,
I don't have the luxury of preserving their innocence over having "the talk".
"The talk" keeps our kids safe.
If Black families are the only ones doing talking...
... then we perpetuate a vicious cycle of continual inequity, where Black people remain in harms way, and white people remain privileged and protected— just because of race.
Hello!
I'm Dr. Taryn.
I'm a coach, author, and educator.
My mission is to help change-makers pivot to the next chapter.
I've been designing and developing programs that value historically excluded communities and their lived experiences for the last two decades.
In fact, while earning my doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation, my dissertation research and strategy influenced the complete revamp of an entire course offering within the university. I was so stoked!
As a little girl, I used to go throughout my neighborhood, starting clubs and helping people to feel like they belonged. Not much has changed!
Only now I'm doing it more BOLDLY. INTENTIONALLY. AND EVERYDAY.
TRUSTED BY AND FEATURED IN
THE
Research
It shows we need to pivot from to status quo to a more active, intentional, community-focused approach.
Pivot from the status quo to a more active, intentional, community-focused approach.
Learn how to implement a new set of skills for looking at your own biases honestly—and yes, we all have biases—and authentic professional bravery.
Time to authentically engage all of our students and communities.
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Get direction on how to rapidly increase student engagement and tackle tough topics about race and power without worry.
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Explore tried and true strategies that develop stronger communication and collaboration between the school system and historically excluded students and families.
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Feel confident building better belonging— foster joy and rigor in the classroom, and empower students from historically excluded communities to take the lead on their own learning.
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Shift morale throughout the entire school.
THE FRAMEWORK
Using my 9-step framework, unique leadership experiences, and my holistic approach to coaching and support, you will be able to:
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develop and strengthen your instructional equity lens
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build self and social awareness
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make the necessary shifts for creating socially inclusive classrooms
1
ATTRACT
PLEDGE PURPOSE
RETHINK ROUTINE
VALUE VOICE
2
TRAIN
BE BICULTURAL
DARE DISCOMFORT
NUTURE KNOWLEDGE
3
RETAIN
ELEVATE LIVED EXPERIENCES
CULTIVATE COMMUNITY CONFIDENCE
PASS-ON-POWER
Here's what support looks like from me.
My approach to coaching is holistic— this way transformation feels easy and doable.
Full Day Retreat
and Weekly Q and A
Get direction on how to rapidly increase student engagement and tackle tough topics about race and power without worry. Plus, I facilitate full day retreat over two days to help educators use culturally relevant and socially responsive practices.
The Book, IN ALL LANES
and Course Platform
A dedicated course website for access to ongoing, asynchronous learning that is self paced and focused on you practicing how to build better belonging and create equal cultural and social status in the classrooms and communities.
Interactive Journal
and Electronic Package
A complete electronic package of culturally relevant planning tools, communication and training templates, and reflective practice protocols to develop an equity lens through deeper self and social awareness.
Our Clients Say
"We are very grateful for your support of our work and your challenge to us to “go there!” even when we were nervous, uncertain, and worried about making a mistake."
Jonathan Huxtable, Head of Middle School
THE BOOK
IN ALL LANES
In All Lanes is a "how-to" book for school leaders who want the inside track on how to implement culturally relevant systems that authentically model deep value and respect for Black and Brown students and families.
A well-known Amazon Bestseller in 3 categories!
Join the next summer cohort starting July 1.
Testimonials.
The work we’re doing with Dr. Fletcher is vital, I am grateful to listen to her experiences and learn more about supporting BIPOC in our classroom. As a member of a few marginalized communities, myself, I find it absolutely imperative to discuss ‘the hard stuff’ with young children, because if we never discuss it there is a good chance that many of them will pick up on microaggressions they see out in the world or be ill-equipped to ask questions or handle situations as they grow, given how prevalent racism, bigotry, and oppression is in the world today.
“
- Kirsti,
Montessori School Co-founder and Teacher Leader
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We are very grateful for your support of our work and your challenge to us to “go there!” even when we were nervous, uncertain, and worried about making a mistake. We look forward to continuing to share our thinking and planning with you and appreciate your guidance and “mirror holding” in helping us see what we may not, at first, be able to see ourselves.
- Jonathan,
Head of Middle School
”
This book is a true game changer! Every leader, teacher, school district and the like needs this book! The children that we service deserve the very best of us and the only way we can give that to them is to better ourselves! I have recommended this book to every educator I could. If you're looking for a captivating, research backed, educational book this is a must!
“
- Tiffany,
Special Educator
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"You are such a phenomenal speaker and personality, and more importantly, I adored what you said to us. You had me (and I think everyone else) at every single word, and we are so lucky that we were able to start the year with such a positive but challenging intention as you set for us. Thank you so much for your presentation
- Jessica,
Teacher Leader
”
Dr. Fletcher is an exemplar when it comes to leading this work through the critical lens of race, power, and class. She possesses tremendous gifts as a communicator when addressing the importance of striving for educational equity in a city where our challenges are rooted in poverty, born out of centuries of injustice.
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-Paymon,
Former Superintendent
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This is such a crucial foundation for an affirming & culturally relevant educational experience - the kind that Black and Brown students deserve. This book is full of research, personal experiences, and thought provoking questions that will have schools, parents, and community members reflecting on the values and norms of our spaces - and ensuring that students have a seat at the table in crafting new values and norms.
- Caroline,
Success Coach
”
After reading Dr. Fletcher’s book "In All Lanes" and participating in the book study, it has made me more aware of the inequalities and obstacles that black and brown students have faced in our education system. These are difficult conversations. It made me realize just how important it is to impart independence, confidence, and a strong sense of self in our youngest students. Maybe this one small step will help our future generation to address and change social inequalities and live peacefully with one another.”
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- Terri,
Montessori Teacher
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As an educator, I cannot tell you the number of “quick fixes” I was given to address behavior and classroom management growing pains I experienced as a novice teacher. In this book, you will not see the quick gimmick or band-aid solutions, but instead an in-depth and thoughtful approach to what it takes to reimagine school, specifically for black and brown students. One of the powerful assertions made by the author is “behaviors are relative to their environments” and this foundational argument lays the groundwork for important elements taught throughout the book.
- Gary,
Coach and Consultant
”
Other FAQs:
How do I join?
Do you have a team? Book a call with me, so I can learn more about your needs. Use the link here to schedule a time for us to chat.
Can I enroll as an individual? I want to take advantage of the learning inside this community!
Yes you can! And... let us work together to get your director, superintendent, principal, school leader, or CEO on a call, instead! I’d love to work with you and your community so that your transformation is more valued and change inside your community can be more meaningful and impactful. Book a call with me. Use the link here to schedule a time for us to chat.
Can we use grant monies or federal dollars to pay for coaching and training fees?
You sure can! Truly POC Inc. is a registered entity with the federal government and grants monies (based on the specifics of the grant itself) can support the work we do to build equity and social responsibility in your community.
Can my entire team join?
YES! That is what works best! Many leaders have already taken advantage of this for their entire teams. We love working this way because it sets a strong foundation for the entire school community. Let’s talk more about your needs though. Use the link here to schedule a time for us to chat.
Do schools use Title I funds for your trainings?
Yup! Truly POC Inc. is a registered entity with the federal government. We help leaders develop DEI competencies and implement cultural and social responsibility inside their communities. Most federal dollars that help you further develop your teams to teach historically excluded communities and culturally diverse student populations may apply. Let's talk specifically about your funding streams and this way we can tailor something for you. I also partner with state department of education offices, who may be interested in supporting your training resources.
I’m really excited about the course material, when do the trainings begin?
All course materials are inside the course platform, which launches in October. You will receive weekly emails from Dr. Taryn and engage in monthly professional learning with your cohort between October and April.
How will my team stay on track?
I will help you keep track of your teams' progress; however, all sessions and Q and A workshops are recording and housed inside the course platform. This membership program can count toward your professional development and training hours— what a WIN-WIN!
Are there supports for parents inside the community?
Yes. There are resources for educators to share with parents inside the course platform. However, the course platform is NOT set up to be a parent education center. If you are looking to build a parent resource center, let's chat about it— perhaps getting more individualized coaching support will help you build what you need.
What happens if I don’t finish the course material right away?
You will have access to all recordings inside the course platform until June. I am here to be your accountability partner— to help you implement strategies along the way, and to ultimately help you to enhance your practice. However, learning takes place at your own pace.
Do I get a certificate when I complete training?
Teams looking to use this professional learning experience as training hours may request a certificate of completion.
What are some of the big takeaways from the course and guided book study?
Given our 95% satisfaction rate, there are so many effective components of this program. Dr. Taryn has trained thousands of educators in her career— 600 of them sometimes in just one month!
Here’s what they say are the key takeaways and BIG WINS from the sessions!
🎉 Clarity in my vision
🎉 Being able to clearly communicate a commitment to equity.
🎉 Consistent opportunities to check-in on my core values and what matters most to me.
🎉 Collaboration and connection— talking to like minded educators and deepening my network.
🎉 Creating cultural congruence— and an authentic “community vibe” in my classroom.
🎉 Committing to clear goals and priorities.
🎉 Cultivating a competitive workforce that is ready to take on their future.
🎉 Celebrating momentum each week and feeling completely unstoppable!
Taryn Fletcher, Ed. D.
Author, Executive Leadership Coach, and CEO of Truly POC
Bestseller
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