Chattanooga, Tennessee- As a district, Hamilton County Schools knows our female teachers of color have unique experiences and challenges in the workplace. As part of our strategic plan and intentional commitment to every employee feeling valued, the talent department has expanded its Male Teachers of Color initiative and created Female Teachers of Color (FemTOC). FemTOC brings together teachers from all over the district to find mentorship and a sense of belonging and support with their peers.
The inaugural FemTOC cohort serves 12 teachers of color, of which nine identify as African American, two as Latino, and one as more than two races. Through FemTOC, HCS actively promotes diversity and inclusion in staffing. By offering personalized support and opportunities for growth, the district is dedicated to the success of teachers, enhancing the educational experience for all students. This initiative aligns with the district's emphasis on diversity as a strength and inclusivity for all individuals in the HCS community.
Additionally, programs such as MTOC and FemTOC provide opportunities for the district to increase students' access to leaders who look like them. As a district, over 50% of students identify as students of color. Research shows students are more likely to succeed when they have meaningful relationships with educators of the same race. FemTOC and MTOC aim to foster an inclusive environment where all students feel represented and valued.
Clarissa Harris Johnson, a passionate and dedicated Spanish teacher at the Howard School, was among the first to join FemTOC. She had always dreamed of having a mentor who understood her unique challenges and experiences. It is the one PD where we get to be uniquely ourselves, expressed Mrs. Harris-Johnson. FemTOC meets regularly, once a quarter, to discuss classroom strategies, career goals, personal growth, and strategies to move up in the district. These resources have helped Mrs. Harris Johnson navigate the complexities of her role with newfound confidence. Clarissa says, “We are different people in different places as a woman, as a wife, and as a teacher; what is required of me is different, and FemTOC allows me a place where I can share similar experiences with people who look like me!”
Through FemTOC, female teachers of color in Hamilton County Schools find mentorship and a deep sense of belonging. They are no longer alone in their journey; they have a community that celebrates their successes and stands by them through challenges. And in this supportive environment, they thrive, inspiring their students and each other daily. The FemTOC program highlights the district's dedication to creating purposeful opportunities and promoting an equitable and inclusive educational environment to benefit all students and staff.