Teacher Advisory Council
The Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative at Penn State is a national leader in creating transformative professional learning experiences for pK-12 educators. The aim of these experiences is to support educators as they responsibly navigate contemporary and historical difficult issues. The Initiative collaborates with the Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) to refine its innovative approach to professional learning in ways that are relevant to pK-12 teachers across the United States and beyond.
The TAC serves as a distinctive platform from which pK-12 educators can influence practices and policies pertaining to professional learning. TAC offers opportunities to share valuable insights about the challenges that teachers and their students are facing, collaborate with other educators who are passionate about teaching difficult issues, and provide incisive feedback on the Initiative’s programming. In participating, teachers help the Initiative develop relevant and responsive professional learning programs and online modules.
Activities:
- Learn about the latest work of the Initiative
- Provide insights and feedback for refining and expanding the Initiative’s programs with teachers, schools, and districts
- Analyze problems of practice using structured discussion protocols
- Engage in book clubs to gain insight into the latest in the field
Benefits:
- Resource sharing with other educators
- Community building across geographical and educational contexts
- Opportunities to present with Initiative staff at local and national conferences
- Support from colleagues to navigate shared dilemmas
Time commitment:
- 3-4 virtual meetings (1 hour each) with TAC members and Initiative facilitator
- Email check-ins as necessary
- Time spent reviewing, providing feedback on materials as needed
- Sharing opportunities with other educators
Current Members
High School Social Studies Teacher, Dallastown Area High School/Dallastown Area School District
Molly Dallmeyer is a 25+ year High School Social Studies Teacher in the Dallastown Area School District, located in Dallastown, PA (York County) and a graduate of Penn State University. Dallmeyer is an educator who has focused primarily on the Holocaust, and has participated in numerous professional development opportunities and programs that support that content.
English Language Arts Teacher, Hempfield School District
Melissa Kreider is an 8th grade English Language Arts teacher in the Hempfield School District in Lancaster, PA. She is currently in her 9th year in education. In addition to ethical Holocaust education, Melissa is passionate about educational technology and inquiry-based learning.
School Psychologist, Interboro School District
Hi! This is my 17th year working as a school psychologist in Delaware County, PA. I have previously taught at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as supervised future school psychologists. I was also involved in writing some of the curriculum for the Act 48 trauma informed training.
Teacher, Martin County School District
Alyssa Hockensmith is a high school Social Studies teacher in Jensen Beach, FL. She is passionate about engaging students in critical conversations and facilitating learning through collaboration and inquiry.
FCS teacher, Bald EagleArea SD
I am beginning my 11th year teaching at Bald Eagle Area School District. I teach 6th-12th Family & Consumer Science, a Nutrition dual enrollment class, & (this year) one section of 8th grade Introduction to Physical Science. Teaching is a third career (retail & coaching college soccer) for me. I went back to school in 2012, to complete a second Bachelor of Science in Education, Health & PE. Wanting to stay in Centre County, I took the Praxis in both FCS & 7-12 General Science.
Teacher, Red Lion Area School District
I began teaching as my second career, 6 years ago. Within that time, and also taking different college courses, I have realized that I have a passion for empathy and trauma informed practices. I feel strongly that students need to belong, feel welcomed, feel heard, and feel safe in order for them to learn.
Educator, Millburn Public Schools
Melissa Bryan has been a NJ ELA educator for nearly twenty years. Currently, she is the Supervisor of English and Library Media in Millburn, NJ.
Teacher, Reading School District
This is my third year teaching in the Reading School District. I teach 6th grade ELA/ SS and am currently pursuing my masters through PSU/UAGM in ESL.
Special Education Teacher, Interboro School District - Tinicum School
This is my 6th year as an educator and my 5th year as the ELA learning support teacher at Tinicum School. Our classes are fully pushed in this year, and our class sizes range from 23-29 students.
Spanish teacher middle school, Bethlehem Area School District
After earning a graduate degree in International Affairs from the University of Miami, I chose to go into Education instead of Law School. I have worked in education for over 20 years as a teacher and administrator both in the United States and in South America. I am fluent in Spanish.
ESL Teacher, Reading School District
Hello, I am Sherry Kendra, beginning my 12rth year in RSD and my 8th year in ESL. I also am currently finishing my last year in my K-12 principal certification and will be completing my internship January through May. My goal is to continue learning and growing and move my career into supervisory ESL and/or equity.
Sixth-Grade Teacher, Locust Grove Elementary
My name is Towanda Lemon-Mckie and I am a sixth-grade writing and science teacher at a York County elementary school. I have been teaching full time since 2017, and this is my second career. My students are 11 and 12 year olds who have never received percentage or points grades in the past, and are trying to manage peer pressure and technology.
FAQ
To become a member of TAC, email a resume to Humanrightsinitiative@psu.edu
Any educator (teachers, administrators, etc.) who works in the United States.