Tamera Malone

On the Road to Liberation

  • This is how I read 3 books at a time – steps to master self-directed reading

    If you’re trying to read more but feel overwhelmed by your schedule, you’re not alone. As a lifelong learner, teacher coach, and proud autodidact, I’ve developed a reading system that helps me make consistent progress on three books at a time. In this blog, I break down my intentional reading routine and show you how…

  • He Struggled to Sit Still. I Couldn’t Fix the System. But We Found a Way Anyway.

    Discover the powerful story of “Teaching Donnell” through the eyes of Scottie, a passionate special education teacher navigating the challenges of classroom management, student behavior, and burnout. This heartfelt reflection highlights the transformational impact of connection, commitment, and culturally responsive teaching. Perfect for educators seeking real talk, real strategies, and real growth.

  • Do You Know How to Find Your Way Home?

    Finding My Way Home: Discover how to ground yourself, find inner peace, and reconnect with your true self through mindfulness, journaling, yoga, and spending time in nature. Embrace personal growth and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and tranquility.

  • Feeling Overwhelmed? What Can We Do?

    In a world filled with uncertainty and injustice, the question remains: what can we do? Feeling overwhelmed, powerless, or unsure of where to start is easy. But real change begins with a simple yet powerful process: Knowledge, Action, and Reflection. This blog explores how we can make a meaningful impact by first taking care of…

  • Knowledge, Action, and Reflection: The Path to Liberation

    Learn about the transformative power of Knowledge, Action, and Reflection as inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. This article explores how deep understanding fuels intentional action, how purposeful action creates meaningful change, and how reflection refines both. Learn how these three interconnected elements empower educators and changemakers to navigate systemic challenges, foster liberation,…

  • Dreamkeepers: Stop Asking Teachers to Remember Their “Why”

    Learn about how teachers Scottie, Malik, and Mialee navigate the challenges of teaching while grappling with burnout, frustration, and purpose. This story explores the power of volition, the realities of working in an inequitable system, and the ways educators can stay grounded in their why without dismissing the difficulties they face.

  • Here’s How Clarity, Time Management, and Simple Routines Help Me Thrive

    Discover the four strategies that fueled my progress this year: clarity, time management, daily routines, and wellness. Learn actionable tips to align your goals, build consistency, and prioritize well-being for a thriving life in 2025.

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Business Meeting Notes – December 3 

    Get a detailed summary of the Memphis Shelby County Board of Education’s December 3 business meeting, covering significant decisions and debates. Topics include the SchoolSeed donation, approval of the Proximity Learning contract to address teacher shortages, postponement of a $20 million computer purchase, and oversight concerns on the ALLMemphis MOU. Learn about discussions on demolition…

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Meeting Notes – November 19

    Discover the highlights from the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board November 19 Work Session. Key discussions included updates on attendance initiatives, academic performance improvements, charter school proposals, funding approvals, and strategic planning for facilities and community engagement. Learn about the decisions shaping the district’s future, from addressing teacher vacancies to securing resources for students and schools.…

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Committee Meeting Notes – November 12

    Comprehensive summary of the November 12 Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) committee meetings covering key updates on the ‘More for Memphis’ initiative, policy changes, academic committee highlights, budget and finance discussions, and department 100-day updates. Insights on strategic plans, student support, staffing needs, and operational improvements.

  • Dreamkeepers: Mastering Cold Calling to Increase Student Engagement

    Discover how teachers Scottie, Malik, and Mialee use a thoughtful approach to cold calling to boost student engagement and comfort in the classroom. This story explores strategies for making cold calling more inviting, fostering skill development in public speaking, critical thinking, and active listening.

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Meetings Notes – October 31

    These notes capture a comprehensive overview of a four-hour board session, including discussions from an evaluation committee meeting, two special-called meetings to approve the superintendent’s evaluation tool and custodial amendments, and key decision points on district priorities. Highlights include the board’s approval of the superintendent evaluation tool, detailed quantitative measures for district priorities, and challenges…

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Business Meeting Notes – October 22

    Stay updated on the latest developments from the Memphis-Shelby County Schools October 22 Board Business Meeting. This post covers special recognitions, committee assignments, instructional program discussions, and insights from the Superintendent’s Report, including truancy initiatives, facility updates, and wage increases for hourly employees. Get the full details and access important documents, and be sure to…

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Evaluation Committee Meeting Key Highlights – October 21

    This article provides detailed insights from the October 21 Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board Evaluation Committee meeting. Key topics include the evaluation process for Superintendent Dr. Feagins, discussions on competency weights, incorporation of quantitative measures, priorities for student achievement, teacher retention, and career and technical education (CTE). The board also explored the possibility of implementing a…

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Work Session Key Highlights – October 15

    Stay informed about the latest updates from Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) with detailed notes from the recent board meetings and work sessions. Discover key decisions on literacy initiatives, school infrastructure projects, collaborative conferencing, and the district’s focus on improving student achievement. Learn about the district’s strategies for enhancing education, supporting teachers, and fostering student…

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools Evaluation Committee Meeting Key Highlights – October 15

    The latest Memphis-Shelby County Schools Evaluation Committee meeting revealed important updates regarding the superintendent evaluation process. In this post, I break down key discussions on evaluation criteria, including student achievement, staff relations, and the weight of each competency. With the evaluation deadline fast approaching, the committee faces critical decisions.

  • Key Highlights from Memphis Shelby County Schools Board Committee Meeting – October 8

    In this post, you’ll find essential highlights from the Memphis Shelby County Schools Board October 8 committee meeting, featuring insights from board members and district leaders on pressing topics.

  • Shift Your Perspective: 5 Steps to Achieve Personal Growth and Transformation

    Learn how to shift your paradigm and transform your life with these five powerful steps. Discover how changing your mindset can lead to personal growth, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling journey. Dive into practical strategies inspired by Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to start seeing the world differently and achieving…

  • Anecdotes vs. Evidence: Evaluating Leadership Effectively

    Discover the crucial difference between anecdotes and evidence when evaluating leadership effectiveness. Learn why relying solely on personal stories can be misleading and how evidence-based approaches provide a clearer picture of leadership performance. Dive into thoughtful reflections on balancing anecdotes with solid data for responsible and accurate reporting.

  • Inside Memphis Shelby County Schools: September 24 Board Meeting

    In this post, you’ll find essential highlights from the September 24 meeting, featuring insights from board members and district leaders on pressing topics.

  • Inside Memphis Shelby County Schools: Key Takeaways from the September 10 and September 17 MSCS Board Meetings

    In this post, you’ll find a breakdown of the most important points raised during the Memphis Shelby County Schools Board meetings held September 10 and September 17. This post includes key insights from board members and district leaders on a variety of pressing topics. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community advocate, this structure will…

  • A Reflection on Salary Negotiation: Could This Method Work for You?

    Discover practical strategies for navigating salary negotiations with confidence. Learn how to anchor high, make strategic concessions, and negotiate the salary you deserve with this reflective guide.

  • Dreamkeepers: Visionary Nights

    It was another after school evening, and Mialee and Scottie’s living room had become the unofficial meeting spot for a trio of passionate educators determined to change the world, one classroom at a time. The dim light of the room was softened by the glow of Mialee’s laptop, which displayed an open Google Doc titled…

  • Dreamkeepers: SMART Goals,Big Plans

    As they sat around the table, discussing their classroom visions, Malik absentmindedly reached into his bag and pulled out a half-eaten sandwich from lunch. He took a big bite and shrugged, seemingly oblivious to the crumbs now clinging to his shirt. “I mean, it’s efficient, right?” Scottie slowly shook her head, distaste in her eyes,…

  • The Art of Being an Autodidact: Embracing the Power of Self-Learning

    There’s something uniquely empowering about being an autodidact – a self educator. It’s the embodiment of curiosity, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding. As someone who proudly identifies as an autodidact with a child-like curiosity, I’ve come to see self-learning as more than just a method for acquiring knowledge—it’s truly a way…

  • Don’t Give Me a Band-Aid When There’s a Knife in My Back: The Difference Between False Charity and True Generosity

    Malcolm X once said, “If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, the knife is still in my back. If you pull it out all the way, the wound is still open.” This powerful metaphor perfectly encapsulates what true justice requires—not just removing the knife but treating…

  • The Power of Small Habits: How I Keep My Shower Clean with Minimal Effort

    One task I genuinely dislike is cleaning my shower. It’s an onerous chore, especially with a glass door that accumulates soap scum, water stains, and other blemishes over time. The floor and walls aren’t spared either. However, I discovered a small habit that has elevated my shower-cleaning routine and made my life significantly easier. The…

  • The Ultimate Goal: Embracing Interdependence for Greater Success

    We’re all familiar with the terms independent and dependent, whether from algebra or describing ourselves or others. But how often do we consider the power of interdependence? Recently, I finished reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and one of the most insightful concepts he discusses is what it means to…

  • Mid-Year Goal Reflection: Transformative Strategies for Progress

    The year’s halfway point is the perfect time to reflect on our goals and accomplishments, make necessary adjustments, and plan for the months ahead. In this post, I will provide a detailed look into my reflection process and how I stay on track to meet my goals. I hope to inspire you to stay committed…

  • Intellectual Growth and Achievement: How to Advance Student Learning

    This blog post continues our exploration of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP), a framework for teachers developing their critical consciousness, cultural competence, and ability to advance student learning. Today, we’ll delve deeper into the concept of student learning.  The Body Analogy: Student Learning as the Core Imagine a culturally relevant teacher as a human body. We’ve…

  • Conquering Your First 5k: A Beginner’s Guide

    Running has been a massive part of my life for about 12 years. I remember my very first 5k like it was yesterday. A few of my coworkers and I signed up to run together; the rest is history.   One of the initial things I loved about running was how it kept me fit and…

  • Building Bridges in the Classroom: Exploring Cultural Competence

    We’re diving deeper into our ongoing journey towards culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP)! We’ve explored this framework’s heart (volition) and left brain (critical consciousness). Now, let’s shift to the right brain – cultural competence. Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings defines cultural competence as the ability of students to: These abilities translate to students expressing their cultural identity through…

  • Understanding Oppression: Root Causes, Effects, and the Struggle for Full Humanity

    Oppression, at its core, is any act or system that hinders individuals or groups from reaching their full potential and living freely. This post delves into the core aspects of this complex concept, exploring its definition, motivations, and the devastating cycle it perpetuates.  Oppression manifests in various forms, like exploitation (unequal exchange of labor for…