Create and Educate, LLC Catalog

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CHILD WHO HATES TO READ; THERE ARE ONLY CHILDREN THE RIGHT BOOK. ~FRANK SARAFINI

Catalog

February/March 2021

WHO HAVE NOT FOUND

Issue 7

Bringing you literature to cultivate a love for reading for all children.

Published by Create & Educate, LLC.

Literacy Leaders

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CREATE AND EDUCATION Welcome from the Editors

03

Professional Development: Reading

04

Professional Development: Implicit Bias ProfessionalDevelopment: School Leaders Collaborative

05 06 Featured Author - Alex Pin

09

Featured Author - Michelle Hardy

10

Featured Author - Stacy Gardin

11

Featured Author - Stacey L. Woodson

12

Featured Author - S. R. Tease

13

Detroit City Bookstore Principal Tammy Taylor Dr. Sheka Houston

Our Independent Authors

07

Featured Author - LaToya Lewis

08

14

15 16

Join Us on the Collaborative

17

Free Resources

18

Visit

WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATE.SOLUTIONS

WELCOME FROM THE EDITORS Fellow Educators: We are the founders of Create and Educate, LLC. We provide professional development and conduct reviews for products and services to determine if they are a good fit for K-12 settings. We saw a need for this as we sought solutions for our own schools and became problem solvers that would like to share.

We are school principals that have experienced tremendous success in the areas of instructional leadership, climate and culture, and improvement in reading achievement in our schools through an effective collaboration with one another. Our collaboration has worked so well, we have designed a system that can be duplicated in any district for sound school leadership collaboration (see page 6 for more information).

In the spirit of collaboration, we put together this free publication that you may find helpful. Please feel free to reach out to us. Since we are practicing school principals our solutions are realistic and practical.

Dr. Sheka Houston & Principal Tammy Taylor

"Our mission is to create spaces that allow stakeholders to excel and thrive."

WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM |03

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPROVING READING ACHIEVEMENT We have both had tremendous success in improving academic achievement in our schools especially in the area of reading. The NWEA School Conditional Growth matrix indicated extraordinary growth with our students. In some instances Percentile Rankings increased from the 17th Percentile to the 90th Percentile. As a result of continuous growth, a case study is being conducted to examine the instructional practices in place.

Improving Reading Achievement provides leaders with the following strategies for improving student achievement: Analyzing reading data.

Identifying challenges and gaps.

Providing literacy training to teachers, coaches, and leadership teams.

Building literature rich schools with sufficient classroom libraries.

Devising sound MTSS systems and plans to see growth in reading achievement.

Involving students and parents in increasing ownership of the reading plan and academic achievement.

Creating successful virtual literacy classroom experiences for students.

Previous Survey Responses "What I enjoyed most about our session with Create and Educate was their willingness to really hear each challenge then focus the proposed resolution around solving that problem."

"The session was really customized for our staff and our most up to date needs. Every teacher has at least 1 to 2 things that they can easily incorporate into their instruction within the next 2 days (Session on Saturday so Monday ready)."

"I would recommend this coaching framework to other educators-100% Response Rate"

WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM |Â 04

IMPLICIT BIAS IN EDUCATION Implicit bias, also known as unconscious bias, occurs when stereotypes influence automatic brain processing. We can be susceptible to inherent bias and not even know it (CantuPawlik, 2019).

Do these biases exist in schools? Of course they do. We are all human and prone to certain biases. Biases can exist around sex, race, socio-economic status, and educational goals.

In education do we push college more than trades because of our own experiences? You may or may not, but this is the type of bias that will be examined and strategies will be provided in this fun and interactive approach where Dr. Houston tells the story of her own bias against individuals with tattoos before her sister, pictured below, became inked up.

Not Inked Up vs. Inked Up gives your staff the opportunity to have as much fun with this professional develop as desired by purchasing Not Inked Up or Inked Up t-shirts, hats, masks, or bracelets before the professional development takes place.

This professional development will not only allow your staff to address bias, but serves as a great team building and culture boosting initiative.

"To know the true reality of yourself you must be aware not only of your conscious thoughts, but also your unconscious prejudice, bias, and habits ."

Anonymous

SCHOOL LEADERS COLLABORATIVE: LEADING A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL The most impactful influence for students are teachers, but the most impactful influence to a school is a school leader. It Doesn't Have to Be Lonely At the Top: The Power of Collaboration in Leadership will be pre-released in March 2021. The book outlines our journey as school leaders and how our system of collaboration helped us improve our schools tremendously in a single year.

In this book you will learn the importance of having a genuine "trustmate" and how to carve out time to work on the work as leaders. In addition, we discuss how a strong strategic plan and effective structures and systems can lead to unbelievable school improvement and tremendous student growth.

Oftentimes, leaders are great about carving out time for teachers; however, little time is devoted to self-improvement. Our system will show you how this can benefit school leaders in any district.

The precursor to this book, is our featured stories in the Women Who Lead in Education Featuring School Principals Anthology. In this book we discuss instructional leadership, climate and culture and collaboration.

"Create & Educate, LLC brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their craft.

Their strategies and insights were so impressive, I had them present to my research and strategic palnning classes for my masters and doctoral students at the university."

-Chike Akua, Ph.D., CEO Imani Enterprises Consulting, LLC. Teacher Transformation Institute

WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM | 06

INDEPENDENT AUTHORS The literature offerings from phenomenal independent authors have been an incredible asset as we continue to build strong literacy programs at our schools while increasing academic achievement in reading.

Many times independent authors are not given opportunities to see their offerings in schools on large scales if they are not published by any of the larger publishing companies with whom schools currently, primarily, conduct business.

We have found it essential to seek out independent authors to meet the diverse literary needs of our schools allowing students to connect with text on a grand scale. See the graphic below from the 2018 School Library Journal that depicts the level of diversity that exists in children's books.

We encourage you to give these authors the opportunity to provide instructional support for your literacy programs as you achieve success in increasing academic achievement as your students fall in love with reading.

"Dr. Houston and Principal Taylor from Create and Educate provided very beneficial professional development to my staff on literacy, breaking down the strategies my teachers needed to perfect their craft and impact students achievement in reading. I have purchased all of their literary recommendations for my school and classroom libraries to better connect my students with reading ."

-Principal Shawn Hurt

LATOYA LEWIS

Meet Brailey a little girl who loved to color. Her favorite thing to color was people of all different shades and hues. Brailey was a budding artist, until one day in art class, Max told Brailey she was a black girl not brown. Brailey was very confused. She had always been told she was a little brown princess. Unfortunately, Brailey soon realized that everyone did not see the world in colors the way that she did. Get Bailey's story to see how she learned to appreciate differences.

Purchase at: https://linktr.ee/latoyalewisbooks Contact the author for bulk discounts: contact@latoyalewisbooks.com

LaToya Lewis has been working with children as an educator for over a decade. She has always loved books and began writing her own stories to express her feelings about current events taking place in her life. I Am Brown is her first children's book. LaToya is a native of Columbus, GA, and a very proud alumnus of Florida A & M University where she earned her degree in education. Her greatest passions are for education and traveling. Her goal is to inspire youth to dream big and step outside of the United States. Currently, she resides in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This is a very well written book that includes very important themes such as selfawareness. I am Brown is an amazingly crafted story that also includes diversity and appreciation for differences. I am Brown can be used as an interactive read-aloud or during independent reading times. The story would also be a wonderful addition to every school library. The author even provides a free teacher guide.

LaToya is available for virtual author's visits and can even talk with students about her travel abroad as your students embark upon a virtual visit to Dhabi. We highly recommend her materials. She is an outstanding educator who is excellent with children!

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM |Â 08

ALEX PIN

Hannah is a little girl who has to use a wheelchair. She has a very special wish, and we can’t wait for you and your kids to embark upon this journey with her. After watching kids run and jump and play every day outside her window, Hannah begins to wish she could do it too -- without her wheelchair. After finding out that her legs simply won’t listen, she becomes determined to get her wish, and so she writes Santa her one-of-a-kind Christmas wish… What happens next? Well, you’re going to have to read it to find out!!

Alex Pin is the author of several innovative children's books, through which she encourages self-awareness in children and adults alike. Each of her books is filled with kindness, friendship, tolerance, and gratitude.

She also received an Innovation Award for her work "Big Careless Boots". Her first picture book "Pepi and His Nest" was given the Best Ecological Picture Book award, as well.

Contact the author for bulk discounts: www.alex-pin.com hello@alex-pin.com

This is a very impactful story that depicts a child with a physical disability as the leading character. The story is not only one that fosters empathy and inclusion from students, but also empowers students with disabilities who rarely see characters like themselves depicted in books.

The conversations around hope, kindness and character that will be invoked by this story could be very long lasting and could positively impact any classroom or school culture. Alex resides in Europe, but is also available virtually for authors visits and could even lead students in foreign language exploration being multi-lingual. Her book is available in various languages.

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM | 09

MICHELLE TAMIKO HARDY

Michelle Hardy's Random Acts of Kindness and Storytelling

Michelle takes her audience to a place of not only authenticity but in some instantances hilarity. Michelle Hardy's story telling and and kindness program is all about relationships, friendship, and era that is still treasured through the eyes of the beholder; a bit of drama squeezed into an awesome story.

You will find that her storytelling brings even more intrigue because it will come true right before your very eyes.

Contact the author: bekindco@gmail.com

."Michelle Tamiko Hardy, a Philanthropist, Inspirational Speaker and Author known as 'The Giving Guru' for her daily Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) and teaching people how to Give Without Ceasing.

Michelle educates individuals and large groups on how to give in creative ways for low or no cost. She is the expert of taking little to nothing and making it into something to give. As she wrote the story it began to come true for her in life making it one of those stories that epitomizes "as you think....so shall it be.

Michelle is an amazing storyteller. Her talent of storytelling will capture the attention of students K-12 immediately. We love the potential that the story provides for transforming schools and school cultures into institutions of kindness. In early grades the institution of play and imagination could be utilized after children hear the story. There are so many things you can do with this story. We love it as a schoolwide kindess initiative.

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor

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STACEY GARDIN

Mandy: Tangled in a Web, explores the journey of a little girl wanting her first pet but her mother is hesitant. The reader is taken on an exciting journey of finding the right fit for Mandy that she can hide. All of her lies spin a web of chaos that she doesn't know how to escape on her own. This book is great for PreK to Third Grade readers, teaching moral values encouraging imagination.

Purchase at www.staceygardin.com/author Contact the author for bulk discounts.

"Stacey Gardin is an author, model and photographer. She’s been modeling since the age of 15 and has had her photography business, Smit’N Photography, since 2015.

She launched her first book, “Mandy: Tangled in a Web” in October 2020. It’s about a little girl that wants a pet but her mother tells her not yet. Stacey held the title of Miss Greenville USA 2013 in the Miss SC USA Pageant where she placed in the Top 15. She was featured on the cover of TOWN Magazine’s April 2015 Style issue.

This is a very well written and beautifully illustrated book your kids will fall in love with. Mandy: Tangled in a Web makes a great read aloud in Pre-K through 3rd grades. Most students can connect with pets. In addition, the lessons learned from being truthful will help add character to your young readers.

Stacey is available for virtual author's visits and can even talk with students about her photography business during career days. We highly recommend her. She is very professional, upbeat and great with children.

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM | 11

STACEY L. WOODSON

Delicious and Nutritious: The Prince/Princess of Picky Eating Tries New Foods is the first book in the series. The children's book was inspired by and loosely based on the author's children. Stacey lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, three children and her cat.

Books can be purchased on Staceywoodson.com.

Contact the author for bulk discounts.

Stacey Woodson, MS, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian & nutritionist, entrepreneur, counselor, speaker, and author on the topics of nutrition and wellness. Stacey holds a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Hampton University, a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from La Salle University and a Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She loves teaching children about healthy eating and introducing them to new foods.

She also has a passion for representing and affirming children of color which inspired her to start a clothing line called Melanated Magic Tees.

Stacey enjoys gardening, foraging, yoga and spending time in nature.

(Girl/Boy Version) Looking for a fun-to-read-aloud book that has a lot of alliterations, a scrumptious story, and teaches about trying new foods? This is it!

Sloane/Stanton will only eat foods beginning with the letter 'B'. Broccoli, butter, and blue corn chips! Her/His picky eating habits persist until Sloane/Stanton is presented with a precious opportunity s/he cannot resist, which encourages her/him to nibble on new foods.The Prince(ss) of Picky Eating Tries New Foods tells a humorous story while introducing dishes eaten throughout the wide world.

It offers several lessons on basic nutrition facts and includes a great glossary. A nourishing story for anyone looking to instill the importance of healthy eating into the children in their life. The book can also be used to introduce the food groups. This multicultural book is also perfect for anyone looking to add diversity to their library. By the end of this book, adults and children will know trying new foods can be delicious and nutritious!

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor

WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM |Â 12

S.R. TEASE

“I Am Who I Am” is a wonderful book for children of all backgrounds, especially Black children. It is about loving yourself & knowing your worth. With playful rhymes and a powerful message. “I Am Who I Am” is written inspiration and filled with affirmations of self-worth.

“I Am Who I Am” is the perfect book to read to kids for story time! The words are small enough for younger kids to understand, and the illustrations are fun and engaging. The matching workbook for “I Am Who I Am”, provides the perfect opportunity for guided lessons and extensions for learning.

This book is the perfect addition to your library collection. This book is a must read for younger students.

Contact the author for bulk discounts: www.purplesquirrelworld.com

S.R. Tease is the author and publisher of inspirational children’s books, “No Ordinary Horse,” and “I Am Who I Am.” As a teacher with her Master’s in Education, S.R. Tease has spent the last decade of her career educating and inspiring urban youth. Understanding the need for children to discover their own voices by creating a strong sense of self, she created her publishing company, Purple Squirrel World. It is the hope of S.R. Tease that her books encourage children to embrace their authentic selves in a culture where inauthenticity is so prevalent. Her Story Monster Approved title, “No Ordinary Horse,” helps children understand that there is no other person in this world they should try to be but themselves. The second title from S.R. Tease, “I Am Who I Am,” written specifically for Black and African American children, contains a powerful message to help them proclaim who they are in a climate of racial injustice.

S.R. Tease is an autism mom and wife who lives and works in her home in Dallas, Texas. She is always creating and when not writing she enjoys painting.

This is a very empowering book for students with affirmations of selfworth and playful rhyming that children love. Great message of becoming a champion of one's authenticity! We love the workbook that provides extended learning activities.

Dr. Houston and Principal Taylor WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM | 13

DETROIT CITY BOOKSTORE

It is so important to support bookstores. Historically they have been a place for like minds to come together. For decades, bookstores have supported writers and authors. Contact the Detroit Book City Bookstore for your diverse literary needs. They will be able to help you build excellent, diverse classroom and school libraries filled with books your children will be able to easily connect with. Contact them today.

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor

WWW.CREATEANDEDUCATESOLUTIONS.COM | 14

Dr. Sheka Houston

Dr. Sheka Houston is a passionate educator that has the desire to inspire all she comes into contact with to become the very best versions of themselves. As a teacher, Sheka was awarded teacher of the year by her peers. She has spent the last 17 years in public education, 12 of which has been in administration while also serving as the AVID District Director. She has also served as the district facilitator for Title IX and the teacher evaluation protocol. Sheka is a certifed grant writer through Research Associates and has received multiple grants to include EIA ($6000.00) PPG ($1500.00) and NetLead Mini-Grant ($1000.00). Sheka has been trained in A Framework for Understanding Poverty, The Ron Clark Educator Training, Single Gender Training, NWEA training and Culturally Relevancy training. She is a contributing author in the Women Who Lead Anthology which features extraordinary women with extraordinary achievements from all industries and careers.

THE BIO SECTION

Sheka also serves on the Board of Girls on the Run, Tri-County, South Carolina, serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, serves on the Juneteenth CelebrationChester Committee and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Entering the field of education through the alternative certification program, Sheka transitioned into education from the real estate industry where she was a Million Dollar producer after hosting a workshop on self-esteem for a group of young ladies in a local community pageant. Sheka conducted research through Gardner-Webb University to becoome a Doctor of Education with a concentration on school leadership. Her dissertation topic; Impoverished Schools that are Performing Successfully in South Carolina. How do They Differ from Impoverished Schools that are Underperforming? was inspired by her desire to find solutions for new principals, especially those serving in high poverty areas, to experience success in the area of academic achievement for students.

Finally, Sheka is a lead teacher in the elementary sunday school program at her church where her family activly contributes to ministry.

Sheka and her husband of 22 years, Jerry, have two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth and Isabella who are truly her inspirations, as she leads through the lens of a mom.

www.CreatandEducate.Solutions | 15

Principal Tammy Taylor

Tammy Taylor is a dedicated educator who has committed her life and career to the service of others. She has spent 23 years as a public educator, serving in a plethora of roles including teaching fourth and first grades respectively, Instructional Coach, Instructional Coordinator, Curriculum Facilitator, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Director of Title I and Testing, and Director of Accountability and Special Projects.

Her most recent role has been her service as an elementary principal.

Tammy has served on a variety of committees and boards over her career as an advocate for students and public education. These include, First Steps, Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina Association of School and Title I Administrators.

She has a strong background in Early Childhood Education, curriculum development, and literacy and foundational reading skills

THE BIO SECTION

Tammy has been trained in the tenets of the national movement to increase reading skills - Reading First. She served as a partner teacher and Reading First Initiative team member.

Tammy is passionate about teaching and learning and keeps her skills honed through her affiliations with a number of professional organizations.

She is a member of the Association for School Curriculum and Development, The National Education Association, The South Carolina Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi, the National Association for Professional Women, and the International Reading Association.

Tammy is married to Pastor Keith Taylor. She has worked faithfully to support him in ministry for over two decades. She’s passionate about working with youth, and has worked with young ladies to create a sense of value and self worth through teaching them to understand, accept, and fulfill their purposes in life. She has become known for her work with a youth organization - at their church, Girls All About Purpose (GAAP).

Tammy is currently pursuing her PhD from the University of South Carolina. Her passion for validating the experience of the principalship and the impact on students’ achievement, drives her research focus. This research will focus on the Impact of Leadership Styles of Principals, School Culture and Climate on Student Achievement.

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JOIN US ON THE COLLABORATIVE

The Collaborative

The Collaborative is our online platform that brings educators, parents, and community members together each week to navigate the pivots of Pandemic Education. A thirty minute segment followed by story time, Tuesdays at 7:00 pm EST. Tune in at: www.Facebook.com/createandeducatesolutions.

Fill out the contact form at www.CreateandEducate.Solutions to be a guest or featured childrens' book author.

www.CreatandEducate.Solutions   |17

FREE RESOURCES Many students have experienced loss during this time of the global pandemic. New York Life offers a wonderful opportunity for teachers and staff to be trained and schools to become Grief-Sensitive Schools. My school also recieved a grant during the process. I highly recommend it. https://www.newyorklife.com/foundation/grief-sensitiveschools-initiative Dr. Sheka Houston, Principal

Celebrating Black History: https://wakelet.com/wake/cTctWV5YXeNJPp0IRLl9l? fbclid=IwAR0oIIULqepEhVgOO06EYbSL2FHepoR1xA2N1_loDd AW3zKRtLfvgEABWTw https://wakelet.com/wake/cTctWV5YXeNJPp0IRLl9l? fbclid=IwAR0oIIULqepEhVgOO06EYbSL2FHepoR1xA2N1_loDd AW3zKRtLfvgEABWTw https://www.edweek.org/leadership/how-to-get-black-historyright-a-series? fbclid=IwAR0McEpWK9_azS9SQPOm0UnaUo2o6sQCn5aYu9W zRZes22gwJ4LNBXl-TkI www.CreatandEducate.Solutions |18