Black Representation in the Curriculum: Conversations on Teaching, Culture, Equity, and Belonging

In this episode, Dr. Ti'Era Worsley shares her journey from a curious child who loved to take things apart to becoming a STEM education coordinator. She discusses the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student, her transition from wanting to be a dentist to pursuing engineering, and the importance of community support in her academic journey. Dr. Worsley emphasizes the need for teaching methods that empower all students and validate their experiences, particularly in STEM fields. She also highlights her current role in supporting community college students and fostering their interests in STEM careers. In this conversation, Dr. Ti'Era Worsley shares her insights on the non-linear pathways students often take in their educational and career journeys. She discusses the challenges faced by students in navigating college life, the importance of understanding the emotional labor involved in education, and the need for critical thinking and collaboration in learning. Dr. Worsley emphasizes the significance of empowering students by encouraging them to ask questions and seek information, as well as the value of teamwork in achieving success. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of education and the importance of adapting to meet the needs of today's learners.

About Dr. Ti'Era Worsley:

Dr. Ti'Era Worsley is a STEM Education Coordinator at Northern Virginia Community College. Her research has focused on the role of educator-youth interactions in fostering student learning and engagement in STEM. Dr. Worsley’s scholarly interests are deeply rooted in her own experiences navigating STEM from K-12 through postsecondary education. Driven by a commitment to finding her place in STEM, she has forged her own path in the field, shaping her research to explore how supportive learning environments can enhance student success and belonging in STEM disciplines.

Link to Dr. Worsley's recent publication: "I'm not giving up on you: Exploring the roles of politicized trust and critical agency in the Scratch coding trajectory of two Black boys" https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/tea.21992

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

In this enlightening conversation, Catherine Quinlan and Kalecia Simmons delve into the critical importance of financial literacy in homeschooling and parenting. They explore how cultural perspectives shape our understanding of money, the impact of generational financial trauma, and practical strategies for teaching children about finances. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and open conversations about money within families, as well as the role of parents in modeling healthy financial habits. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for building a financial legacy that empowers future generations to thrive and for empowering children through financial literacy.

You can view resources and connect with Kalecia Simmons at:

Homeschool: www.theblackhomeschools.com

Business: www.thegoatbusiness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalecia_simmons

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GM2hsF5be/?mibextid=wwXIfr

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

This episode is part 3 of 3 episodes that delve into the role of motivated thinking.

In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan discusses motivated thinking and shares video clips of her prior interview to delve into the intersections of art, culture, and science, particularly through the lens of the Gullah culture. By using prior video clip interviews from her research, particularly her interview with authentic Gullah Artist, Sonja Griffin Evans, she demonstrates the importance of motivated thinking in the role of understandings, spiritual connections, and biases in shaping perceptions, and how cultural narratives can influence education and identity. Through her artistic expressions, Quinlan emphasizes how recognizing and celebrating cultural contributions while addressing historical complexities can add color to the sciences.

Please visit her websites to discover and support the works of artist Sonja Griffin Evans: http://www.sonjagriffinevans.com/

You can visit my YouTube channel for a clearer and STEM related video recording:

https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityinstem

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

This recording is Part 2 of 3 episodes looking at Motivated Thinking (see citation below).

Summary Notes:

In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan explores the concept of motivated thinking, particularly in the context of research and curriculum development. She discusses the importance of accuracy in research, the challenges of aligning personal goals with mainstream educational paradigms, and the impact of information bias on student learning. The conversation emphasizes the need for rich discussions in education and the role of closure in the learning process.

You can access the anthology that contains this paper from your library system or university library.

Molden, D. C., & Higgins, E. T. (2005). Motivated Thinking. In K. J. Holyoak & R. G. Morrison (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of thinking and reasoning (pp. 295–317). Cambridge University Press.

Link to Abstract: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-09680-013

This recording is Part 1 of 3 episodes discussing motivated thinking.

In this conversation, Catherine Quinlan delves into the concept of motivated thinking and its implications for education. She discusses how expectations, both high and low, influence student success and the importance of understanding personal experiences in shaping teaching methods. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultural relevance in education and the powerful impact of motivated thinking on individual and collective success.

You can access the anthology that contains this paper from your library system or university library.

Molden, D. C., & Higgins, E. T. (2005). Motivated Thinking. In K. J. Holyoak & R. G. Morrison (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of thinking and reasoning (pp. 295–317). Cambridge University Press.

Link to Abstract: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-09680-013

In this conversation, Dr. Catherine Quinlan interviews Lynice Brock, a passionate advocate for homeschooling and cultural competence in education. Lynice shares her journey from traditional schooling to homeschooling her three children, driven by a desire for a safe and empowering learning environment and much more.

You can connect with Lynice and support her work on instagram @B.NurturedCommunity

3b.babies shares her journey of a school free life

https://www.instagram.com/3b.babies/profilecard/?igsh=MTJncjd4dHA2dWJ5OQ==

Nurtured Community - events and community

 https://www.instagram.com/b.nurturedcommunity/profilecard/?igsh=cm0wMnhhdGtncXh6

Visit: Visibility In STEM at VisibilityInSTEM.com for more information about Dr. Catherine Quinlan

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

In this episode Dr. Catherine Quinlan talks about the importance of socio-emotional learning in education. She shares her experiences with homeschooling and teaching, emphasizing the need for students to engage in discovery and critical thinking rather than simply seeking correct answers. Quinlan also highlights the role of community and resources in supporting educational goals, advocating for a more integrated approach to teaching that fosters student empowerment and emotional growth.

Here is the citation for the website that was shared with me:

Center for Research and Teaching The Whole Child. (n.d.). AnchorCompetencies Framework https://crtwc.org/framework/ (RetrievedDecember 9, 2024).

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com

In this podcast I introduce myself and the goal of this podcast as well provide a moment of vulnerability by sharing something I have never shared before with students or colleagues.

About the Host: Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan, ED.D.

I am a researcher, professor, and curriculum design expert. I currently hold the Brenda B. Brodie Endowed Chair for Teacher Education in the School of Education at North Carolina Central University.

Learn more about me and my research on my websites and YouTube channels.

For more information visit my websites:

Personal Website of Dr. Catherine L. Quinlan: https://drcatherinequinlan.com

Visibility In STEM Education Consultant/Services: https://visibilityinstem.com/

TEDx Talk: The Clarity We Need For Belonging: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xAD3I3x-M&feature=youtu.be

Recent Academic Book: Black Representation in the Science Curriculum: Implications for Identity, Culture, Belonging, and Curriculum Development.

https://www.routledge.com/9781032757193

Keystone Passage, Chapter Series Book: https://keystonepassage.com