We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Stephanie Boyce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After seeing quick growth in student outcomes as an instructional coach, I created the FRESH strategy to share our best practices with other teachers. During regional and state conference presentations, teachers (not administrators) started saying they needed this kind of professional development at their campuses. They had a desire for more safe spaces to have conversations about culture and race, diversity and inclusion, and what the heck it all had to do with improving our instructional practices anyway. For many of them, this training was the first time they ever learned about culturally responsive teaching, and they wanted all their colleagues to experience it. Did I mention the PD iss interactive and fun??? Because it definitely is that, and we have all sat through enough boring PD.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is what I call the “trifeta”. My journey along the path of academia was anything but typical, having taken me from being a rebellious student in at-risk schools to teaching and leading in at-risk schools, and eventually serving as a researcher in the same schools. My support for teachers is unique, because of the lived experience I have. It makes my work and approach one that feels authentic and approachable for educators looking to better connect with kids.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends come to town we start in Oak Cliff. First stop is the Pan African Connection. We can buy books and art, shop local vendors, see cultural performances. We would eat a great meal at True Kitchen and Kocktails downtown. They have the most amazing soul food in an upscale environment. During COVID, we may visit a drive in movie at The Drive-In at the Central.The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to recognize and celebrate my late mentor Dr. James Conyers, Director of the African American Studies Program at the University of Houston. For decades, he was a gatekeeper for so many providing resources, opportunities, and knowledge that transformed our minds and propelled our professional strivings.

Website: www.thefreshclassroom.com
Instagram: @freshclassroom
Linkedin: @freshclassroom
Twitter: @fresh_classroom
Facebook: @freshclassroom
Yelp: N/A
Youtube: Fresh Classroom

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