Minority Affairs Conference

The Johnella Martin/TEA Statewide Minority Affairs Conference is designed to provide an opportunity for ethnic minority members of the Tennessee Education Association to receive pertinent information and training that will assist them in their profession and community outreach. TEA provides an overall focus of the latest instructional and professional development techniques designed to enhance teaching and administrative skills, inclusive of an overall understanding and participation in their local, state and national Associations. The Minority Affairs Conference has made an attempt over the years to address the challenges that face black students and educators in Tennessee. The black community faces educational issues similar to other minority groups, including the need for adequate funding for schools serving minority and disadvantaged students. Other issues with a special impact on our community include: Student Achievement gaps, the need to increase diversity and cultural competence in the teaching workforce, and securing adequate and equitable resources for public education.