Tandra Birkett, Educational Consultant

During her over 25 year tenure in the New York City Department of Education, Tandra Birkett worked to extend education beyond core academics. Tandra is a curriculum writer, new teacher trainer and youth developer. She was on the curriculum writing team for the NYC Dept. of Education Social Studies Division, Tandra created the New Teacher Program at AECI H.S. and piloted the first Empowering Boys class in the NYC Department of Education sponsored by Scholastic Books Inc., focusing the history and literature curriculum on the needs of black and latino boys. As a Lead Teacher, Tandra has provided professional development and mentorship in teacher training. Through the Conflict Resolution Program in the Bronx, Tandra is a certified New York State conflict resolution specialist. As part of this initiative, she created a mediation center in South Bronx High School, working to reduce gang and school violence. Because of this, Tandra received the NYC Dept. of Education Bronx Superintendent Leadership Award. In addition for 5 years Tandra has served as Life Skills Trainer for the Transition to Adulthood Program for WildCat Service Corporation a Division of FedCap. Tandra is a graduate of New York University and Columbia University, Teachers College, national workshop presenter and is currently an education consultant, supporting teachers and students wherever she is needed. Her educational credo is "Education is the First form of action"