Professional Biography
Tawanna Jones is Associate Director of the Urban Teaching Apprentice Program (UTAP). Prior to joining Penn GSE, Tawanna spent over 20 years serving children and families in the Philadelphia public school system. She has worked as a special education teacher and school psychologist. As a Lead Professional Development Facilitator, Tawanna has worked locally and nationally as a trainer for the American Federation of Teachers developing courses focused on instructional strategies and sharing expertise in social-emotional learning and restorative practice to address the affective and learning needs of children in the school, home, and the broader community.
Tawanna is a scholar-activist whose doctoral research focused on Black girls’ perceptions of public education’s role in their pursuit of the American Dream. In December 2016 she founded we REIGN Inc., a Philadelphia based non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that Black girls have the skills and knowledge needed to become advocates, activists, and organizers around issues that impact their lives. Her article "Who Are My Sisters' Keepers?" and national conference presentations have focused on the impact of trauma on teaching and learning, social justice, racial equity, diversity and inclusion, and the lived experiences of Black girls in schools and communities.
