Hope in Focus

Tonya Woolfolk, Ph.D., is the Coordinator of Science for grades K-5 in one of the largest school districts in Georgia. In this role, she organizes the science curriculum for 24 elementary schools while providing professional learning on various topics for over 1,000 elementary teachers and administrators. Tonya also provides professional learning to K-12 teachers and administrators in the areas of science instruction, leadership, teacher clarity, and professional learning communities. Additionally, she has designed and facilitated impactful executive leadership and organizational development programs. Tonya has previously served as a high school science teacher, department chair, and assistant principal. Tonya most recently served as the District Seven Director for the Georgia Science Teachers Association. Additionally, she has been an instructor for the K-5 Science Endorsement with the Middle Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency and an adjunct professor at Mercer University. Tonya previously served as the Georgia Science Supervisors Association president and on the National Science Teaching Association's Committee on Coordination and Supervision of Science Teaching. She has also served on multiple accreditation and certification review teams with Cognia, an international school accreditation and certification organization. Tonya has been fortunate to have had various experiences throughout her professional journey. She has been immersed in instructional and curriculum design, the facilitation of adult professional learning, and strategic planning. Tonya has had opportunities to share this work in various workshops, trainings, state, and national conferences. She has been a manuscript, rewards, and proposal reviewer for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Educational Researcher Routledge, National Science Teaching Association, and National Science Teaching Association Press. Tonya is a passionate educator with many exploratory experiences that began in elementary school, which nurtured her passion for science. Consequently, she went on to receive her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. After starting her career in education, Tonya obtained graduate degrees and certificates in math and science education, leadership, and curriculum and instruction from Wesleyan College, Georgia College and State University, and Valdosta State University. Her Doctor of Philosophy degree is in Curriculum and Instruction from Mercer University. Tonya is committed to improving environments so that ALL can thrive.

Foreword Acknowledgments About the Author Chapter 1: Introduction - Pursuing and Maintaining Hope for Black Males Part 1: Contributors to Black Males' Cognitive Strategies (Pathways Thinking) Chapter 2: Contributions of Teachers Chapter 3: Personal Contributions Part 2: Contributors to Black Males' Goal-Directed Determination (Agency Thinking) Chapter 4: Outside Persuasions Chapter 5: Self-Determination Part 3: Implications of Black Males' Perceptions of Hope and Academic Performance on Student Success Chapter 6: Culturally Relevant Science Pedagogy Chapter 7: Goal Planning Final Words References Index