This article was written and Published by EALA— September 27, 2024
In early April, the Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA) hosted its Spring 2024 School Study Tours in Nashville, Tennessee. Over three days, educators and administrators from across the country gathered to explore and learn from the innovative practices of schools that are making a difference for diverse learners.
Our time in Nashville was marked by deep engagement with schools that exemplify EALA Promising Practices—ranging from trauma-informed teaching to culturally and linguistically responsive instruction. These visits offered participants a chance to witness firsthand the ways in which these practices are transforming student outcomes and driving school success.
Day 1: A Focus on Holistic Development at Fall-Hamilton Elementary
Photo description: Educators observe a yoga session in a bright classroom, part of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program.
The tour began at Fall-Hamilton Elementary School, a school known for its trauma-informed approach to education through frameworks like The Leader in Me and Be Well in Schools. The morning started with a warm welcome in the gym, followed by guided tours where educators explored various classrooms. The tours highlighted Innovative Structures of Support and Leader Commitment as participants observed a Be Well class focusing on yoga and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), co-teaching sessions with English Language Learners (ELL), and personalized learning time in a second-grade classroom.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session with former principal Mathew Portell, who shared insights into the school’s ongoing efforts to support both academic and emotional development.
Day 2: Strengthening Community Engagement at John B. Whitsitt Elementary
Photo Description: Educators seated in a spacious library during a welcome session, with a school leader presenting.
The second day of the tour took participants to John B. Whitsitt Elementary School, where the focus was on Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Community Engagement. The visit began with a welcome in the school library, followed by classroom observations that showcased Whitsitt’s innovative scheduling and co-teaching models across grades K-5. Attendees observed a variety of practices, including a second-grade reading group and a co-planning session for math teachers that incorporated data-driven decision-making.
The school’s commitment to engaging families and the broader community was evident, as participants learned about how Whitsitt fosters strong partnerships with families to support student success. The visit ended with a debrief session, allowing attendees to reflect on the strategies observed and consider how they might apply similar approaches in their own schools.
Day 3: Academic Excellence and SEL at LEAD Cameron Middle School
On the final day, the tour group visited LEAD Cameron Middle School and LEAD Academy High School, where they explored practices centered on Curriculum Instruction & Assessment and Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Teaching. LEAD Cameron, a zoned public charter school, showcased a unique program designed to support newcomer students, as well as a self-contained math and reading program for grades 5-8.
One participant noted, “School Visit 3 at LEAD Cameron Middle School was incredibly inspiring. The CREW program and the support for newcomer students really stood out as innovative and impactful.” – Administrator, Attendee
Another attendee reflected on the impact of the SEL learning observed, sharing, “STEM Prep Middle School provided a perfect example of how to integrate culturally responsive teaching with rigorous academics. This visit gave me actionable ideas to take back to my own school.” – Special Education Coordinator, Attendee
The day concluded with a panel discussion with teachers, providing further insight into the school’s instructional practices and the impact of strong leadership on student outcomes.
Photo Description: Educators taking part in a collaboration session, with teachers discussing instructional practices and a school banner displayed behind them.
Final Reflections: A Collaborative Learning Experience
The Nashville School Study Tours provided a rich opportunity for educators to engage with promising practices across multiple schools. From trauma-informed education at Fall-Hamilton to community engagement at Whitsitt and innovative instructional models at LEAD Cameron, participants left with new ideas and strategies to bring back to their own districts.
We extend our gratitude to our partner organizations, Diverse Learners Cooperative and Getting Smart, for their support in making this event a success.
To read more about our previous School Study Tours and their impact, check out our blog on the 2023 Chicago Tours here.
