We recently connected with Tanjarae Porter and have shared our conversation below.
Tanjarae , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
One of the most important lessons that I learned during my time as a public school educator and leader is to write down and codify as much as possible. As an educator, I created lesson plans to ensure that I taught my students well-crafted lessons. This thought process supported me deeply as I transitioned into leadership roles, where I supported other educators instructionally and operationally. I truly didn’t realize the power of creating and documenting processes and procedures until this time. The lessons that I took from my educational experiences is to create training resources in a multitude of ways (ahead of time) to ensure that every learner can access and understand the information to the best of their ability. We often forget as business owners that every teammate is different and that it is up to us as leaders in the organization to supply our teams with everything that they need to be successful. Not only has codifying procedures in a set document supported current and future teammates but has allowed me to free up time due resources being available for reference. My advice to every solo-preneur/ edu-prenuer is to document your processes as you go. This will eliminate having to backtrack when you start hiring and building your teams. Use the technology that is out there to save your sanity.
Tanjarae , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Dear readers,
I am thrilled to have this opportunity to share my journey and passion with you. My name is Tanjarae Porter, and I am a senior consultant at Cultivated Connections Design and Consulting. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to the field of education, driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students and educators alike.
My journey into the education industry began with my passion for the arts and literacy. I started my public school teaching journey as a certified dance educator and later transitioned to teaching 6th grade and Kindergarten. During my time as a general educator, I realized how much students were affected by not being able to read well as well as how limited their creative and critical thinking skills were. It prompted me to do what I love the most: incorporate arts integration strategies to support learning. It was during this time where I saw the two words that I loved tremendously collide: arts + academia. Due to my love of literacy, I received my Masters degree to be a certified reading specialist, which has supported me with the development of programs that infusing arts integration and literacy.
During my experience as an instructional leader, I realized the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents beyond the traditional curriculum. This experience shaped my belief in the holistic development of students and the need for well-rounded educational experiences. It also inspired me to pursue a career in educational consulting, where I could help educators create impactful learning environments.
At Cultivated Connections Design and Consulting, I am proud to offer a range of products and services aimed at enhancing instructional practices and empowering educators. We provide comprehensive professional development sessions, virtual supports, curriculum guidance, and more. These offerings are designed to support educators in their quest for continuous growth and improvement.
One of the core problems we solve for our clients is the need for tailored guidance and support in the ever-evolving landscape of education. We understand that every classroom, school, and district is unique, and we believe in providing customized solutions that address specific needs and challenges. Our expertise in instructional design, arts education, and literacy allows us to develop impactful strategies and resources that resonate with educators and students alike.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to culturally responsive teaching pedagogy in the arts classroom. We firmly believe that education should be inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all students. We strive to create learning environments where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This commitment is embedded in our approach to curriculum development, instructional practices, and professional development sessions.
I am most proud of the transformational impact our work has had on educators and students. Witnessing teachers embrace innovative strategies, witness students’ growth and excitement for learning, and seeing the positive ripple effect within school communities fills me with immense joy and fulfillment. It is the fuel that drives me to continue making a difference in the field of education.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my passion for education is unwavering. I am dedicated to supporting educators in their professional growth and providing them with the tools and strategies they need to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences. Cultivated Connections Design and Consulting is committed to being a partner on your educational journey, helping you unlock the full potential of your students and making a lasting impact in the lives of those you serve.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson that I had to unlearn your past does not determine you destiny. My path in the education and arts field is not deemed as traditional or linear but that I am worthy and equipped enough to do this work.
In the arts arena, a lot artists/creatives have had the pleasure to receive formal classes and the like earlier in age, if circumstances allowed it. My case was slightly different. I would be what one considered as a “late” dancer. I started taking classes at 18 versus toddlerhood/early childhood like most professional dancers.
My journey in college also made me feel as if what I brought to the artistic space was not worthy or good enough due to what some may deem as the “lack.”
My previous experiences are what fueled my work as an arts educator in the public school arena. It was my commitment to prove to myself as well as educators and students that what one brings to the table, no matter how it’s packaged and delivered is worthy to be shared and experienced.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media is such a fun place for me. It is a place that I can show up authentically while sharing my expertise.
I built my social media by reflecting first. What did I want to share with my audience? How did I want to share this information? How did I want my audience to experience me? Am I only creating content or am I actually educating? What are my values and do my platforms exemplify that?
Once I sorted through those questions with intention, I then began to show up….. CONSISTENTLY!
The key to my social media growth has been to be authentic, be consistent, be interactive on my page and others with GENUINE intention, to partner with others on their platforms, as well as to attend networking functions, conferences and the like.
My advice to some one who is building their social media presence is: to reflect on the following: WHY (“Why are you doing this work”), HOW (How do you want to show up), WHAT (what are you presenting).
Next, scroll with intention. What are others doing that’s catching your attention while providing value to your life?
Also, invest in your business. Sometimes we just have to pay to play. Seek support and help from a social media professional to support you with creating a strategy. Sometimes we just need a little guidance.
Lastly, step away from behind the screen. Participate in networking events, vending events, conferences and the like. People are more prone to follow you after “meeting” you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cultivatedconnections.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivated.connections/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cultivated.Connections
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultivated-connections-design-and-consulting/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChXPS3lPj7mXjtU35ypMmtA
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CultivatedConnections
Image Credits
Personal Photos Tennessee Arts Academy