Right now, the United States is facing a nationwide teaching shortage. Districts are looking for people from different backgrounds to fill these roles, so if you’re looking for a stable, purpose-driven career, why not consider education?

This event will be an opportunity to hear real teachers sip tea about topics like:
- Career growth opportunities within education
- The fun, funny and exciting parts of the job
- How to get started and launch your career

Register now and Handshake will donate $5 to DonorsChoose* to support teachers and students around the country.

The conversation will be moderated by Jules Terpak, Video-first content creator and tech + digital culture reporter.
About Jules: Jules Terpak is a video-first content creator who covers humanity’s growing relationship with digital culture. She has an advice column about life online with The Washington Post and works on youth research with Google. Previously, she co-hosted the Forward podcast with Andrew Yang.
Check out Jules on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julesterpak

Hear from expert speakers including:
Lauran Woolley, Educator / Content Creator
About Lauran: Lauran Woolley is a fifth grade teacher in Northeast Ohio. She has loved being able to combine her love of education and entertainment into one career. Her goal is not only to humanize educators to both families and students, but to create a safe space for her students on the internet. She has had the privilege of collaborating with educators around the world to shed a light on this amazing career.
Check out Lauran on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrs.woolleyin5th

Trayvon Thompson, Educator / Influencer
Mr. Trayvon is an elementary school educator based in Los Angeles County, who creates content primarily on Tiktok (@mr.trayvon), that focuses on the adventures of working in education. His experience working with students has made him deeply dedicated to supporting all students and helping them achieve their goals.
Check out Mr. Trayvon on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.trayvon

Amber Shields, School Leader
Amber Shields also known as “Principal Mommy” is a dynamic school leader, leadership coach, and education/lifestyle influencer based in Dallas, TX. She has a passion for sharing her journey of navigating leadership and motherhood with authenticity, style, and flair. Amber works to shed a positive light on the many bright spots in education while indulging her followers in some lifestyle, fashion, and sneaker commentary along the way. Amber’s mission is to Uplift, Educate, and Inspire!
Check out Amber on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@principal_mommy

Dr. Cassandra Herring, President and CEO, Founder, Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchED)
Cassandra Herring, Ph.D., is the President, Chief Executive Officer, and founder of Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchED). BranchED is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to maximizing programming and driving innovation in preparing highly effective
diverse educators for all learners. Dr. Herring’s passion for equity-driven education reform is firmly rooted in the belief that diversity and excellence are inextricably linked. Dr. Herring has more than 20 years of experience in education, and her career spans all levels of education.
She has worked in early childhood settings through higher education and has led several state education policy initiatives.

Prior to founding BranchED, Dr. Herring served as Dean of the School of Education and Human Development at Hampton University for nearly 10 years. Under her leadership, struggling education programs were transformed, earning state approval and highest commendations by accrediting bodies. She doubled her school’s enrollment through strategic recruitment efforts and secured external resources for student support. In addition to her work within the school of education, Dr. Herring conceptualized and spearheaded Hampton U Online, the university’s virtual campus for the delivery of online degree programs, and opened the Hampton University International Office, a central hub for supporting international students and faculty, promoting study abroad, and building global connections.

Dr. Herring has served on numerous national and international boards, including on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Equity and Diversity Committee, the Board of Directors of Data Quality Campaign, and advisory boards for the Cato College of Education at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and Teachers College at Western Governors University. Previously, Dr. Herring served on the Board of Directors of the international Online Learning Consortium, the External Advisory Committee for the North Carolina Educator Quality Data Dashboard, the advisory board for the Jandris Center for Innovative Higher Education, and as Chair of the NAFEO Academic of Deans of Education Council. She has been recognized as a Salzburg Global Institute Fellow at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. Currently, Dr. Herring is a distinguished Emerson Collective Dial Fellow.

Dr. Herring earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Policy from Georgia State University, and Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Texas at
Austin.