Jennifer Chassman Browne

Personal Details

Bio

Jenn Browne has been an educator for over 25 years, and has experience working with students ranging from 3rd grade through the university level. Most of her work has been as an English/Social Studies teacher and a school leader. Jenn has experience working in public and independent schools in both California and Massachusetts, and the majority of her leadership experience has been at the secondary level as an Assistant Principal, Associate Head, or Curriculum Director, where she has been focused on directing curricular programs and supporting teachers in developing instructional practices.

Jenn has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was six years old and has recently founded a non-profit aimed at developing education and understanding around issues related to ability and advocacy for those living with disabilities. More Than a T-Shirt Company is a project that develops and sells t-shirts and stickers with disability positive messages. The company donates proceeds to partner organizations including the Arthritis Foundation and Autism Speaks.

In the last five years, Jenn has worked to develop and present workshops related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Ethnic Studies. These include topics such as: Social Justice and Physical Space, Identity and Belonging, Navigating Challenging Conversations, Understanding Gender Equity, Advocacy and Allyship, Implicit Bias, Systemic Racism, and The Cycle of Socialization for a variety of public and independent schools and professional institutions.

Current position (1)

DEI and Disability Consultant

New Ground Educational Consulting

Degrees (3)

Philosophy

Hampshire College

1987 to 1991

Philosophy and Medical Ethics

University of Tennessee

1991 to 1995

Education

University of San Francisco

1998 to 1999

Presentations

Presentations (8)

Norms for Respectful Conversation and Healthy Environments; Calling in/Calling out

In this session, participants will learn about, engage with, develop, and practice using norms that will help to ensure successful conversations even about challenging topics. This session will help to lay the groundwork for fruitful dialogue.

Participants will learn the difference between Calling In and Calling Out, as well as how and why to use each approach. This session will help participants to assess the intent and impact of their own and others words, and to become skilled in addressing both. This involves understanding how our own perspective and life experience directs our communication. This session will enable participants to examine their own identity

What Do We Mean By Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging?

We are all practiced at using these terms, but rarely stop to define and discuss them, thinking about how they operate in relation to each other. Participants will be able to co-construct definitions by reading critical experts in these areas as well as adding their own expertise. In this session we will discuss these terms, moving to a place of shared understanding so that we can refer to these topics as we move forward

Otherness; Living Together Across Difference

In this session we will examine the experience of difference. Many in our society are marginalized in some way, and we will learn about individuals and groups that are ‘othered’ in that they live lives that are impacted by the fact that the mainstream society is often unaware of the needs of these groups and individuals. Differences addressed in this session include those with differences of race, class, ability, age, sexual orientation, and gender. This session will be focused on building empathy and understanding across differences.

Unconscious Bias; Examining Our Biases

Participants will be exposed to the concept of unconscious bias and will examine implicit or unconscious biases that they may have. They will be provided with tools to create awareness of and adjust patterns of thinking, and ultimately to work to eliminate biased views and behaviors. Participants will be taught to recognize and manage their biases, change their behavior, and assess their progress. They will be provided with resources that contradict stereotypes and allow them to connect with others whose experiences are different from their own.

Microaggressions

This session begins with the belief that most microaggressions are unintentional and made out of a lack of understanding. In spite of the fact that they are often unintentional, they are impactful and damaging. Participants will learn about microaggressions- what they are, where they come from, and how they impact others. They will learn to be more aware of the relationship between biases and microaggressions as well as issues related to intent versus impact. Specifically, they will learn how to be self-reflective so as to avoid microaggressions when interacting with others. We will work to remove the stigma, as we are all guilty of microaggressions, and move to a place of acknowledgment and change.

Becoming an Anti-Bias Organization

Participants in this session will learn how to approach building safe and inclusive environments. They will learn how to develop structures and systems which facilitate conversation and collaboration, empowering all to engage with their community. This session will also help community members to assess, and be open to reassessing, policies and procedures.

Social Justice and Physical Space

Participants will learn about models of disability and will be able to better understand how to ensure that physical spaces are accessible for all.

Support and Allyship for People With Disabilities

This session will help participants to better understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities, as well as to gain a perspective in how to effectively act as an ally.