Thomas Savage
Since 2011, Thomas Savage has spearheaded innovative approaches for youth and adult learners within the realm of K-12 education and beyond. A licensed educator, his extensive career spans roles that include classroom teacher, intervention specialist, school health liaison, community outreach director, and leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) across public, charter, and independent school settings. Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from the College of Charleston and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Charleston Southern University, Thomas' approach to the unique intersection of education and organizational development goes beyond the conventional.
Thomas' impact has reverberated on the state, national, and international levels. From Rookie Teacher of the Year (Rollings Middle School of the Arts, 2012) to earning accolades like the Eddie Ganaway Distinguished Alumni Award (College of Charleston, 2012) and being recognized for Best Learning Center (CBUS Top Picks, 2023), his influence knows no bounds. Thomas' thought leadership has graced prestigious stages, from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital DISCOVERYx speaker series (2018) to TEDxColumbusSalon (2019) and the National Network of Schools in Partnership (NNSP) Conference (2020).
To Thomas, today's youth are the architects of the future. As a passionate advocate for youth development and enrichment, he relentlessly pushes boundaries to design learning environments and opportunities that nurture growth and healing. Thomas' mission is crystal clear: molding young learners into potent agents for change, envisioning a future where education transcends systems and becomes a catalyst for positive global impact.
Presentations from Facing Race 2024
Artwork for Equity: Leveraging Artistic Talents Toward Transformative Change
Step into the world of artivism with Creative Reaction Lab's youth artists as they lead an interactive workshop, sharing their passion for creative change-making. In this session, participants will engage with the artists, exploring how to visually convey content around inequity and other social issues.
The artists will guide participants through the creative process, empowering them to become decision-makers in using art as a form of activism. In addition to showcasing their work, these talented individuals will share their experiences creating art and engaging in artivism.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the artists, gaining insight into their creative process and the impact of their work. The workshop encourages dialogue and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of art in addressing social issues.
Join us to witness the passion and dedication of these young artists as they use their talents to drive meaningful change. Be inspired by their stories and learn how you can use art as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society through art and activism.
Speakers: Thomas Savage, DeZha Smith