Culturally rooted literacy for student success
Transform Literacy Outcomes
About Sean Brown Literacy Consulting LLC
Empowering Educators
At Sean Brown Literacy Consulting, we empower students and educators through culturally relevant literacy strategies. We specialize in creating equitable learning environments that celebrate diversity, close achievement gaps, and elevate student potential.
The sean brown effect
Jewel Apeko
Mae Williams-Darby
Mae Williams-Darby
“I worked as a Computer Science teacher under the leadership of Mr. Brown in the 2023/2024 academic year at Nashville Prep. This was my first time instructing below the college level (worked formerly as a Teaching Assistant for 3 years) so I imagined it would be challenging. As a first year teacher, Mr. Brown was very warm but demanding and was readily available to offer advice on how to instruct and manage my classroom. Not only would he proffer advice, but also, he did not mind stepping into the classroom himself to support me whenever necessary. I recall very fondly many instances when he would sit at the back of the classroom while I taught as his way of supporting me with classroom management. He had such an enviable work ethic too; he was always one of the first people to get to work - I do not recall even a day that I got to work before he did, unless he was out for the day. During professional development sessions, he spoke passionately not just about what needed to be done, but the spirit behind the activity, which resonated with me and I imagine with my colleague teachers as well…” Computer Science Foundations teacher
Mae Williams-Darby
Mae Williams-Darby
Mae Williams-Darby
Sean Brown was my principal at Nashville Prep the 2023-2024 school year. The first words that comes to mind is caring and passionate. Principal Brown took a hands on approach. He was constantly in the hallway and classroom working along beside his teachers and scholars. I have never had that much support from a principal. He listened, designed plans and executed them to help his teachers and scholars become more successful. I watched him mentor countless young men and women in our schools. He strived for a culturally safe environment. I cannot say enough great things about him, but what I can say is he does his job and works to have those around him succeed. Government and Civics teacher
Alma Magee
Dr. Jamaul Thomas
Dr. Jamaul Thomas
Sean Brown’s impact on my teaching career as well as my life is unchanging. As my lead principal, he never hesitated to encourage me when I needed it, but also used my weaknesses to help me grow into the teacher that I am now and the one I am becoming. Mr. Brown’s leadership style is a true open-door policy. Because of my interactions with him, I developed renewed hope in the education system. He truly practices what he preaches. What he shared as a principal to teachers, he walked out daily in my life. He allowed me to be authentic in my teaching but was always there as a guiding hand. I’m forever grateful for being able to work with Mr. Brown. He’s a true professional and a caring leader. Algebra I teacher
Dr. Jamaul Thomas
Dr. Jamaul Thomas
Dr. Jamaul Thomas
I had the privilege to work alongside Mr. Brown as we prepared to launch the newest regions within IDEA Public Schools. His excellent sense of detail and logistics allowed for instructional systems and operational value to ensure that launching was as seamless as possible. Ultimately his experience provided equitable access to education to all students. Mr. Brown’s coaching and development background supported secondary leaders to set up a strong start for teacher and administrative support. Chief Schools Officer, KIPP Atlanta
The wisdom tree framework
The Wisdom Tree Framework
Rooted in Afrocentric education and the Black Masculine Caring Framework, The Wisdom Tree Framework represents the strength, guidance, and nurturing role of Black educators. Like the towering tree, it draws from deep ancestral roots to provide shade, protection, and sustenance for the next generation. This framework ensures that literacy, leadership, and student engagement are grounded in cultural pride, collective responsibility, and academic excellence.
1. Curriculum & Instruction (Roots of Knowledge)
- Implement culturally responsive, high-impact literacy strategies.
- Align curriculum with best practices and historical truths.
- Deliver professional development that nurtures both skill and identity.
- Support inquiry-based and discussion-rich learning.
2. Leadership & Coaching (Branches of Guidance)
- Coach leaders, teachers, and instructional teams to build capacity.
- Strengthen instructional leadership through culturally relevant pedagogy.
- Develop systems of accountability and professional growth.
- Cultivate school leadership rooted in care, discipline, and high expectations.
3. Literacy & Engagement (Leaves of Growth)
- Foster a love of reading through culturally affirming literacy practices.
- Curate materials that reflect Black identity and excellence.
- Encourage student agency and ownership in their learning journey.
- Strengthen family and community engagement in literacy development.
4. Data & Intervention (Fruit of Success)
- Build progress monitoring systems that affirm student potential.
- Develop multi-tiered supports that ensure student success.
- Use data not just for assessment, but for empowerment and advocacy.
Why The Wisdom Tree Framework?
This framework recognizes Black educators as pillars of strength, care, and wisdom—nurturing students while holding them to high standards. It embodies the Black Masculine Caring Framework by emphasizing protection, structure, and deep cultural responsibility, ensuring that learning environments are places of both rigor and belonging.
Black masculine caring
The Black Masculine Caring Framework
Black Masculine Caring is a framework that highlights the unique ways Black men engage in care, leadership, and community-building, particularly in education. Rooted in African cultural traditions and historical practices of mentorship and protection, it challenges mainstream, Eurocentric definitions of care by centering the relational, rigorous, and restorative ways Black men nurture their communities.
While this concept has existed in practice for generations, Dr. Lisa Bass has significantly contributed to its scholarly development. Her research explores how Black male educators and leaders employ culturally specific forms of care that blend high expectations, discipline, and deep relational connections to support and uplift Black students.
Core Principles of Black Masculine Caring
- Relational Leadership: Black male leaders build deep, personal connections with students based on trust, respect, and cultural affirmation. Their care is hands-on, fostering accountability and community.
Core Principles of Black Masculine Caring
- Rigor as Love: High expectations, discipline, and structure are central to Black Masculine Caring. Instead of punitive discipline, rigor is framed as an act of love—pushing students toward excellence while affirming their worth.
Core Principles of Black Masculine Caring
- Restorative Justice & Healing: This framework prioritizes healing-centered approaches over exclusionary discipline, recognizing the systemic challenges Black students face and addressing harm through mentorship and mediation.
Core Principles of Black Masculine Caring
- Cultural Affirmation & Identity Development: Black male leaders reinforce pride in Black identity, history, and culture, helping students develop confidence and a strong sense of self through storytelling and lived experience.
Core Principles of Black Masculine Caring
- Collective Responsibility: Care in this tradition is communal, acknowledging that individual success is tied to collective uplift. Responsibility for students' growth and well-being is shared across the community.
Core Principles of Black Masculine Caring
- Protection & Advocacy: Black men have historically served as defenders of their communities. In schools, this means advocating for Black students, challenging systemic inequities, and ensuring they have the resources to thrive.
Why Black Masculine Caring Matters
- This framework disrupts harmful narratives that reduce Black male educators to disciplinarians. Instead, it highlights their role as transformational leaders who nurture resilience, academic excellence, and emotional well-being.
- Dr. Lisa Bass’s scholarship affirms that Black male educators lead with culturally grounded, justice-centered care, guiding students through love, structure, and advocacy. Their leadership is not just about enforcing rules—it is about shaping futures and strengthening communities.
How Black Masculine Caring Guides My Work
- The Black Masculine Caring framework shapes my leadership by blending relational authority, high expectations, and restorative discipline. I build deep connections with students while holding them accountable through love-driven rigor. My approach prioritizes cultural affirmation, equity, and advocacy, ensuring Black students feel seen, valued, and supported. By fostering a communal responsibility for student success, I challenge harmful narratives about Black male leadership and demonstrate that care is both transformational and empowering.