IDEA Network
Inclusion • Diversity • Equity in the Arts 

How do we build inclusive classrooms not only in our instructional practice, but through the resources we use with students? In this session, Dr. Sarah Gulish and Franklin Willis break down their work in curating and creating resources at F-flat Books that benefit all learners and center the voices of culture-bearers in music education. Franklin shares how he uses his experiences as both an author and educator to connect with teachers and students around the globe. 

Sarah Gulish is a Grammy-nominated music educator with a Ph.D. in music education from Temple University.  In 2019, Sarah co-founded F-flat Books, a music publishing company focused on practical and equitable resources for musicians and music educators. She currently serves as CEO for F-flat Books and writes and publishes curricula centered on informal learning, creativity, popular music pedagogy, and student autonomy. Her work has been published by F-flat Books, Routledge, Oxford University Press, Bloomsbury, Enharmonic Books, GIA, Sense Publishers, and various magazines, including Teaching Music Magazine, School Band and Orchestra Magazine, and InTune Magazine.

Franklin Willis is a dedicated music educator, author, and clinician with over 15 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and arts administrator. He is passionate about using the arts to support academic achievement and works to create inclusive environments where every student’s unique talents are valued and nurtured. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his efforts to build meaningful learning experiences through music. Now serving as Fine Arts Director for Metro Nashville Public Schools, he is focused on supporting students, educators, and the community in developing a love for the performing arts. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Blair School of Music with Vanderbilt University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate music education majors.

In addition to his these roles, Franklin Willis is dedicated to providing innovative, pertinent, and captivating music education resources through his consulting enterprise, F. Willis Music. These resources are tailored to the needs of educators and students, equipping them with the tools to thrive in their artistic and educational pursuits.

Hear Abigail Birhanu as she explores art lessons and teaching strategies from the book "Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids", co-published by the presenter. Art lessons include themes on environmental sustainability, empathy, community, identity, and more. 

Abby (she/her) is an artist and educator with a passion for fostering creativity and confidence in her students. With experience teaching middle and high school, she believes deeply in the transformative power of art education. Abby embraces choice-based art and Teaching Artistic Behavior (TAB) pedagogy, empowering students to shape their artistic journey while nurturing their creativity.

Her involvement in the Fulbright Teachers Exchange Program, where she served as an exchange teacher to the United Kingdom, was a pivotal experience that reinforced her dedication to cross-cultural learning and teaching. Abby loves traveling and actively takes opportunities to engage in educational and cultural exchange opportunities.

As an advocate for equity and inclusivity in education, Abby is committed to anti-racist, anti-bias, and culturally responsive teaching. She strives to cultivate global citizens who appreciate and contribute to the interconnected world community.

Dr. Ralph Mason serves as the Lead Presenter for The Positive Zone Corporation (TPZC). For the last 25 years, Dr. Mason has been a professional speaker, trainer, entrepreneur, edutainment specialist, and musician. His ability to adapt to any audience creates a personal, yet professional connection. To learn more about Mr. Mason and The Positive Zone Corporation, visit tpzc.org.

Christie Jones is an educator and artist who usues writing, art and performances to build community and a sense of belonging. She is from Los Angeles where she studied English at UCLA. Her love for African American literature led her to begin her career as a middle school Language Arts teacher in Florida. With a master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas and her Masters in Multicultural Education from Florida Atlantic University, she helped African American, Haitian, Jamaican, and other Black students from the diaspora to understand their connection to Africa and each other. She is eager to use an African centered approach to examine Black life and to promote Black pride. She is the founder of Black Writing Project, a virtual gallery that celebrates Black women and girls.