Faculty: Renée G. Heywood, PhD
Renée G. Heywood, PhD
Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Certificate in School Leadership
| Degree | Major/Emphasis | Institution |
| PhD | Philosopy, Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies/Language, Literacy and Culture | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
Courses
- The Psychology of Racism and Discrimination
Research and Practice Interests
- Educational Leadership
- Cultural and Linguistic Biases
- Juvenile Justice Education
Professional Licenses and Certifications
- Superintendent (Pk-12) Licensure
- Principal (High School) Licensure
- Special Education Administrator Licensure
- CITI Training for Human Subject Research
Awards
- UMass Amherst Graduate School of Education Fellowship
Publications and Presentations
- LinkedIn Post, July 17, 2025 – Front Seats Cost Extra – So “LEAD.” www.linkedin.com/pulse/front-row-seats-cost-extra-so-lead-ren%C3%A9e-heywood-ph-d--xngte
- Path-to-Progress – Showing the Impact of Equity Work (Contributing author) www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7zhq23964a45lkralcfjx/Path-to-Progress-Final.pdf?rlkey=426b5i5l0w6xs5fgpq1kfoywn&dl=0
- Heywood, R. (2021). Racial Trauma, Language Use and Biases: A Reflection on Harmful Practices in Education. Kieli, koulutus ja yhteiskunta, 12(5). Saatavilla: www.kieliverkosto.fi/fi/journals/kieli-koulutus-ja-yhteiskunta-lokakuu-2021/racial-trauma-language-use-and-biases-a-reflection-on-harmful-practices-in-education
- Krezmien, M. P., Clift, W., & Heywood, R. (2020). Using technology to unlock the potential of diverse learners in juvenile justice settings. ResearchGate. acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:5f690396-7c37-4235-8338-2ab07d087aed
- Heywood, R. (2025). Powerful God Empowering Us. https://a.co/d/hASP2wg
- William, W., & Garret-Walker, W. (2025) The Majestic Place: The Freedom Possible in Black Women’s Leadership. Rowman and Littlefield Publishing. (Contributing author) https://a.co/d/7SAxJDo
- Heywood, R. (2024). Finding Me Finding Us for Educators – A Reflection Journal for Racial Reconciliation https://a.co/d/i0hIp2b
- Keynote Address - The Exclusive Melting Pot: Leveraging Our Community Wealth – DESE/ AMSEL Partners in Equity Conference (5/2024)
- Keynote Address - Intentional Design to Address Trauma and Racism in Educational Settings – Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity (3/2024)
- Ted-like talk at Language Education for Social Justice Conference, Jyvaskyla, Finland (6/2021)
- UMass Language, Literacy & Culture Conference – Performance Arts as a Language of Resistance and Resilience (11/2020)
- Interrupting Racial Trauma in the Classroom – Center of Excellence in Education in Alternative Settings (11/2019)
- Neglected and Delinquent Transition Webinar – Nation Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Neglected and Delinquent Children and Youth (8/2020)
Concurrent Leadership, Service and Professional Activities
- CEO/Founder Real Talk Leadership, Inc.
Prior Experience
- Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Brockton Public Schools
- Director of Education for MA Department of Youth Services - Commonwealth of MA
- Regional Director of Education for Incarcerated Youth - Collaborative of Educational Services
- Director of Diversity and Spanish Teacher (various public and private schools)
Professional Affiliations
- MA Racial Imbalance Advisory Council member - DESE/EOE
- Preparing Leaders in Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice Advisory Council member
Community Involvement
- Advisory Board Member Rezarec Church
- Director and curriculum writer of Mini Champs Children’s program, Rezarec Church
- Director of Praise and Worship Ministry Rezarec Church
Contributor and Sr. Consultant
- Graduate Certificate in Leading Transformative Mental Health in Schools
- Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools