Karanja Crews

About Karanja Crews

For over two decades, I\'ve dedicated my career to transforming educational systems to better serve students who have been historically marginalized.I\'m the founder and Executive Director of Teaching With Purpose, an annual conference that has grown from a small gathering to a regional platform serving educators, administrators, and community leaders. For 14 years, we\'ve provided professional development centered on three core principles: maintaining high expectations, cultivating meaningful relationships, and delivering culturally relevant content.My approach is grounded in 12 years of classroom experience teaching elementary students in Portland and Beaverton school districts, where I developed and refined culturally responsive teaching practices. I integrated Black history into my curriculum before it was mandated, created engaging learning materials including educational board games, and built strong partnerships with students and families that supported their academic and personal growth.I also founded Journey to Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit focused on improving literacy outcomes for African American students through culturally relevant curriculum. This work demonstrated that when students see themselves reflected in what they\'re learning, engagement and achievement significantly improve.Currently, I operate Green Muse, Oregon\'s first state-approved cannabis health tech career training program, which applies educational principles to workforce development in an emerging industry.Throughout my career, I\'ve served on education policy committees, received numerous recognitions including the MLK Lifetime Achievement Award, and trained hundreds of educators in culturally responsive practices. I\'m completing my doctorate in Reading and Literacy Leadership at Walden University.I\'m available for consulting, professional development facilitation, and speaking engagements focused on educational equity, culturally responsive teaching, and organizational transformation.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Teaching With Purpose

   Oct 2011 — Present

   Founded and lead the Pacific Northwest\'s premier conference on culturally responsive education, bringing together educators, administrators, parents, and community organizers annually to advance educational equity:→ Built Teaching With Purpose from concept to regionally-recognized platform over 14+ years→ Curated and facilitated workshops on culturally responsive pedagogy, implicit bias, restorative justice, and equity-centered leadership→ Developed strategic partnerships with school districts, universities, and community organizations→ Created professional development experiences that translate equity theory into classroom practice→ Convened diverse stakeholders to address systemic barriers in educationThe conference serves as a catalyst for transformation, equipping educators with concrete strategies to create inclusive, affirming learning environments where all students thrive—particularly students of color, multilingual learners, and students from marginalized communities.My role encompasses strategic planning, partnership development, speaker curation, facilitation, community engagement, and ensuring every aspect of the conference models the culturally responsive practices we advocate.

Education

• Walden University

  Ed.D, Reading and Literacy Leadership program

  2013 — 2033

• Portland State University

  Masters, Education

  2000 — 2003

• Walden University

  Doctor of Education - EdD

Skills

• Educational Leadership
• Education
• Classroom
• Nonprofits
• Educational Technology
• Leadership Development
• Education Initiatives
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Curriculum Design
• Teaching
• Strategic Planning
• E-Learning
• Public Speaking
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Teacher Training
• Staff Development