Dr. Chuck Herring stands out as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the realm of education, bringing to the table nearly three decades of dedicated service. As the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at South Fayette Township School District, Dr. Herring has been instrumental in nurturing an environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. His holistic approach encompasses educating staff on effective strategies to mitigate school-based trauma, implementing restorative practices for students to re-engage with the community, and spearheading initiatives to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within the district.
Beyond his work in South Fayette, Dr. Herring is a co-founder of SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment). This pioneering student-led organization, guided by the Handprints Heal Footprints® framework, advocates for the creation of safe, culturally-affirming educational spaces across Western Pennsylvania, with chapters now thriving in multiple districts.
Dr. Herring's innovative contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. His efforts were celebrated when he was honored as one of the State of Black Learning's Educators of the Year in August 2021. That year, he also launched Project OTIS (Operation Teacher (of Color) Irrigation System) in collaboration with Howard University, a groundbreaking initiative designed to introduce preservice educators of color to the advantages of joining the South Fayette Township School District. This initiative earned him the 2021 Innovative School Leader Award from the Pennsylvania School Board Association.
His influence extends well beyond Pennsylvania's borders. In 2022, Dr. Herring was chosen by the American Council on Germany for a Trans-Atlantic dialogue on fostering culturally-affirmative practices in Germany, and was asked to co-lead the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Task Force for Pennsylvania. Finally, Project OTIS (renamed Building Bridges) was picked up by St. George’s Academy in Rhode Island. It now works with Howard University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and North Carolina A&T University.
Finally, before the educational world was graced with phenomenal, groundbreaking Gracie's Corner, which melds hip-hop and R&B to educate, Dr. Herring had already left a mark with his creation of America's First Hip-Hop Superhero - GRAMMAR MAN!®. Alongside his sidekicks, Edit and Delete, GRAMMAR MAN!® combats the chaos spread by his archenemy, Double Negative, through rap battles that illuminate the power of proper grammar. Leading the Reference League, with members like Mathematics Magician and the elusive Comma Chameleon, GRAMMAR MAN!® has pioneered a captivating blend of entertainment and education, proving Dr. Herring's unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of students through creativity and innovation.