Hello, I’m Torrence

I am a 7th Grade Language Arts educator in Denver, CO, and am currently a graduate student in Learning Sciences & Human Development at the School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder

My research interests uses qualitative methods to explore how schools shape Black adolescents racial and sociopolitical consciousness, as well as how do schools become and act as sites of Black suffering and anti-Black violence. My work involves conceptualizing Black suffering, unpacking the relationship between racism, education, and adolescent development, examining the ways anti-Blackness persist in social justice oriented schools; as well as examining what ways does anti-Blackness persists in education policy discourses on the worth of investment in Black children

I have a BA in Sociology, with a minor in Africana Studies, from the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO), where I was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. As a McNair scholar, I conducted empirical research exploring the effects of Racial Battle Fatigue on Black students attending a Historically White College and University. For this research, I won an award.

I began my teaching career in high school. I’m currently in middle school and love every moment of it. I truly value being part of students’ academic and social development.

My site contains my CV, blog, and more information about my research and teaching. Feel free to contact me here.