Urban ACEs: How to Reach and Teach Students Traumatized by Adverse Childhood Experiences

by Marcus L Matthews

Overview

“Dr. Matthews has provided the Swiss-Army-Knife of ACEs literature...”

—G. A. Hardaway Sr., Tennessee State Representative, Chairman, TN Black Caucus of State Legislators

In Urban ACEs, Matthews uses his personal testimony as a troubled urban student in Memphis along with strategies gained from trauma-informed training to illustrate how a youth struggling with adverse childhood experiences can graduate high school and college when supported by using a trauma-informed approach. Urban ACEs is a guidebook written by a Doctor of Education with a documented history of success as a teacher and administrator in urban schools. His personal testimony, academic credentials, and professional results come together to form the ultimate guidebook for educators and parents.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646630868
Publisher:	Koehler Books
Publication date:	12/15/2019
Pages:	106
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Dr. Marcus Matthews is an educator, speaker and author who holds a doctorate in higher and adult education, a master's in teaching, instruction, and curriculum leadership, and a bachelor's degree in journalism. Matthews' Response to Instruction and Intervention for Behavior (RTI2-B) Team facilitated a 26 percent decrease in out-of-school suspensions in 2019 while Matthews was a middle school dean of students in Memphis.

Editorial Reviews

“Urban Aces equips administrators, teachers, and students alike to navigate the challenges of working in and matriculating through an academic system that has typically overlooked the dysfunction found in inner city homes. The scholarly and experiential approach taken by Dr. Matthews in writing this book provides credibility for administrators while remaining relatable to students who have endured adverse childhood experiences.”

—Charles Daniels Jr., Academic Advisor, University of Memphis, Author of Faith for the Day

“Here at last an honest and compassionate educator places his head, heart, and hands into practices that will enhance the lives of urban students who are traumatized by adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Matthews has added to the literature an insightful guide for use by school leaders who seek to make a difference in the lives of children of all levels.”

—Reginald Leon Green, Former Leadership Department Chair, University of Memphis, Author, Practicing the Art of Leadership: A Problem Based Approach to Implementing the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders

“Dr. Matthews has masterfully woven a very powerful, thought-provoking autobiographical sketch rich with education and mental health themes into a practical and informative tapestry of knowledge for educators to better engage in trauma informed care. Undoubtedly, Urban Aces adds to the literary examination and analysis in trauma in education and should be required academic reading in universities across the US.”

—Jason Ingram, JD, MA, MSW, CEO, Will to Health

“ACES have been identified, studied, treated, and prescribed antidotal interventions, yes! Dr. Matthews has also created a functional, relatable and strategic road map to reaching, teaching and empowering students to their personal healing from ACEs-related traumas. What an extraordinary tool to champion for students who are subconsciously or diligently seeking their truths. I am inspired and hopeful about the trajectory and future of students, educators, and communities that will benefit from Dr. Matthews’ heart work.”

—Erin R. Harrington, Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed School Social Worker, Mental Health Professional, Adjunct Professor, University of Memphis, School of Social Work

“Dr. Marcus Matthews’ book, Urban Aces, provides an outstanding guide for supporting children and youth who are facing traumatic life situations. He has the perfect resume for suggestions he provides, having grown up in a difficult situation in Memphis and finding education as a key to successfully navigating his way into a better situation. Chapters on ‘find good friends, develop a strong work ethic, and make a way out of no way’ are especially useful guides for teachers, counselors or others who are trying to help these young people. It should be required reading for urban school teachers.”

—Dr. Dan Lattimore, PhD, Professor, College of Professional and Liberal Studies, Retired Dean, College of Professional and Liberal Studies

“In Urban ACEs, Dr. Matthews provided a very detailed and transparent account of his personal traumatic experiences as a child and teen and credits his ability to overcome those environmental obstacles by maximizing the positive education outlets that were available which led to success far above and beyond the adverse experiences that he had once faced.”

—Torrey Singleton, EdS, Former Principal and Special Education Advocate

From the Publisher