PENCIL
Christiane Buggs serves as the Chief Executive Officer of PENCIL since January 2024, overseeing operational leadership, program implementation, and financial health while anchoring the organization's mission to support Metro Nashville Public Schools. Prior to this role, Christiane held significant positions including Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance and School Board Member for Metro Nashville Public Schools, contributing to public education governance and community engagement. Additionally, Christiane has experience as a Project Manager and Manager of Literacy Partnerships with the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, as well as in educational roles at Tennessee State University and Metro Nashville Public Schools. Christiane holds a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics, both from Tennessee State University.
PENCIL
PENCIL is the premier organization linking community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools. Thanks to dedicated PENCIL Partners, students work in state-of-the-art laboratories alongside teachers and industry professionals. Teachers design lesson plans that cross the traditional boundaries of education - like linking data points in algebra with students' Agricultural Science classes. Dedicated volunteers regularly donate one lunch hour a week to help a child improve his or her reading comprehension. Businesses work to create an engaged and excited student pipeline interested in their industry through internships and job shadowing. PENCIL also operates free teacher resource centers where Metro Nashville Public School teachers can shop free once a quarter to help supplement their classrooms.