About Us
The Components of Care curriculum was developed to support teachers in supporting African American students in the classroom.
The Need
Only 2% of teachers in the American education system are black males, and the impact on students of color is devastating.
Our Solution
Through the integration of theory, practice, and community, participants will develop a vast toolkit that will be utilized to create centers of care in their classrooms and school communities.
9 THEMES OF CARE
Research conducted by Dr. Didi Watts resulted in 9 themes from classroom settings that helped shape the Components of Care created to address the need for more successful and sustainable classrooms.
Redirection and Encouragement
Students need to feel cared for through positive reinforcement and praise.
Opportunities for Increased Support by Teachers
Students believed that teachers who exhibited shaming or punitive behaviors were not caring.
Teachers’ Expectations
Students felt that caring teachers held them to high expectations regarding academic performance.
Willingness to Provide Help
Students expect that a teacher who cares would be willing to help academically and otherwise.
Teachers Speaking to Students
Students believed that caring teachers speak with them inside and outside of class regarding academics or behavior.
Building Relationships
Students expected caring teachers to respond to their needs individually rather than solely focusing on the group.
Provision of Support by Teachers
Students expect teachers to hold them accountable despite their disabilities.
Teacher’s Disposition
Students felt that the teacher’s tone of voice and ability to demonstrate care had a positive effect on their interactions with others.
Relating Content to Life
Students believed that teachers who care are able to relate the classroom content to their life.
The Founders
Peter & Didi Watts
Dr. Peter and Dr. Didi Watts are the visionary co-founders of the Watts of Power Foundation, an organization committed to transforming education and community development in South Los Angeles. With a combined experience of over 40 years in education, their work focuses on creating equitable pathways for future Black educators and addressing systemic barriers in the education system.
Dr. Peter Watts, with his background in school leadership and blended learning innovation, leads the Teacher Village Initiative—a program designed to recruit, train, and support Black male educators while providing affordable housing. Dr. Didi Watts, an expert in educational care and cultural competency, ensures the program holistically addresses the social, emotional, and professional needs of its fellows. Together, they are dedicated to empowering educators and strengthening communities through education and social impact initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The “Components of Care” training is a professional development program designed to equip educators with the skills needed to foster a supportive, culturally responsive, and inclusive classroom environment. It focuses on building positive relationships with students, encouraging empathy, and promoting educational practices that support students’ holistic development.
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This training is intended for K-12 educators, school leaders, and support staff who are dedicated to creating nurturing classroom environments and addressing the needs of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. It is suitable for both new and experienced educators seeking to enhance their skills.
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The training covers a variety of key themes, including:
• Encouragement and redirection in the classroom.
• The role of teacher support in student success.
• Teacher disposition and its impact on student learning.
• Building meaningful relationships with students.
• Connecting educational content to students’ real-life experiences. -
The “Components of Care” training is delivered through a combination of live workshops, monthly modules, college courses and ongoing coaching sessions. It also includes a one-year subscription to on-demand learning modules that provide flexibility for participants to learn at their own pace.
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The full “Components of Care” training program spans over a 10-month period. This includes one full day of professional development at the start, followed by monthly training sessions for each module, and ongoing coaching and observation support for principals and teacher leaders.
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The one-year subscription includes access to six on-demand learning modules. These modules provide in-depth exploration of each component of care, offering practical strategies, real-life examples, and actionable insights for teachers to implement immediately in their classrooms.
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Schools that invest in this training benefit by creating a more supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for students. Teachers learn how to effectively build relationships, support student well-being, and manage classrooms in a way that promotes positive academic and social outcomes. This not only enhances the student experience but also improves teacher satisfaction and retention.
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Yes, the training can be customized to meet the specific needs of your school or district. We work closely with school leaders to tailor the training content to align with your goals and to address specific challenges that your educators may face.
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Participants receive continuous support throughout the training process. This includes monthly coaching sessions, live feedback from our expert trainers, and opportunities for observation and personalized mentorship. Our goal is to help educators integrate these components effectively into their everyday teaching practice.
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If you are interested in enrolling your school or district in the “Components of Care” training, please contact us through our website’s contact form or reach out directly to our program coordinator. We’d be happy to discuss how our training can support your educators and enhance student learning outcomes.
