Local educator first to represent Fayette County at TSBA’s Annual Convention

Christina Warren to highlight Extraordinary Shake

Each year, the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) holds an annual convention which provides general session speakers, informative breakout sessions on best school practices, and award recognition for excellence in education for current school board members across the state of Tennessee. Fayette County Public Schools is proud to announce that LaGrange-Moscow Elementary teacher Christina Warren will present at TSBA’s Annual Convention. This marks the first time ever that an educator from Fayette County has headlined at the Convention. 

Christina is a fifth-grade teacher who has a clear passion for teaching and a vision for her students. She will be presenting the program she instituted at her school in 2016, the Extraordinary Shake, which was derived from a similar program she witnessed at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. “When I went to Ron Clark Academy, the students introduced themselves and were so poised and spoke so eloquently. They were just so confident. I knew that was something I wanted for our students,” stated Warren.

This incredible event teaches fourth and fifth-grade students how to communicate effectively with confidence and poise. Throughout the school year, students learn the art of the handshake, posture, eye contact, and charm. Through all of these skills, students learn to communicate as a leader and that first impressions are critical to success.

 Since its inception in 2016, the Shake has seen growth and change. In year one, the event consisted of five rounds that were completed in one day. Last year’s Extraordinary Shake was a grueling eight rounds over a three-day period and took place in three different locations around the district. Students showed their confidence and ability to think quickly as they debated, pitched products, interviewed for a job, and gave speeches in a room full of community leaders, business owners, politicians, and school board members without blinking an eye. 

As for Christina, she is both honored and thrilled to speak at TSBA’s Annual Convention. Having an opportunity to address how the “Shake” has impacted her students and the school climate has become a part of who she is and who she wants her students to become. “We do the Extraordinary Shake because we believe our students can accomplish anything and we want them to believe it too.”