Thoughtful, Engaging PD

From a Current Classroom Educator

With 20+ Years of Experience

  • Keynotes

    Energetic, unpretentious presentations that inspire educators to lead meaningful, effective classroom conversations about race. Drawing on the perspective of a current classroom teacher, these presentations combine practical strategies and real-world examples.

    Each presentation is interactive - with multiple opportunities for educators to chat with each other and with me.

  • Workshops

    Professional development sessions designed to give educators practical, ready-to-use tools for leading meaningful classroom conversations about race. From creating productive “safe spaces” and mastering discussion facilitation to structuring dialogic curriculum and addressing pushback, these sessions combine real-world classroom experience with proven strategies. Topics also explore timely challenges—like leading powerful discussions in the age of AI—so educators leave equipped to foster dialogue that is purposeful, respectful, and deeply engaging.

  • Consulting

    Create lasting change in how your school or organization engages students in conversations about race. My consulting services are customized to your community’s needs—whether that means rethinking curriculum, training staff, or designing sustainable discussion frameworks. The goal is simple: equip your teaching team with practical, proven strategies that work in real classrooms, so meaningful dialogue becomes a consistent, powerful part of your culture.

Detailed Descriptions

What Educators Have To Say About Not Light, but Fire PD

  • Matthew is a lively presenter who breaks down applicable ways teachers can have critical conversations about race in their classrooms. He used some great analogies to connect us more to the conversation. I'm left feeling reassured about some things I'm already doing well and I have some ideas about what I'm going to work on moving forward.

    Jessica - Mechanic Falls, ME

  • I've felt for a long time that I wanted to make my classroom more inclusive and to help my students feel like they belong, but I have had a hard time finding resources and strategies that felt like a good fit. This session is what I was looking for! I am walking away with skills to teach and activities I can start using right away, and I feel hopeful that I can make a real impact in my classroom this year.

    Michelle - Raleigh, NC

  • This man gets it. He hosted a 2 hour PD session after a full day of teaching and coaching, and he still managed to explode with passion and enthusiasm despite a full day of work and a virtual format. His sessions focused on the how, not the why, of race conversations in the classroom. Every educator and school leader can benefit from Mr. Kay’s words and work.

    Brita - West Fargo, ND

Let’s Connect!