My Mission:
Empower.
"By simultaneously advocating for students, families, and teachers it is my goal to disrupt deficit narratives and help create a world where the funds of knowledge carried by all three groups are valued. In this new world teachers will be dedicated to lifelong learning and will be respected as professionals, families will be empowered as partners in their children’s education, and students will reap the benefits of socially just educational experiences."
-Dr. Mikkaka
About Dr. Mikkaka
Dr. Mikkaka Overstreet is an educator, writer, dancer, and a dreamer, based in eastern North Carolina. Dr. Mikkaka works to empower children, teachers, families, women, and marginalized communities.
20+
Publications and presentations
Selected Publications:
Overstreet, M., Ticknor, A.S., & Howard, C.M. (2022). Recognizing children’s brilliance through affirming literacy instruction. Literacy Today.
Ticknor, A.S., Howard, C.M, & Overstreet, M. (2021) It’s Not “One More Thing”: Culturally Responsive and Affirming Strategies in K-12 Literacy Classrooms. Rowman & Littlefield.
Howard, C. M., Overstreet, M., & Ticknor, A. S. (2018) Engaging preservice teachers with culturally responsive pedagogy: Three model lessons for teacher educators. Journal of Language and Literacy Education.
Read more here.
14+
Years in the field of education
2022-present: Literacy Specialist. The Hunt Institute
2017-2022: Assistant Professor, East Carolina University
2015-2017: Clinical Faculty and Director of the Minority Teacher Recruitment Project, University of Louisville
2011- 2015: Literacy Consultant, Kentucky Department of Education
2006- 2011: Elementary School Teacher, Jefferson County Public Schools
2004-2006: Teaching Assistant, Blue Apple Players Educational Theatre Company
Read more here.
12+
years of arts Experience
Skills and Expertise:
Arts-Literacy Integration
Drama & Dance Curriculum (K-5)
Music & Dance from Cultures around the World
Belly Dance Fusion
Read more here.
Available for speaking engagements, author visits, consulting, professional development and more!
Dr. Overstreet has a wealth of experience working with practicing teachers, preservice teachers, postsecondary students, and children in a variety of settings and for many purposes. Please explore the site to learn more and discover how Dr. Mikkaka's services can fit your organization's needs.
Past Engagements
February 2017
"Thank you for facilitating a presentation called Culture at the Core: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy at the February 1, 2018 meeting of the Tar River Reading Council in Greenville, North Carolina at Lakeforest Elementary School. Your presentation was well-attended (over 35 preservice teachers, inservice teachers, and other educators from across Pitt and Beaufort Counties) and well-received by everyone. Not only was the information relevant, up-to-date, and research-based, but the read alouds were very engaging. Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with Greenville area educators."
~Denise Owens, President & Elizabeth Swaggerty, Secretary
Tar River Reading Council
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Dr. Mikkaka offers a variety of products for purchase, including her children's books and belly dance fitness DVDs.
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