Tavares is a unique poet and spoken word performer who’s stirring and profound poetry makes you think deeper and move up higher. The subject of Tavares’ poetry spans life situations, political and social issues and human emotions. He also weaves the art of storytelling into his work by relating his poetry to stories and experience that have shaped him as an artist, classroom teacher and servant.
Tavares is also an educator, consultant and founder of Earthseed, LLC. He presents to teachers, schools and civic groups on:
- Developing mentoring programs
- African American male student development
- Differentiated teaching styles
- Character education
He is the author of Soulfood Café, a book of poetry, and Reading Revolution, a book of biographies covering important contributions from the African Diaspora. Tavares has worked as a freelance columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is a freelance curriculum writer and trainer for The Learning Together Company, which helps to raise student achievement in the areas of reading and math.
Tavares as a Poet
The poetry and spoken word of Tavares Stephens is usually described as “relevant, thought provoking, and intense.” No matter if the subject is social action, education, love, family, or self-actualization, Tavares appeals to multiple crowds and always connects with his audience. He is the author of Soulfood Café, a book of poetry featuring poems on social, political, and spiritual awareness. He has also produced two spoken word CD s (Primal Cause and Lend Me Your Ear) . Tavares has performed in coffee shops, community centers, school settings, churches, and various other settings. He was a member of the 2005 Atlanta Poetry Slam Team and was featured on “Spoken”, a nationally broadcasted cable television show highlighting poets.
Tavares as an Educator
Tavares combines his passion of helping others and teaching to transform his students’ lives daily. He has been featured multiple times in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for his service as an educator and mentor to youth in the metro-Atlanta area. Tavares currently serves as an educator in the metro-Atlanta area. He has been an English instructor at the middle and high school levels, teaching students with behavioral and discipline issues to gifted children. Tavares is the 2005 Teacher of the Year for Morrow High School and recognized as Teacher of the Year from Turner Broadcasting System.
Currently Tavares iis an Instructional Coach. In this role, he trains teachers on effective instructional techniques and develops mentoring and servant leadership programs for students.
Tavares has consulted organizations and teacher groups on mentoring, dealing with African American males, and integrating character education into the curriculum and much more. His proven unique teaching and mentoring methods are based on his personal notion that all children can learn and reach their potential if nurtured positively and consistently.
Tavares as a Songwriter and Music Producer
Tavares combines his passion of ministering to others, spreading God’s love, and writing into creating music. His songwriting and producing journey is an interesting and amazing illustration of God’s ability to birth new gifts within us. Since 2009, Tavares has steadily written and co-produced a catalog of music that at its core is the message of the Gospel. It is filled with melodies, arrangements, and lyrics that speak of the love and redemption of God, the joy of salvation, the gift of God’s grace, the blessing of life in God and Christ, and the power and guidance we receive because we are God’s children.
