Derek Francis serves as the Manager of Counseling Services for Minneapolis Public Schools and Professional Development Specialist for Hatching Results.
In his 10 years as a school counselor, Derek has implemented strategies to help educators grow in their skillset of discussing race and identity in school. He specializes in helping students and staff build trusting cross-cultural relationships.
Following the murder of George Floyd, Derek lead a virtual professional development attended by over 30,000 educators titled, “Proactive School Counseling After a Major Racial Incident.”
Some of Derek’s published work includes contributions to Contemporary Case Studies in School Counseling, published blog “This Is Not A Fire Drill – Supporting Students after George Floyd” and July/August publication articles for American School Counselors Association and American School Board Journal. Derek has also been reoccurring on WCCO 4 News, providing social-emotional strategies for students and families during the pandemic and following the social events in our country.