Dr. Keesha Greer-Effs

Dr. Keesha Greer-Effs joins Berea College as a visiting assistant professor in the Education Studies Department, where she brings a wealth of experience, passion, and joy factor to the field of Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) education, as she works to support pre-service educators in collaboration with the P-5 education program.

Originally from the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, Dr. Greer-Effs is in her 21^st year as a classroom practitioner,  dedicated to being a lifelong learner, she has made a significant impact in various K-12 settings. Her roles have included serving as a high school advanced level history and sociology teacher, instructional resource specialist, health educator, and exceptional children department chair. As a Teach for America, Memphis alumna, she has demonstrated her commitment to fostering educational excellence through her practice of social justice in education.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Greer-Effs has extended her influence as a behavioral health curriculum consultant and child rights advocate as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador appointed by the Government of Jamaica. In this capacity, she represented the Jamaican Government as a child and women rights activist at the United Nations General Assembly, global activist with Advocates for Youth and International Planned Parenthood Federation.

A proud graduate of The University of the West Indies and Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Greer-Effs actively promotes mindful and responsive approaches in teaching diverse learners. Her academic interests encompass educational equity, positive behavior interventions and supports, restorative justice, socio-emotional learning, and collaboration among general and special educators in working with families of diverse learners.

Maintaining a strong advocacy stance for vulnerable youth populations, Dr. Greer-Effs brings enthusiasm to her work with pre-service teachers. She endeavors to reshape perceptions of disability, foster meaningful connections, cultivate a sense of belonging, and contribute to building inclusive school communities that support all learners. Her core belief is grounded in the idea that every child can learn and deserves equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive education, resources, and services.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Greer-Effs enriches her life by traveling and sharing culturally vibrant experiences with her amazing life partner.