anti-racism
Educators Who Consider Themselves ‘White Allies’ Are Dangerous When It Comes To Developing Anti-Racist Classrooms
“I am a white ally,” the 30 something-year-old white teacher declared emphatically in the diversity and inclusion professional development session. She snapped her fingers to…
The Only Cure for White Supremacy Is To Teach Students Real American History
On January 6, as my students were learning about the history of trench warfare during World War I, I had no idea that our own…
Here’s What I Will Fight for in 2021
2020 was the pits. More than 300,000 Americans died from COVID. A dearth of presidential leadership that led to the politicization of wearing masks—the single…
I Can’t Expect Some Magical Black Character to Declare Me ‘Good White People.’ I Have to Do the Work.
It was a year ago that I tried sweet potato pie for the first time. Now, I am white and, though I have lived in…
Discussing White Privilege in an All-White Class Is Uncomfortable. Do It Anyway.
With so many pressing education issues on our collective agenda, it is important that we don’t ignore the national conversation on race that erupted during…
You Aren’t a ‘Woke’ Teacher if Your Students Aren’t Learning
The recent “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunion show had me in my feelings. It was great to see the cast again and it was cool…
Former Sec. of Ed John King Calls on School Boards to Govern With Equity
While partisan politics has once again dominated the headlines this election season, the real stories lie with the thousands of newly-elected local officials across the…
Teachers Can Legally Hit Your Children in 19 States. Let’s Talk About It.
This past year has tested more than our mettle as educators; it’s tested our investment in the causes we claim as ours. I mean, it’s…
I’m Empowering My Students to Lead Conversations About Race
In late September, I began my class with my usual prompt: Is there anything in the news you’d like to share? My students would generally…
Will We Still Fight for Racial Justice in Schools This Fall?
Parents, I can say with confidence the classrooms your children left in the spring will not be the same one they will return to this…
