How To Begin The Shift to Racial Equity in Education
Are you a teacher who identifies as white and would like to see a shift at your school to address increased achievement for all students, especially for those who have been traditionally underserved? But as much as you want to see the shift, the thought of beginning the work is simply overwhelming.
The saying “Better Together” never meant more than it does when attempting to take on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) challenges. Make an effort to find and connect with others in your school or organization. You might start by putting a book on a table in the teacher’s lounge that addresses DEI and sees who inquires about it. Building a consensus of team members who want to engage in the effort will make it a little easier to approach leaders and request that take they notice and lead.
The first ask of leadership might be for the opportunity to learn more about culturally responsive teaching in the classroom. The pandemic has given rise to a myriad of professional development courses. Accessibility to these resources no longer has anything to do with geographic location because there is so much online.
For instance, the three-part virtual Teaching While White Workshop Series presented by educators Jenna Chandler Ward and Elizabeth Denevi, PhD., focuses on understanding whiteness and its impact on teaching and learning. The instruction and role playing offered through the training bring awareness to the blind side of microaggressions and how to thoughtfully and effectively address them with colleagues and students.
”We know that students look to their teachers to help navigate the subject of racial injustice,” said Denevi. “By setting examples and developing skills around racial literacy, we as educators can help guide the next generation toward greater racial justice.”
The beauty of the Teaching While White Workshop Series is that it is a safe space for educators who know that race matters but are uncomfortable engaging in the topic across racial difference. That commonality creates an informal learning situation where shared experiences help to develop strategies and build confidence.
Topics of discussion include managing racial stress, why being “colorblind” is not a solution, what language is appropriate to use, how stereotypes influence everyone, and how we can be more conscious of our own biases in the classroom.
Ensuring that you are an effective teacher for all students is an ongoing effort. And while it can seem overwhelming when it comes to the topic of racial equity in the classroom, remember that by taking the steps to form alliances within your organization, collaboration will result. The stronger the collaboration, the more opportunity there is for change. That’s how to begin the shift.