Voices in Education

Let's reflect, what do we mean when we say inclusion?

APRIL 15, 2021

America is often called a melting pot, but nothing says America more than a warm traditional oven-baked apple pie. First, you have your choice of delicious juicy red apples. Then there are the other ingredients; butter and flour. You mix everything and get ready to bake your pie. You place the ingredients into the pie tray, place the tray in the oven, and go off to read a book. Once it’s finally time to take the pie out of the oven, you do so and allow it to cool off. Once cooled, you eagerly cut yourself a slice and dig into the...

Voices in Education

Let's reflect, what do we mean when we say inclusion?

APRIL 15, 2021

America is often called a melting pot, but nothing says America more than a warm traditional oven-baked apple pie. First, you have your choice of delicious juicy red apples. Then there are the other ingredients; butter and flour. You mix everything and get ready to bake your pie. You place the ingredients into the pie tray, place the tray in the oven, and go off to read a book. Once it’s finally time to take the pie out of the oven, you do so and allow it to cool off. Once cooled, you eagerly cut yourself a slice and dig into the...

Voices in Education

Claiming Our Grief And Our Joy

MARCH 19, 2021

Last March 12th, teachers, students and families, and I were informed that the schools in our network would be closed for the next month because of rising cases of COVID-19 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Instead of meeting as a staff and circling up for a day of professional development that Friday, teammates scrambled to make copies and assemble learning packets for each one of our students. I recall grabbing a few items from my classroom, cleaning out some mugs, and casually telling other teachers, “see ya in a few weeks”...

Voices in Education

Unlearning: Who is the Main Character?

MARCH 11, 2021

As a Black girl, who grew up in the 90s, I count myself as fortunate to have come of age during the Black television and movie renaissance of the period. But despite this wave of primetime and box office projects featuring Black main characters, the vast majority of this content catered to older children, teens, and adults. As educators, we have the power to introduce our students to stories and characters that either enhance or harm their identity development, self-esteem, sense of empathy, and overall worldview.

Voices in Education

You Have an Anti-Racist Book List - Now What?

FEBRUARY 24, 2021

If you’ve been given a list of books about discrimination or race but are not so comfortable about discussing them, my first words of advice are to get comfortable first. That may seem easier said than done but it does involve some practice and preparation. Here are some tips from my experience.

Voices in Education

Supporting One Another After Crisis

JANUARY 10, 2021

We often bring current events into the classroom. Before doing so, it is crucial to research, learn, and process information, so you are clear on what you want to discuss and what you want students to take away from your time together. Here are ways we can support one another before we hold space and conversations with students, especially after moments of crisis.

Voices in Education

Rethinking HOW We Teach

DECEMBER 17, 2020

I invite you to reflect on your current ideology. How do you view your students and their abilities? How does this manifest in your pedagogy as well as your choices and interactions? What are short-term and long-term outcomes when it comes to student learning, well-being, and growth?

Voices in Education

Supporting Students by Showing Up for Ourselves

DECEMBER 10, 2020

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt like if one more thing went wrong that it would push you over the edge? You are not alone! 2020 has felt like 10 years in one, and there is no escaping the stressors of a global pandemic, catastrophic forest fires, school closings, extended quarantines, canceled trips, social distancing, racial injustices and all of the polarity messages we receive from social media on a daily basis. But the story doesn’t have to stop here. My relationship with stress has transformed from a place...

Voices in Education

Unlearning Thanksgiving: Centering Indigenous Youth Voice | Part 2

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

It’s important for people to take the time to educate themselves and change the narrative of Thanksgiving by taking the power away from the colonial aspect of the holiday and placing that power into family values.

Voices in Education

Unlearning Thanksgiving: Centering Indigenous Youth Voice | Part 1

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

In recognition of November being Native American Heritage month, PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs gathered perspectives from Native American students on what Thanksgiving means to them, and the importance of educating others about Native American heritage. Cordelia Falls Down, a member of the Apsáalooke Nation and United Keetoowah Band, is from the Crow reservation of Montana. She is pursuing a Masters degree in Native American Studies-Tribal Governance and Policy at University of Oklahoma. She responded to written...

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Voices in Education