Antiracist Teaching and Its Place in All Classrooms
Michelle C. S.
Disengagement Disruptor ? Helping women education leaders of color disrupt the status quo + lead authentically & balanced. Education Leader ? TEDx Speaker ? Best-Selling Author. Elevate your impact + honor your worth????
Are you ready to take a stand against the systemic racism that plagues our education system?
Jamilah Pitts of Learning for Justice reminds us that schools can oppress and liberate students of color. Have you witnessed the effects of this firsthand as both a student and a teacher? I have seen both. And unfortunately, the latter has happened to me, my own daughter, and many students who looked like us.
It's time to harness our own power and make a change. You are probably wondering what we can do as educators. The answer is this. Let's tap into our power. And yes, we have power. So, are you ready to use your power and position to work to challenge systems of racism in your classrooms actively? Join the conversation and discover how you can be an antiracist educator.
As I sat and listened
to the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands' webinar on antiracist teaching, I was struck by the passion and commitment of the educators featured in the presentation. They shared their experiences and the impact of the program on their schools and students, and I felt inspired to be a part of the movement toward a more equitable education system.?
One teacher's story particularly resonated with me. She spoke of how she learned to use her knowledge and position as a teacher to better support her students, especially those who were historically excluded and underserved. This made me reflect on my own experiences and how I, too, could use my power to make a difference.?
I recall one instance where I was assigned to teach an AP Language class, but the textbooks provided by the school were outdated and insufficient. When I approached the Vice Principal about getting new books for my students, my request was flatly denied. But I refused to let that stop me from providing my students with the resources they needed to succeed. I discovered DonorsChoose and wrote a proposal to secure funding for new textbooks, and to my delight, my grant was funded.?
The impact of this small act was profound. My students had a higher pass rate in the AP Language exam than the overall pass rate for all AP Language and all AP courses. This experience taught me that, as teachers, we can make a difference in our students' lives and shape their futures. By providing access to resources and opportunities, we can help to level the playing field and give every student, especially those of color, a chance to succeed.
Antiracist teaching is all about making real changes in the classroom. It's about being aware of and addressing inequalities, showing empathy, and empowering students to take action for equity and justice. It's not just about talking the talk, it's about walking the walk and making a difference in our schools.?
Therefore, I want to share three ways you can grow and go toward antiracist teaching.
1. Use social justice books to build antiracist lessons.
Social justice books have the power to spark meaningful conversations, challenge assumptions, and give voice to diverse perspectives. They can be a powerful tool in the fight against racism and injustice.?
I'll never forget the day my students took control of the conversation in a Socratic Seminar about themes from a book. They dove into themes that were personal to them and connected to real-world issues. They discussed racial profiling, immigration laws, and so much more with passion, structure, and evidence-based arguments. It was a proud moment for me as a teacher, but more importantly, it was a pivotal moment for my students.?
This is just one example of how books can be a catalyst for discussions about social justice. They can give students the opportunity to explore complex issues and share their own perspectives. They can also serve as a window into different experiences, especially for students from marginalized communities who may not see themselves reflected in the curriculum. By incorporating social justice books into the classroom, we can empower students to take action against racism and injustice.?
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2. Engaging in antiracist work.
Embracing antiracism is a personal and professional journey. The key to creating a more equitable and just society lies in recognizing that antiracist teaching is a lifelong process that demands self-awareness, education, and growth. So, to start your journey, try these steps:?
?By committing to this ongoing journey, you can play your part in creating a better world for all.
3. Create a conversational safe space.
Let's empower students to openly discuss racism by creating a safe, supportive environment. The process of encouraging candid conversations about this sensitive topic requires a structured approach and plenty of practice. To get started, establish clear ground rules and make sure to reinforce them in each discussion consistently. For example, when I had Socratic Seminars with my students, we would review, read, refer to, and reflect on the ground rules each session.?
Another key to fostering a safe space is to be responsive to students' needs and concerns. This can involve encouraging self-reflection activities, engaging in open discussions, and creating opportunities for students to share their own perspectives and experiences. When students feel heard and valued, they are more likely to open up and have meaningful conversations about racism.
One last thing...
The Center for Teaching and Learning says,
Being an anti-racist educator means developing or growing an anti- racist mindset and agenda and using that to shape your teaching practices.
It's time to turn words into actions. As an antiracist educator, it's our duty not only to acknowledge but actively work towards dismantling racist structures and systems in our classrooms and beyond.?
So, let's take the first step and commit to continue growing and refining our anti-racist mindset and agenda. What small but impactful action can you take today to further this mission?