Anti-Racist Resource Guide for Educators
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Who made an impact for you?

6/22/2020

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We all have educators that made a lasting impact on our lives. I remember the teachers that celebrated me, celebrated my contributions to the classroom, and pushed me to do more and be my best. (They still do that now... that's how you know they have the secret sauce).

Today I want to encourage you to take time for self-reflection.

As an educator, what messages do you send to your students through your actions, words, groupings, curriculum, or teaching practices?

Reflect on your workplace, your child's classroom, the teachers you know and interact with--what part of the population do they represent?

Take time to think about the 3 Types of Diversity Training (Conservative; Liberal; and Critical). Where do you fall? What has your experience been?

Multicultural Critical Reflective Practice: Teachers are asked to confront their preconceived notions that guide their interactions with their students because "When you feel it, you can identify it, you have something to hold on to, something you can change."
"When you feel it, you can identify it, you have something to hold on to, something you can change."
Take a moment to really let that settle. Reread the quote. Think about a student or a class you taught. After taking the time to reflect and begin to identify these feelings, what might you change about your interactions with that person?
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Let's learn more about Juneteenth

6/19/2020

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So, guess what? I am going to be brave and tell you all that I am still learning more about Juneteenth. What I've learned so far is that more of us have had an education that glossed over this prominent moment in our country's story and, by doing that, we are all finding that there is a lot of work to do. I'm not saying we had horrible educations. I am, however, challenging educators to deeply reflect on the historical events, holidays, and celebrations they have in their classrooms and how they may be continuing to follow the system of systemic racism. We'll save that for another time...
​
I have continued to develop my personal learning plan for the summer and I thought I would share some resources with you to help ensure that we do not continue to gloss over this and other important parts of our story.

Here are some things to learn & DO today:

Happy Juneteenth Article from Teaching Tolerance 
Buy the book Juneteenth for Maize from one of these Black Owned bookstores
Watch the Google Doodle
Behind the Doodle
Read, reflect, and discuss Lift Every Voice and Sing (and learn about James Weldon Johnson)
Read the Anti-Racist Resource (again... and again... and again!)
Read the words of two recent high school graduates about combatting systemic racism in schools (their words are profound)
Tune in for the Live virtual Block Party
​

Consider donating to organizations and causes listed in the Anti-Racist Resource (pages 6-9) or local organizations/causes.
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Fight systemic racism with education

6/17/2020

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I may be perseverating but it’s summer, and what do teachers do over the summer? They think about the next school year—obviously. I’m taking the time to reflect on this school year and think about what I would like to do differently, better, and more of next year. I read this from The Atlantic this morning and it got me thinking about how I could look at student data more objectively. Now, this is an article that seems geared towards my middle/high school level teacher friends, but it provides an interesting opportunity for all of my educator friends to reflect on their teaching practices, partnership with families, and ways to not only listen to student's voice but act on their ideas… because that will not only benefit students of color but ALL students.
“To fight against systemic racism means to buck norms. Educators at every level must be willing to be uncomfortable in their struggle for black students, recognizing students’ power and feeding it by honoring their many contributions to our schools. Teachers need to insist on using their own power to consistently reveal and examine their practice, and seek input from black stakeholders; they must invite black parents to the table, listen to their concerns and ideas, and act on them.”

What Anti-racist Teachers Do Differently

I have seen some of these very same students walk into another teacher's classroom, go to the last row of desks, and put their head down. I have seen them sit frozen in their seat, staring at an assignment-when earlier I had heard them make jokes, talk excitedly about the content of their history class, celebrate solving a vexing algebra equation, or shake a test tube with authority, waiting for a result.

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June 17th, 2020

6/17/2020

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Yesterday, we discussed how to talk about race with children (and adults because let’s be honest, we all have work to do). Today, Teaching Tolerance sent me my regular subscription of amazing resources and they have some similar thoughts percolating.

In various discussions, I hear people say "what if..."
  • I say the wrong thing?
  • I don’t know all of the facts?
  • I use the wrong resource?
  • I’m the only one having the discussion on my team?
  • My discussion is a complete flop?

Here are two quotes from this article that eased my mind:

"So if you feel that the conversation is too heavy or that the weight of having to end racism is in your lesson plan, humble yourself and relax. It isn’t. Your students need you to allow them space, not to fix the world."

"And when you don’t have the words and can’t plan the lessons, don’t just say nothing; say exactly what you are feeling. That will mean more to your students than you may ever know."

Don't Say Nothing

Teaching Tolerance provides free resources to educators-teachers, administrators, counselors and other practitioners-who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Educators use our materials to supplement the curriculum, to inform their practices, and to create civil and inclusive school communities where children are respected, valued and welcome participants.

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Reflect: Talking about racism with children

6/16/2020

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I just finished an engaging conversation with a cohort of educators (I'm lucky enough to work with) after reading this article. We were discussing education of young children and how we can talk to children about racism. I am so hoping the conversation continues.

Here's a quote for you to nibble on: "Ultimately, words and books should not be the end of your child’s education about race and racism. 'The best advice I can give parents is to be models for the attitudes, behavior and values that they wish to see in their children,' said Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago."

Here are three questions from our discussion.
  1. When are you most conscious of your race? Share an experience of being particularly conscious of your race.
  2. When are you most conscious of the race of others?
  3. Is there a time where you avoided a question from a child about race or difference? If you could change your response, what would you say?
​
I invite you to explore these questions and reflect on them.

Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often

These books can help start the conversation. As protests over the killing of George Floyd (and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor) spill into a second week, many parents are wondering how to talk about the deaths and unrest with their children.

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    About the blog

    Facebook became my blog. A space where I shared the resources, experiences, and reflections with those around me. I hope that the same discussions can happen here and I hope you will share your reflections, experiences, and resources as you feel comfortable.

    ​We all have much to learn from each other! 

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Website created and information curated by Hannah Assefa.


This document is a free resource but does require a great deal of labor to create and update. Should you wish to compensate this document’s contributor, Hannah Assefa, please find her on Venmo at @Hannah-Assefa.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Anti-Racist Guide for Educators
    • Websites to Bookmark
    • Learning by Listening
    • Combat Racism
    • Policy: Diversity and Equity
    • Reflect on Your Experience and Teaching
    • Teaching Resources >
      • PreK-12 Resources
      • Higher Education Resources
      • Lesson Plans >
        • Early Childhood
        • Elementary
        • Middle School
        • High School
    • Reflect on Your Library >
      • Data Review
      • Resources for Reflecton
      • Book Lists for Educators
      • Book Lists for Children
    • Action Items
  • Anti-Racist Teacher Planner