A1: Hey love folks of @NoVAEdChat! Iโm Dena Simmons from @YaleEmotion. One word to describe my professional identity, besides agitator, is educator. Iโm excited to meet the rest of yโall too. #novaedchat
If tonight is your first #novaedchat or if you need some hints to keep up with a busy chat or if you just want to always be learning - here are some tips!
So grateful for all the work that you @TechyMargaret do with #NoVaEdChat every week! You're phenomenal! Seriously! Thank you for allowing us to use this platform to host :) #NoVaEdChat
A1 Nichole Lindgren Elementary ESOL Math Instructional Support Teacher with the ESOL Office in FCPS. One word to describe my professional identity is Advocate #NoVAedchat
A1: Hey guys! I'm Rashida and I'm an AP at Willow Springs ES! One word to describe my professional identity is HUMBLE LEARNER. I know, I know ...I cheated by choosing two lol but I don't think that I can be a leader without being both of these things #NoVaEdChat
Q1: Hello everyone! My name is Mignon and I am an AP at a middle school in DC. Thought I would join after adding to my PLN with @DenaSimmons this evening. Professional identity = passion. #novaedchat
If it feels fast, that's ok. Great ideas and topics will be retweeted/replied to and come back around! PLUS the chat is always archived so you can read through tomorrow at a better speed for you #NoVAedchat
A1 I am a resource teacher who supports student centered learning through PBL and Blended Learning at McNair in FCPS. one word to describe my professional identify: curious! #NoVaEdChat
A2:Majority decides what's socially acceptable identities r most privileged in our schools & community.Whatever poses as the cultural norm doesn't get questiond or assumd less of. If we r not mindful of differences:who gets chosen,listened to,exposure?Who gets access? #NoVaEdChat
A2: Wealth is the most consistent privilege leading to academic success - outside time and resources that are put into ensuring the success of their kids #NoVAedchat
A2: It is a privilege to be a parent who is an educator. There is so much that we know as educators that other parents do not know. I'm thinking about best practices, planning/pacing guides, resources, etc. How do help parents w/o these resources? #NoVaEdChat
White Christians. Race-wiseโthose students see themselves in all the materials all the time, and even in the majority of their teachers. Religion-wise, our winter and spring breaks revolve around Xmas & Easter. #NoVAedchat
Yay!!! We chat here on #NoVAedchat every Wednesday night at 8pm. At the end of the chat you'll see a graphic that has the topics for the rest of the month! I hope you can come back and join us again!
A2 Ss with parents who advocate for them and provide meaningful learning experiences outside of school. Ss who have parents who champion for them no matter what #novaedchat
A2: anything that is deemed "normal", specifically gender roles that are normalized in our society on a daily basis! How do I disrupt this without stepping on toes? (continuous thought) #NoVAedchat
A2: The more "socially accepted" identities are more privileged, unfortunately. In our case, it tends to be affluent, cis, white, and Christian even as our school and community pop. continues to diversify. #novaedchat
A2. Knowing which resources are available to you and how to advocate for those resources is something I recognize as a privilege having taught in different school communities. #NoVAedchat
So much yes @RashidaJGreen! Even just navigating discipline, questions about how to get help for your child, knowing procedures for referrals, who to ask for help #NoVAedchat
A2: It is a privilege to be a parent who is an educator. There is so much that we know as educators that other parents do not know. I'm thinking about best practices, planning/pacing guides, resources, etc. How do help parents w/o these resources? #NoVaEdChat
Life can be so hard for people who are "different!" Ultimately, those who are different have so much power and create change for everyone else because they are different! #novaedchat
I totally agree! Iโm always looking for ways to do this. I feel like we need a think tank because there are so many great things happening across the county #NoVaEdChat
A2: I think students with strong parent advocates and those whose identities that are seen as within the cultural โnormโ at a particular school #NoVaEdChat
Such a great point! I reflect on that a lot since I was one of those kids for much of my life but I have to keep reminding myself that not all of my students learn as quickly. #novaedchat
This is a great question!! As a student, learning came easily to me. When I got older and faced more challenging content and rigor, I was suddenly at a loss for how to navigate these challenges! #novaedchat
This is crucial; on top of this, how do we help parents if we do not provide translation services?There is a ton of barriers keeping parents from school: language, transportation, education level, feelings welcomed, or not so we should find ways to mitigate barriers #novaedchat
A2 I see the privilege of literacy and being an English speaker every day where I work. 10 years teaching in schools w/ huge ESOL Populations and I can still forget how easy it is for some #NoVaEdChat
I agree! Like administrators right? I've learned that being in this position does hold a lot of power and privilege.
It is what I do with it that matters the most... #NoVaEdchat
A2: Having Ps who can advocate for their child & people who advocate for themselves is a privileged identity in schools & workplaces. Not everyone has the experience, knowledge, resources, confidence, time, etc. to advocate. #novaedchat
This is crucial; on top of this, how do we help parents if we do not provide translation services?There are a ton of barriers keeping parents from school: language, transportation, education level, feelings welcomed, or not so we should find ways to mitigate barriers #novaedchat
A2: Parents, Public, and Politicians who advocate for a certain population. Knowing what resources are available, where to go to get them, and how to use them. #novaedchat
A3: one of the challenges to creating identity safe classrooms is the fear that catering to the identities and needs of โothersโ means giving up something or it means that others, not oneโs self, is getting privileged. #novaedchat#educolor#satchat#hiphoped
Attended a great workshop today where ELL teachers described using Scratch with their students. Programming is often reserved for gifted students. #NoVaEdChat
A2: I think privilege transcends. Privileged (white, male, heterosexual, cis etc) exists in schools in ways they exist in society as a whole. #NoVaEdChat
A3:Challenges to identity safe environments are lack of trust and empathy for all stakeholders. The #1 barrier is safety. Safe to be me, unapologetically me and without judgments. Educators need to be mindful of stereotype threat and ways to empower diverse learners. #NoVaEdChat
A3: Building in intentional time and strategies to discuss and generate ideas for how to create this environment, and creating empathy in all stakeholders #NoVAedchat
I keep thinking back to the conversation with our students and an educator from Peru, how different school in FFX Co was from their experiences in South America #NoVAedchat@joann_hardy
A3 challenges to creating identity safe environments for all include ensuring all students have entry points to content and that multiple perspectives are valued and openly shared #novaedchat
A3: One challenge might be getting to know all students beyond a surface level. Another is shifting mindsets of adults and students to be all inclusive. When schools function as families, then we create safe environments #iSeeYou#iWelcomeYou#YouBelongHere#NoVaEdChat
A3: It can be a challenge to pinpoint impacts you can have on Ssโ identities, especially if your actions are well intended but may be impacting negatively. So many things we do and say could be sending some sort of message about identity. #NoVAedchat
A3: Particular to my field...the book publishing industry is playing โcatch-up.โ Finding high quality books with minority main characters is better than it used to be, but still harder than it should be. #NoVAedchat
Yup, which is way we have to be so careful about what students are learning in schools. There are big implications for how they shape their understanding of the world. #novaedchat
A3: Compassion is a challenge. Ss need to be taught the difference between compassion and pity... compassion comes when we see each other and accept the differences #NoVAedchat
A3 Trust and quality relationships! Our school culture might be the biggest barrier we have in education: both for learning in children and adults! #novaedchat
A3: We acknowledge students' identities. We focus on relationship building. We use language that honors the integrity of the individual journeys each of our students is on. #NoVaEdChat
A3: It all starts with relationships. And students absolutely have to see that their identity is valued at the school. As librarian, I am always looking for books that represent all of their identities. Everyone should be able to see themselves represented at school. #NoVAedchat
A3: I think it doesn't allow everyone to be successful. You are hindering a certain group from growing with the other. Thinking that a certain group can't learn or do something because they are: too young, or don't speak the language, or come from a bad home, etc. #novaedchat
UNAPOLOGETICALLY ME ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ yyyyaaassss @NinaThomasFCPS please say that again โค๏ธ Do you REALLY see me, welcome me, and make me feel like I belong here ๐ค ...you just made me take out my Sunday Shouting Shoes lol #NoVaEdChat
A3:Challenges to identity safe environments are lack of trust and empathy for all stakeholders. The #1 barrier is safety. Safe to be me, unapologetically me and without judgments. Educators need to be mindful of stereotype threat and ways to empower diverse learners. #NoVaEdChat
A.3 The learning curve is wide and steep, how to move at a pace that everyone can absorb but also not wait and have false starts.. its important challenging work #NoVAedchat
A3. To create identity safe spaces, we have to turn the mirror on ourselves first and admit that we don't always know everything the other needs. And take the TIME to build relationships to learn what someone else needs to feel safe #youbelonghere#NoVaEdChat
A1: Identities that are privilege in most of the places I have been are white, heterosexual, middle to upper middle class identities. Most school books I read centered on whiteness--white leaders, heroes, etc. I thought white = best, and struggled seeing my own value #NoVaEdChat
A3 I struggle with " identity safe" as a achievable concept because of the intrinsic absolutes that must be achieved.Spaces that allow vocab and repsect to support Ss becoming who they are should be goal of all learning spaces #NoVAedchat
A3: Safe environments are built on mutual respect and a celebration of identity; not pretending we are all the same! We are all different and that's what makes us strong. Students have to know we care about them, respect their identity, and welcome them in! #NoVAEdChat
A3 I think a major challenge for many is acknowledging their own privilege and not having the expectation that others should โget on their levelโ #NoVaEdChat
A3 #novaedchat understanding the difference between "sympathy" and "empathy" - knowing how our own biases impact our connections and relationships with others, our beliefs and values means we have to understand ourselves and others on deep levels.
A3 Too often Ts (in HS) think learning is all about content. Imagine how much more content can be weaved into strong foundations built by respect and actual relationships #NoVaEdChat
A3: A major challenge is understanding the biases of those working with students. to keep them safe Many times we are reacting to matters simply because we haven't uncovered enough layers about the adults in our school community. #NoVAedchat
A3: Change is terrifying for those of us who are comfortable where we are. We too often associate change with pain that we forget how beautiful the end result is #novaedchat
A3 Providing different experiences & opportunities can be a challenge but is essential. Did hands on strawbees activity & my grad student who taught pre-school loved it, was able to shine while those who were better at reading/talking were uncomfortable. #novaedchat
A3. I find it difficult to advocate for students of color at times for fear of being judged or showing favoritism even when I recognize the need for intervention. We should feel free to advocate for any and all children no matter the race. #NoVAedchat
It can be challenging when students want to be accepted by their peers and feel they need to change who they are... its up to educators to celebrate what makes us all different. #DiversityandInclusion#NoVaEdChat
A3: It can be challenging when students want to be accepted by their peers and feel they need to change who they are... its up to educators to celebrate what makes us all different. #DiversityandInclusion#NoVaEdChat
A4: this is an oldie but goodie but I share ways that we can celebrate and value students of color here: https://t.co/qOEjdk4nwP Many of these tips are relevant can be applied for creating identity safe spaces. #novaedchat
A4:Provide opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Allow TIME for RELATIONSHIP building.If we put in the time up front, it will pay off in the end. "Relationships are the on-ramp to learning" Author Zaretta Hammond #NoVaEdChat
A3 Agreed...I taught middle school and it was sad to see students, girls especially, start to conform in their dress and attitudes as they got older. #NoVaEdChat
A4: Maybe survey the parents? I'm wondering what are some ways parents think that we can celebrate all identities? Getting their support and input can be key. What immediately comes to mind is sharing/relationship building in classes, after school programs, etc. #NoVaEdChat
A4: Can we start by recognizing that we are different and not being afraid to acknowledge it? Then, we can move towards creating inclusive environments that allows every student to see a portion of themselves throughout the building. #novaedchat
A4: Take the time throughout the year to acknowledge all the holidays students celebrate-- not just the ones our school calendar revolves around. #NoVaEdChat
A4. When we utilize great practices that honor the individual such as conferring, workshop model, and building relationships through RC is one to get to know each student that we can then celebrate them. diverse displays, relevancy, and expectations matter too! #NoVAedchat
A4 Those same educators who were using Scratch with their students encouraged them to tell their family stories, share pics of their home countries. #NoVaEdChat
In reply to
@NoVAEdChat, @RashidaJGreen, @NinaThomasFCPS, @DenaSimmons
Yet they are not and unless we bring attention to it, they will continue to be. Discussing and understanding identity is key to valuing identity and the first step to learning without judgment. #NoVaEdChat
A4 as a leaders we MUST create inclusive cultures in our schools. We canโt accept anything less and our actions will speak much louder than our words. #NoVaEdChat
A4: Another thought is embracing differences. In the workplace, thinking about "How do you get your best work done?" and being ok with the idea that everyone's response is not the same. Getting to know each other and embracing differences makes us closer colleagues #NoVaEdChat
A4: Students need to see themselves at school; in the staff, books we read, historical figures we study & in the curriculum. Encourage students to share about life outside of school & their culture, its a chance for everyone to learn something new, teachers included. #NoVaEdChat
A4: Seeing and believing in all of our students. Knowing they are their own person and learners and they don't need to fit in our box, we need to help strengthen theirs. #NoVaEdChat
A4 I need to continue to learn. When Ss see your curiosity in them as humans they begin to trust and grow. Each one just needs the correct conditions unique to them to flourish #NoVaEdChat
We can let students know what we see in them that makes them special. We can do celebrate a student each day (I did this when I was a teacher) & allow all students to write "love" notes about what they appreciate about their peers. #novaedchat
A4: Our PTA's International Night is our most popular event. We need to find ways to highlight differences in culture, families, learning, and more...all year long. #NoVaEdChat
A4 Iโm jumping in here late, but I think the biggest next step is to deconstruct the systems that continue to perpetuate oppression. I love to talk about it but the conversation must produce action! #NoVAedchat
RIGHT! We have to face our country's ugly history of bigotry and racism if we want to see change! #novaedchat Colorblindness is not doing anyone any favors--just appeasing the most privileged. #novaedchat
A4: I have the pleasure to teach in a very diverse school. It's hard sometimes to understand why people don't except everyone. We have a Multicultural Night each year where we invite the parents to present and make food on their culture. #novaedchat
To show we celebrate and value we need to have an asset mindset. I see , celebrate AND value the perspective identity you bring to this work, school, office. #NoVaEdChat
I hear that worry, but at the same time, equity is about ensuring everyone's needs are met. Our students of color come to school with greater needs most of the time because society historically has done very little favors for them #novaedchat
A4: Be profound, vocal, and bold advocates for all members of the community! Amplify diverse literature, art, stories, and perspectives that allow for us to become amazing, inclusive, and appreciative human beings. Share more than one story #novaedchathttps://t.co/FSS4RorSDg
A4: taking time to get to know people! There's much more to life than science. We make time for what's important to us. Build community in the classroom. #novaedchat
A4 To show we celebrate and value we need to have an asset mindset. I see , celebrate AND value the perspective identity you bring to this work, school, office. #NoVaEdChat
A4: Diversity should be celebrated throughout the year, and not just on a specific day or month. Recognize the accomplishments of all. Recognize these accomplishments often. #NoVaEdChat
We also have Learning nights for the parents. We will bus them in to the events. We even go to their houses in the summer to talk with them and invite them back. We have book swaps in different neighborhoods. #NoVaEdChat
I love that idea Kelley! I think mentorship builds such close relationships. Students need to know that there is someone in the building who has their back, truly cares about their success and is looking out for their best interest #NoVaEdChat
A4 Ongoing PD: To celebrate diversity in schools each school community stakeholder needs to possess the time and knowledge required to meet and value all students where they are at. We are all learning at all times. It's one big learning trajectory. #novaedchat
A4 Right on...read a variety of writers all year not just during certain times. Expand the canon, suggest new ways of approaching literature and so forth. #NoVaEdChat
Once we understand the gross inequality, I have to stop and ask: what role do I play? And how do I begin to change the game? Self change, and structural change are musts. #NoVAedchat
We all have biases, but biases against kids of color result in lower expectations, school-to-prison pipeline, and essentially diminished dreams. Implicit bias for many of our marginalized you leads to systemic discrimination. #novaedchat
A5: educators & leaders can listen. Listening is a beautiful, but difficult task.Through listening to students, families, educators, & other stakeholders, we learn more about peoplesโ stories, needs, & assets & welcome them into teaching, leading, & learning #novaedchat
A4 no child should be taught by a monolithic teacher base from k-12. This is the reality of many Ss and it should not be. Diversity in the curriculum is not enough #NoVAedchat
A4: Our librarian has been very purposeful about celebrating diversity but purchasing and purposefully displaying books with that students can identify with... it's awesome. #booksasmirrors#NoVaEdChat
And, being blind is a privilege in and of itself, right? When people live in this country, always in a state of fear for their lives, they are hyper-aware of their place, their belonging, and their value. #novaedchat
A5: Educators and supervisors can maintain a consistent message by taking time to listen without judgment and providing honest/data driven feedback about employee practices that are not consistent with the message of identity safety & belonging. #NoVaEdChat#accountability
A5: Modeling and leading the way. Set the example through actions and communication. Be honest about privilege and you will have more honest conversations with others #NoVAedchat
And, it also tells me the level of a person's cultural pproficiency. When you see me, I need you to recognize my history and my culture because it makes me who I am and when I see others I must do the same. #novaedchat
In reply to
@teachforthem, @DenaSimmons, @MissDipert
Q5: Not expecting someone to conform to the status quo, but instead embracing students and teachers where they are. Do we expect everyone to fit the same mold? Why? What assumptions come when people do not? How do we support everyone? #NoVaEdChat
A5: Schools need to get on the same page and send a consistent message of love and acceptance to every student, family member, and staff that enters the building. #NoVaEdChat
#novaedchat and then being willing to be the brave one names when others do not as unacceptable in our schools for our children and future are at stake!
A5 take a look at our advanced classes. If theyโre not diverse, we need to re-evaluated the criteria for selecting students for those classes. Children are so much more than test scores. #NoVaEdChat
Knowing that I can fail forward without judgement, authentic relationships, breaking down barriers between the community and school ...I could go on and on... #NoVaEdChat
Q5. Walk the talk. AND no cherry picking. You don't get to say you believe in equity for all and then say well except for "them" it's an ALL means ALL thing. #NoVaEdChat
A5: Look at data. Do the Ss getting advanced learning opportunities match the demographics of our pop? Is there a higher trend of particular S populations being sent to the office? Stop focusing on how the Ss can change and advocate for change FOR those Ss #NoVAedchat
When I go around the country taking to educators about #equity, this is what I want them to ask themselves obsessively: What are you willing to give up? #NoVaEdChat
A5. When our actions line up with our words we can develop a level of trust amongst all stakeholders to have difficult conversations about equity. We have to get comfortable being uncomfortable! Lead the way! #NoVAedchat
A5: Modeling what it should look like. Showing the staff and Ss that they live what they preach. Showing that they care by having high expectations for everyone. Then if they fall short coach them on how to get there. #novaedchat
A5 Educators need to provide extracurricular activities that include all students. Students want to be a part of something and feel that they are important. #novaedchat
A5: hosting international night is such a great way to get the community together to celebrate what makes them THEM! The first step is getting the community through the doors of the school #NoVAedchat
A5 Making time to be present for conversation, listening, truly caring how people are doing. Listen to everyone's story and don't assume you know #NoVAedchat
A5 this might sound silly, but you must first model acceptance with yourself to Ss and others. Celebrate your own differences, challenges, self-confidence, and self-worth openly. Ss need adults that are proud and who have overcome challenges as role models! #novaedchat
I love this! Books as windows and mirror. Itโs great to see myself and we must encourage students to learn about others through books as well #NoVaEdChat#WindowsAndMirrors
Having courageous and critical conversations. Holding high expectations. Not turning a blind eye. Becoming an advocate by questioning practices and striving for excellence. #novaedchat
When I go around the country taking to educators about #equity, this is what I want them to ask themselves obsessively: What are you willing to give up? #NoVaEdChat
A5a: I went to a recent National Title 1 conference and they said something resonates with me. "We don't need to always focus on teaching them how to succeed. We need to help them know what to do when they don't" #novaedchat
A5: Be an active listener. Sometimes we don't want a solution, we just want someone to listen and understand. The same goes for our students. #NoVaEdChat
A5 As an educator I teach the difference between equity and equality explicitly and I apologize when I make mistakes. Ss need to see that we see them, and that we mess up too! #NoVAedchat
A5 #studentvoice and faculty involvement in school decisions. Both students and teachers should be the voice of leadership in a school. Help them drive decisions and take ownership. #leadchange#novaedchat
A5a: I went to a recent National Title 1 conference and they said something resonates with me. "We don't need to always focus on teaching them how to succeed. We need to help them know what to do when they don't" #novaedchat
When I go around the country talking to educators about #equity, this is what I want them to ask themselves obsessively: What are you willing to give up? #NoVaEdChat#NoVaEdChat
I agree that we canโt be aware of all ...but think about the leg up we have on a parent who is not an educator. Itโs kinda crazy when I think about it #EducatorPrivilege#NoVaEdChat
Q5: As a leader of color, I strive to be my most authentic self. And, then I can help others see that their differences are accepted and recognized. #novaedchat
Exactly - and that is just one venue. Think about paper work that comes home, understanding assessments, how parents deal with conflict at school, etc. #NoVaEdChat
Q6: I will continue to lead the conversation around equity and diversity with my community. Our students are so worth all of our efforts! ๐ฉ๐พโ๐๐จ๐ฟโ๐๐ฉ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐จโ๐จ๐ฉ๐พโ๐ป๐ฉโ๐ซ๐จ๐ผโ๐ณ#successforalltigers#NoVaEdChat
When I go around the country talking to educators about #equity, this is what I want them to ask themselves obsessively: What are you willing to give up? #NoVaEdChat#NoVaEdChat
This is something that I'm really working on!! It's easy to throw that quote in during a twitter chat, but something completely different to actually DO it! #novaedchat
A5: Listen to voices that are not often heard. It is easy to listen to the popular kids or the parents who have the time and resources to be strong advocates. it is much more difficult to actively seek new perspectives and ideas #novaedchat
A6: The power of sincerely getting to know colleagues and students makes our time together more meaningful and productive. You have to create a culture of acceptance and trust so that S feel safe to be who they are. Tragic to feel unsafe to learn...to have a voice. #NoVaEdChat
Call it out when itโs not happening. We canโt be afraid to be held accountable for a community of respect in the same way as we are held accountable for test scores. #NoVAedchat
Tonight was an awesome conversation - but don't let it stop here! Build your #PLN, follow your colleagues and continue learning together. I'll retweet the archive just after 9 #NoVAedchat
A6: The reminder to have an open mind that truly welcomes everyone. The reminder to listen to understand (not listen to talk). The reminder to truly care #NoVaEdChat
I love this! I gave "The Hate U Give" to another colleague today. I'm trying to use it as a way to start these convos. Books as windows and mirrors. I'm going to keep it going #NoVaEdChat
A5: Ts & supervisors need to constantly eval. assessments, which need to reflect our entire population- I wonder how different our "top" Ss would shift if we changed the format of our assessments to be more inclusive? #novaedchat
A6- ask a friend on this chat in a week what steps have they taken to continue the conversation on equity in their work location and with others #NoVaEdChat
A6. The passion of our colleagues on this topic is palpable . The conversation starts here AND I have a responsibility to continue to learn about it and have the conversation in ou office and schools #NoVaEdChat
Call it out when itโs not happening. We canโt be afraid to be held accountable for a community of respect in the same way as we are held accountable for test scores. #NoVAedchat
A6: I take with me that for anything to be done well, we do it as a collective. Y'all are my tribe, @NoVAEdChat. Let's continue to push each other so that we can be our best selves. You all inspire me, No lie. #NoVaEdChat
#thread 1/2 At our Literacy Symposium w/ @ctovani w/ great discussion re: assessment. "Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it's stupid" came to mind. #ourFCPS#ownliteracy
A6: All the considerations for S identities. It is so important and something we need to always consider. We are making an impact on S identities without knowing it, in good and bad ways. Iโve been reading a lot about it lately and trying help others learn about too! #NoVAedchat
A6 I loved the discussion around which identities do you feel are most privileged. So many people had opinions and points that I had not considered! I would love to discuss this with others at school. #novaedchat
A3: We will always face challenges b/c we all come from various backgrounds, cultures & socioeconomic upbringings. Continuing to include #culturalexperiences for our students will help us grow together. Include #PBL's which provide opportunities for cultural exchange. #novaedchat
A5: Are test results a reflection of student needs or of cultural deficiency in the assessment? How would the achievement gap & "the kids at the top" change if more assessments reflected cultural proficiency? #novaedchat
IF we learn a way to respect all students, embrace all students, make them feel welcomed and loved, but positive relationships ...believe me, the test scores will come. They have to trust us to learn from us #NoVaEdChat
A6: Engage. Don't sit back and expect someone else to do the heavy lifting for you. We are each a part of the conversation, and everyone's voice matters. See the quote below. ๐ #NoVaEdChat
