#EduColor was created both as a resource for intersectional discussions of race and education and as a safe space. Therefore, even though hashtags are open to the public, those of us who started it reserve the right to push back and challenge tweets we see as leading the discussion astray (see “derailing” for more details). This includes using #educolor on bios, blog titles, and paraphernalia.
A0 Hi everyone—welcome! I’m Yamil, a Spanish teacher in a public high school in MA. I’m here because I want to be better at being an teacher/colleague/parent/activist that can be counted on to make equity in education a reality #EduColor
A0 Hi everyone—welcome! I’m Yamil, a Spanish teacher in a public high school in MA. I’m here because I want to be better at being an teacher/colleague/parent/activist that can be counted on to make equity in education a reality #EduColor
A0 My name is Ms. Bivens and I am a Pre-K teacher on the eastern shore of MD. I am here tonight to gain insight on the topic of race and the difficulty that it creates in our public education systems. #educolor
A0 Julia Torres tweeting live from my bed in the 5280. I'm here to talk about the "A" word..."Accountability" to see how folks define and apply it, if it's evolving in how it's used. #Educolor
A1: reflecting a lot. Admitting when I let an opportunity for a hard conversation go by because I’m fearful. Checking myself with my friends. Trying to walk the walk in my classroom everyday. Nothing feels like concrete accountability but I’m trying. #EduColor
A1 I regularly question what I do in the classroom in regards to curriculum, procedures, practice, expectations, language. I reflect on how I treat the students that tend to be marginalized because if I’m failing them then I’m failing at valuing equity #EduColor
#Educolor A1 It's difficult to say, without other folx in the same spectrum of equitable practice as me, I have to rely on my own self-growth & reflect, esp. when things don't end up well throughout the day.
ALso, currently in b4/afterschl child care, not yet hired as a T
I hold myself accountable by taking time to understand each child’s background. Knowing about cultural differences and breaking down stereotypes helps to create a bond with students and parents #educolor
A1: 1st Self-reflection, as in "if this were my child" 2nd By allowing/encouraging students to keep me in line with our agreed classroom protocols and standards [had one check me today!] #EduColor
A1: One way that I do is to do self-reflection to see if my talk matches my work. In places where it doesn't, I seek out people or resources to help me. Another is having people who hold me accountable as well. #EduColor
A0. Lizzie from MA. Constantly learning and relearning and unlearning history and systems in order to disrupt the status quo. I’ll be in and out tonight. But excited to learn! #educolor
A1: Checking my own biases. I heard a great quote at the @ECOCSummit this year... “Everyone has biases, it’s what you do in response to them” #EduColor
A1. I think I primarily ask reflective questions of myself and my colleagues. I appreciate @sarahsoonling and @KimBurkhalter1 being super easy to talk to about our professional practice. #EduColor
#EduColor a1: I hold myself accountable by engaging with people on this topic and allowing others to challenge me and push back. The Johari Window is always salient for me
A1 I’m a practitioner of #PARentremundos, or participatory action research (within worlds). Central to this, is humanizing justice centered group dynamics #educolor
A0: What's good people? Ramon here. I work for @cambridge_cpsd as Director of Diversity Development. My role focuses on the recruitment and retention of educators of color across our district. Looking to learn how to do my job better while centering our young people. #EduColor
A1: I hold myself accountable by keeping focused on the students I serve, the lives at stake and the type of equitable, fair and just society I’d live to help to create. #educolor
A2 More times than I can count. In the past these moments made me feel shame but I’m learning to take these moments as challenges to learn to do better #EduColor
Q1:As we plan our new scope/sequence & give options for suggested txts, I asked collaborators to ⭐️ texts that feature/are authored by POC,women, non-Americans. It helps us see if we’re staying true to standards asking for diverse texts. I’m a curriculum designer in TX.#EduColor
A1, lots of reflection on the physical and verbal language I use, who I use it with, and what it says about my values/beliefs/biases. also, counting helps. e.g. how many times have I actually had a convo with that student that I don't give enough thought toward. #educolor
A1: I hold myself accountable by stating “math IS political .” I continue to be the voice of humanity in meetings when students are labeled and shamed. I ask questions when I don’t know. I listen to POC and amplify that voice! I try to dismantle tracking. #Educolor
I invite my students to hold me accountable to the community agreements, which include an emphasis on equity. I also talk regularly with folks on here. Wish I had people IRL in my school. #educolor A1
A1. I’ve been thinking about The Four Agreements quite a bit lately and trying to see how my work aligns. I’ve also been sharing with Ts & asking how are they reflected in their expectations for themselves & Ss. #EduColor
A1: asking myself tough qs, being reflective, seeking support in my work, expanding my knowledge, talking to fellowedus who can support me ( twitter and real #Educolor
A1. No official way because I feel like constantly sharing the ways is performative but def reflecting and pushing myself more in the action instead of passive work of equity. #educolor
A1. Yes! I regularly ask my Ss to provide honest feedback. We talk about auditing curriculum & shelves - then I invite them to audit mine. I'm better because of them (and still learning/growing daily) #EduColor
A2: I grew up mainly with Caucasian friends and ignored racism as they did. I realized the prevalence of racism and wished that I had the courage to stand up to adults and teachers that were clearly displaying racist behavior when I went out into the real world #educolor
A2: yes of course. I find it very difficult to confront white men. I become very scared of repercussions professionally and personally. I’m working on responding automatically with questions “what do you mean by that?” “Tell me more ” to see if I can start a conv #educolor
#educolor A1: Being new to this journey, I’ve held monthly chats with colleges simply around ideas and ways of incorporating this work into what we are already doing.
A2 To be honest, struggle with this. Try to be outcome orientated. Want to change people and sometimes feel calling out not the way to do it ... not saying I’m right just being honest #educolor
A2: A teacher in the first part of the meeting labeled a student a liar because they said they did their work. I was so shocked I didn’t defend. I will do better. #Educolor
A2. I wasn't in a leadership position to do anything, but there were a group of Ts who shared some racist beliefs in class. Ss called them out on Twitter, but there were few consequences. They were just transferred. Had to read a book. #EduColor
Self-examination, am I responding based on the situation or some stereotype that I have placed on the child and their family.... starting from a place of examining the facts first #EduColor
The more I learn, the less I can sit by and watch or only do the work in my classroom. I have to speak up and out AND also listen more. These are spaces for growth for me. #educolor
A2 #educolor i find that this reaction can be more productive than explicitly calling something racist, because then the #whitefragility comes out. I’m working to #breakrank more and more as I go.
A2: Oohoohoo okay I see you...I think what I regret most are the times in meetings people rephrased something I just said and/or presented it as their idea in a meeting, recieved all kinds of affirmations when I got silence, and I just let it go... #EduColor
#EduColor A1: I hold myself accountable by continuing my involvement in programs and workshops for critically conscious educator such as the #CCER and #DecolonizeEd community in NYC.
A1: I ask my staff to hold me accountable. I learned this means I have to be the type of supervisor that people are comfortable being honest with. #EduColor
It changed my view point on life completely! I work in a historically black area and instill value into my students everyday. I wished that I had a role model to show me the value of my skin as a child and I can now do that for my kids. #educolor
a2. Do you have a year to discus all the times😭?!! Seriously tho, I remember a time when my younger sister part of an #upwardbound program where she was struggling, but wasn’t receiving the $ for participating. I went in to ask, and told this isn’t welfare #educolor
A2: As a student teacher, I remained silent as my supervising white HS English teacher disparaged her black students and committed several unethical practices (ex, giving random grades not based on quality of work). 1/2 #EduColor
#educolor A2: Being international teacher and Black.. makes me notice many different things. Maybe too much at times. Sometimes people think they are closer to me then they actually are, so it gives them permission to touch my hair.. this boils me over 😤
A2: Early on my teaching career, I had some fellow teachers say things about Ss that I didn't challenge. I know I didn't have the courage then, but I definitely do now. #EduColor
A2: I’m complicit whenever I fail to name racism & other forms of oppression, I’m complicit when I choose silence & decorum over advocacy & agitation. I’m complicitwhe I don’t challenge, question, or act. #educolor
A2: confronting authority has always been hard for me- it’s part cultural upbringing& fear of consequences. 10 years ago, I would be a part of conversations where I felt Uncomfortable when colleagues spoke @ POC. I would remain silent #educolor
A3: When I launched district wide affinity spaces for the first time in May, I visibly centered Whiteness in the layout of the room. Colleagues called me out, with love at the close of the event. Issued a public apology and promised to do better. #educolor
A2: yeah, full staff meeting & T says "equity" is used to actually cause inequity. He was referring to policies to increase % of SoC in certain NYC schools. The inequity was (presumably) toward white Ss. Couldn't think of a response to that "both sides" argument #educolor
A2: Earlier in my teaching career there were instances when I’d hear problematic comments from colleagues but held my tongue. I recall a teacher who refused to call her Spanish speaking students by name (“Jose” became “Joe”) & I wish I’d called her out #EduColor
A2 (cont) I was conflicted about whether and how to deal with it. She ended up abandoning the class ahead of schedule, and I became their teacher for 2 years. #EduColor
I can totally relate to this! I can think back to things I experienced when I was a student ans wished I was more courageous but I’m working on getting better. #EduColor
#EduColor A2: Someone once said that “of course” an incident involving guns at a party was caused by black people. 😬 It was at work, and I wish I had pushed back more by challenging w ?s.
A2: Now I will walk away from a situation or I will say that this is making me uncomfortable or remind them that I am a POC . This allows me to address the situation without creating conflict. Wish I could do better . #educolor
A3. I'm lucky enough to watch @ShanaVWhite and @ChristieNold work. They are committed to holding people accountable on here and in F2F. They typically do it by holding up a mirror and letting that guide the conversation. #EduColor
affinity spaces are great tools for groups to unpack their own internalized racial oppression. I've heard that white folx are not flexing as much because no person of color to try to impress --#EduColor
A3: (part 2) I find that accountability is about love. Folk CARE enough to hold you accountable. You CARE enough to hold yourself accountable. A lack of accountability is a lack of care. #educolor
A3. I'm lucky enough to watch @ShanaVWhite and @ChristieNold work. They are committed to holding people accountable on here and in F2F. They typically do it by holding up a mirror and letting that guide the conversation. #EduColor
For real, I was 22 at the time, and all I could respond with was tears of rage. I had to really try to restrain myself from ripping this old white man apart!! #educolor
A3: I don't know if it was done right. However, during a school study on Ruby Payne's book, I had to call out glaring inconsistencies about poverty to my fellow teachers. I could not have them just digest this book as gospel and it helped for better conversations. #EduColor
A3: In response to feedback our Ss don't feel heard (or that the listening doesn't result in change) I notice building leadership meeting with, including, and consulting them in important convos regularly and actually listening. #EduColor
A4: I believe it requires educators to confront one another PRIVATELY concerning the issue. If it persist from there higher authorities need to be involved. But acknowledge the problem first because they genuinely may not see anything wrong. #educolor
A1: I have been finding that I hold myself accountable more these days by trying to listen more to those around me, observe more and hold back from offering an opinion impulsively and immediately; this allows me to see where equity is truly lacking #educolor@EduColorMVMT
there have definitely been times when I hear something from a staff member and I try to make excuses for them in my head like "they're just not thinking" or even "well they're old" but I know I need to speak up #educolor A2
I just really wanna say that #EduColor is doing “accountability” RIGHT w/ this chat. Accountability isn’t about test scores…it's about holding teachers & schools accountable for using equitable practices & being anti-racist. That’s the REAL accountability work ✊🏾
A2: This one! I’ve gotten to a point (thank God, my professors and mentors) where I’m able to hold folk accountable for racist actions and behavior whenever I see it. But, there are still the structures! #EduColor
A3:(1/2 a few years ago, a colleague made a comment that had hidden subversive racism. I remained quiet. I went home & felt very uncomfortable @ my response and his comment. The next day I walked over to him and said to him #EduColor
A2 This one made me sigh. As an IC I must build relationships with Ts & that means I don’t always address issues in the moment. I refuse to see Ss harmed & make sure we have necessary conversations. One of the hardest parts for me but I find it can move them faster. #EduColor
Calling it out: racist, queerphobic, discriminatory, sexist, ageist, etc. There’s no tiptoeing around justice.
I applaud the educators that say exactly what’s happening, right as it’s happening. #EduColor
A2 Week after week, students of color were called out by adults for behaviors that white students were doing at the same time. I told myself that it was passing time and I didn't have the time to address it, I knew better and failed those kids day after day #educolor
#EduColor Felt this one. Also when I tell people something, which they ignore, then when days, weeks, months later either the sh*t hits the fan, or someone else suggests something similar they all like, "WOW! Wish we would have thought of that!" Me: 🤦🏿♀️😒😑
A4: A colleague of mine likes to lead with reflective questions. Asking questions and pointing things out in a way that doesn't lead to ppl taking things personally, feeling threatened or attacked is an art. #EduColor
I think this is such a teacher thing to do. We want to think the best of everybody. But even if they are 'just not thinking' or old they need to learn. I have to rehearse in my head the kind of responses I might use in those moments to be prepared. #EduColor
there have definitely been times when I hear something from a staff member and I try to make excuses for them in my head like "they're just not thinking" or even "well they're old" but I know I need to speak up #educolor A2
#EduColor A4:It looks like what @BreneBrown calls rumbling. Gently but firmly getting in the muck, being clear (bc that’s kind), and using coaching skills to encourage reflection. @caitekirk is great at this skill.
In reply to
@EduColorMVMT, @BreneBrown, @caitekirk
A3: 2/2 “please don’t construe my silence as compliance. I don’t agree with anything that you said and wish you thought differently at the very least, I hope you do differently next time.” #educolor
Oh wow, yes. The structures.
That said, I need to learn how to hold folks accountable for racist comments and behaviors and I am definitely not there yet. #EduColor
A2: This one! I’ve gotten to a point (thank God, my professors and mentors) where I’m able to hold folk accountable for racist actions and behavior whenever I see it. But, there are still the structures! #EduColor
A2: Once a ‘teacher’ told me as I was preparing our building’s PSAT administration that ‘my people’ (Asian Indians) don’t need help with the PSAT but the kids in our school (who are predominantly Black and Hispanic) do #Educolor@EduColorMVMT I was speechless...
A4: uncomfortable, I think. this isn't necessarily feel-good work, or self-congratulatory work. part of growth mindset is the understanding that we will never be done growing. we gotta accept that "good enough" doesn't exist. #EduColor
A4: It can bring up conflict, defensiveness, & difficult conversation but in the end, our duty is to advocate for the students/families we serve. Silence is compliance. #EduColor
A3 cont. I also think it looks like folks providing reciepts. If you have NO evidence that your moves are making positive change for the most oppressed and marginalized Ss in our systems, what is the true foundation of your "equity" work? #EduColor
A2: Once a ‘teacher’ told me as I was preparing our building’s PSAT administration that ‘my people’ (Asian Indians) don’t need help with the PSAT but the kids in our school (who are predominantly Black and Hispanic) do #Educolor@EduColorMVMT I was speechless...
A4: It looks like my colleague principal Manuel Fernandez leading piloting de-leveled Math. It looks like principal Mirko Chardin making sure that our children are reflected in teaching staff, with a building that's 54% POC in a district average of 24%. #educolor
A5 i’ve had parents and families tell me when they felt they were being treated differently because of their color or background. Important to be open to this. #perspectivetaking#educolor
I see that. I think I’ve seen it work helping educators achieve their goals of reaching the kids in their classroom; all of them. Carla Shalaby’s “Troublemakers” taught me this #EduColor
@EduColorMVMT
A5: Here in New Mexico their was an incident where a teacher called her Native American student a savage, the family civically protested and it brought the school's cultures together #EduColor
I think this is such a teacher thing to do. We want to think the best of everybody. But even if they are 'just not thinking' or old they need to learn. I have to rehearse in my head the kind of responses I might use in those moments to be prepared. #EduColor
there have definitely been times when I hear something from a staff member and I try to make excuses for them in my head like "they're just not thinking" or even "well they're old" but I know I need to speak up #educolor A2
A4: can I be honest and say that it doesn’t always look/feel great? It can be difficult...
But it’s important work. #whitefragility is at play and comes out often. #educolor
A4: It looks a mess until it isn’t. Change ain’t easy or pretty and accountability on every level demands tough convos, commitment to truth, reconciliation AND open heart space. #EduColor
#Educolor A5: when parents question content and ask how their child will feel safe in their classroom, knowing they are one of few persons of color in the room.
A2: Once a ‘teacher’ told me as I was preparing our building’s PSAT administration that ‘my people’ (Asian Indians) don’t need help with the PSAT but the kids in our school (who are predominantly Black and Hispanic) do #Educolor@EduColorMVMT I was speechless...
It's totally an art! XD Something that takes awhile to even be proficient in, in my case. #Educolor Tough to be an introvert, but doubly so in this case.
A5. Parent/community leader @kkendrabr has been one of several Black mothers who I’ve come to know here in #phled that have made every effort to hold both their schools and the district accountable in the most loving ways! They are unapologetically themselves! #educolor
That is critical for me. In the moment I am so stunned to hear what people say that I have no words. I need to have practiced, rehearsed, prepped myself for those moments. #EduColor
A4. Fully support the answers that acknowledge the difficulty. I also believe it can be freeing to know that you aren't alone and that someone is rooting for you. #EduColor
A4: for me it personally looks and feels like abuse and exhaustion. Continuous cycle of privilege from edus who are harmful and comprehensive shock and awe when ...”I have to check You.!” #EduColor
Bookmark, save, cut and paste all these good stories friends. like this one....this is what gives hope but also teaches us about what can be done! We know #literacy i #power#EduColor
A5: A few years ago, when my school was trying to implement a uniform policy, many of our parents of color rightfully challenged the strict rules (especially regarding hair). It was a great moment. #Educolor
A4: impact over intention.We talk a lot @ intention when it comes to inequity or racist/ inequitable policies,but we should be looking at impact. I ensure equity of resources, supports for all my Ss. We can’t just intend equity. R we doing all we can’t impact equity? #educolor
A5: I think of the work being done by @DPSNewsNow via their African-American Equity Task Force. I draw SO much inspiration from the CELT team. https://t.co/xA2LfBpyjm#educolor
A6: I feel like they don’t and it’s always a small group of teachers/students/families that fight for what’s right. Then there is a superintendent change and it starts all over. #Educolor
Truth. I had a white staff member who didn’t confront a white board with the n word on it, and it fell to the black staff member. When I checked in with how they were doing they asked “why does it fall to me to confront it, why don’t I get the support of colleagues?” #educolor
A6, TBH I don’t think most communities hold themselves accountable to that in deep systemic ways. They say they are doing that by helping students improve testing results, but c’mon...ain’t gonna get root causes #educolor
A5: working in a homogeneous school, when I say I’ve never seen families of color in the community hold d hold accountable. I wonder if it’s them trying to remain as unnoticed/undifferent as possible #EduColor
#Educolor A6 Something I always come back to, TeachEd programs in colleges/Universities. Edu Equity/anti-racism shouldn't just be a focus on ELLEd, UrbanEd, SPED, but in GenEd as well. It gives all T Candidates the tools to address systemic inequities, 1/2
#Educolor A6 Having a strong anti-racism focus on all TeachEd also breaks the cycle, esp. when most T Candidates are majority white like mine was. I STILL feel wholly unprepared to address any sort of inequities.... 2/2
A3. @is_she_okay is a fierce advocate for all scholars. We were in a school that stripped LGBT+ scholars of their identities and she called it out every. single. time.
She would stand in meetings and say “they” after he/she, create safe space, & go to bat for any Ss. #EduColor
I'm genuinely appreciative of the open and honest conversation occurring via #EduColor@EduColorMVMT chat tonight because there are so many fantastic responses.
A6: In Los Angeles, the janitors union (@SEIU) negotiated for parent advocacy workshops as part of their contract so they could learn to be advocates for their children in the schools. These types of actions bring systemic change. #EduColor
it depends on what the "education community" is... small groups of dedicated educators can get work done and keep each other accountable.. schools and districts maybe.. state level? federal level? universities and teacher training programs.. do they? #educolor A6
A4: Petty silent treatments/futile retaliations and it’s worth it because the truth comes to light, at least one person in the equation changes for the better and above all if it creates equity for students then all the emotions experienced are meaningful #educolor@EduColorMVMT
A6: We have a LONG way to go in @cambridge_cpsd , but I think it's important to have PUBLICLY stated goals. When you do that, your community (parents, staff, children) can tell you whether or not you hit that. What gets measured gets done. https://t.co/mJdMiRuH6l#educolor
#EduColor A6:I don’t think it’s a one strategy-type https://t.co/7i5VKe6IIp depends on who’s at the table, I https://t.co/OCK5h2JfDH strategy is to identify a problem of practice that is based in equity and use the year to explore and deconstruct it as a team.
A.2 #EduColor I was once had a white administrator tell me “you sound so smart when you talk” in a tone of surprise while attempting to compliment my communication in a meeting.
A4: when we bring awareness to harmful practices, I find that teachers appreciate the accountability. Bc it’s all about what’s best for the students. Hard conversations are necessary. #EduColor
A3. She placed a mirror in front of us and when the stripping made it to my grade...I was able to call it out immediately. Our administrators were not fond of our stances, but we stood tall every step of the way. Including the step OUT. #EduColor
A5/6? I don't necessarily think they do. There's a lot of reinventing the wheel and expecting quick results without investing in systems with sustainability. Also, the higher up the food chain you go, the less "accountability" it seems there is. #EduColor
Agreed! Esp when it comes to Ts who don't (refuse to?) see the whiteness/racism they reproduce in their actions. "OK, you don't see it, but can't you empathize that a S might feel the impact, despite your lack of intent?" /endrant #educolor
EXACTLY! As a student teacher, I was very vocal about the faults of my TeachEd program, being the awesome COE they are, they've taken it to heart and are finding ways to meet that need. It's still difficult, tho 'cause bc of my exp w/ #Educolor, I was able to SEE faults no1 else
Channeling @TheJLV with the Jay Z reference here: "Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don't". All to say that when you have a publicly stated goal and you miss it, you welcome the conversation and analysis about what prevented you from getting there. #EduColor
I think we’ve deluded ourselves into thinking that survival is doing right by our children, when actualizing liberation seems pie in the sky. It’s easier, then working for liberation. But I say we’ve already doomed our youth to oppression when we do that #educolor
A7: I think it's important to establish a space where you see each other as equals and set norms for the conversation. I'm also open to hearing about other ways. #EduColor
This is something that is hard because I don't know that there is a "manual". But as I mentioned before, our egos will run amok if we do not make sure we are accountable. It is most difficult when an individual seemingly works for themselves #EduColor
A6(2/2): pockets of equity in indiv classrooms w/ indivTs but it has not been addressed & doesn’t seem to be a priority, esp if it’s inequity due to race/color. Ppl are afraid of having these convos esp when they have to admit they don’t have answers or solutions #educolor
#EduColor A7:One way is to get really good at coaching https://t.co/cc3SNmIRuR can deal with really complex & icky things by being good at this.If/when you get stopped from reaching a huge audience, shift to what you can change in your sphere-o-influence.
A7. In my education community, I think this starts with self - receiving feedback with grace & working to do better. Recognizing the role of my privileged identities. #EduColor
this is also where social media was such a blessing. When I decided on Edu as a career path, I sought out Ts and followed them, #Educolor was one I was introduced to (S/O @Trianglemancsd ) Was able to see examples of inequities. Given the platform, via my Profs, pointed them out
#educolor 06: PD starting with the teachers and how they can understand themselves better and their bias-followed by PD on how we start this work in the classroom. We have PD on other things..🤔 #allthetime 🤷🏾♂️
A6: Through courage within their professional organizations that we are paying dues for!!! (Presentations, recruitment, running for leadership positions, organizing committees, self-advocacy). We have more power than we think... #EduColor@EduColorMVMT
A5 I'm thinking of when Black students with their parents beside them, staged walkout at the local HS to protest racist firing of a black teacher. It was a powerful moment; sadly there were serious long-term repercussions. #EduColor
A7: Honesty is key. Just speak your truth. Ask for forgiveness, not for permission. Really trying to live by these statements in 2019. The impacts of inequity are too important to be worried about boundaries. You can remain respectful while still speaking truth. #educolor
A7: (Part 2) - But also read the situation. A great deal of this work HAS to be done in coalition. Find your squad and build the case together. #educolor
A5/6 cont. For example, if someone's "accountability" grade rests on how well they can pass tasks and duties onto others--freeing them up to attend meetings, that's not cool. #EduColor
A7: Also in organizing spaces, the ways racism, patriarchy, and sexism shows up and all of it intersections is evident that we must create formal accountability steps in place. #EduColor
This video (https://t.co/E0agGON154 from that point as I haven't watched the entire thing) is a great talking prompt in predominantly white institutions. It can help start a conversation about how pervasive racist actions and structures are. #EduColor
A7. A tough one, but I think we need to find ways to be courageous in speaking back to power, and we need to be intentional about shaping boundaries that are within our locus of control, and seek to draw them in relationships where we r limited #EduColor
A7.1: power resists being even recognized as power. That’s how the system keeps itself in stability and resists change. If we are aware of power, we know where the jam up is. #educolor
#Educolor Yes, that's where the greatest pushback, I think, will come from. People will come to defend what they perceive is an insult, those in power won't recognize it
A7 A leader that values equity will be clear about the role power plays in its pursuit definitely. This helps build the trust necessary to foster accountability. #EduColor
A8: more difficult convos, more reflection in practice, more eyes& ears on our work, more authentic PD that allows authentic edu voices to teach us. #educolor
power dynamics are such a minefield.. not only organizational hierarchies but identity-based social power dynamics.. I have so much privilege based purely on my identity and I need to start there, to do a lot of internal work #educolor A7
#educolor A8:We were built for community, so we have to find the community of people who will both challenge us and also sing our song when we’ve forgotten the melody (plagiarized the last part from a greeting card from many years ago 😂).
A5: I immediately think about the recent protest of the @AlgebraProject. Students and their families refused to allow armed officers in their schools! #EduColor
A7: That's when a mediated or restorative convo/circling up can really help...but only if it's done right, because I still giggle thinking about this ridiculous "circle of shame" meeting I was forced to have one time. #Educolor
Yes. It was hard for me at first to NOT see myself as anything but an individual. That I could somehow be a part of a group and be held accountable for the group and system I was a part of. #educolor
A4: It looks a mess until it isn’t. Change ain’t easy or pretty and accountability on every level demands tough convos, commitment to truth, reconciliation AND open heart space. #EduColor
A6. It would be great if the edupolicy makers would take a good look at all sitting around the table then take note of all voices sharing in the discussion and final decisions. #EduColor
I just really wanna say that #EduColor is doing “accountability” RIGHT w/ this chat. Accountability isn’t about test scores…it's about holding teachers & schools accountable for using equitable practices & being anti-racist. That’s the REAL accountability work ✊🏾
#educolor A8:We were built for community, so we have to find the community of people who will both challenge us and also sing our song when we’ve forgotten the melody (plagiarized the last part from a greeting card from many years ago 😂).
#Educolor A6: I think in general there is a failure of accountability. Initiatives such as SEL, PBIS, Diversity groups, and others are surface level. They fail to address the root issue white supremacy and racism partly because they won’t even name the root issue for what it is.
A7: I think it's important to establish a space where you see each other as equals and set norms for the conversation. I'm also open to hearing about other ways. #EduColor
Something else I’m reflecting on; competencies. We can’t hold people accountable without recognizing that this work is about being competent. We have educators who are experts on these competencies and they are brushed aside and ignored #Educolor
A7: by giving credence to ourselves after we have identified what is truly happening...once we see it’s real, there is no fear in stating it as fact...this has got to be when we take back some of that power in the dynamic and really form a relationship #Educolor@EduColorMVMT
#educolor A8:We were built for community, so we have to find the community of people who will both challenge us and also sing our song when we’ve forgotten the melody (plagiarized the last part from a greeting card from many years ago 😂).
As a #highered admin, we have Social Justice and Inclusion competencies, but they are just a document. There isn’t accountability. My next job description I write will include as a qualification demonstrated experience in this competency #Educolor
Q9: Let’s commit to supporting each other in 2019: What are some readings and/or resources you'd like to share around the topic of accountability in this work? #EduColor
A8. All these questions, IMO, call 4 profound systemic changes in how we co-inhabit the earth. We can sustain accountability if we have reimagined relationships in ways that r reflexive, participatory, n equity oriented. Our current model is not sustainable cuz of this #educolor
Q9: Let’s commit to supporting each other in 2019: What are some readings and/or resources you'd like to share around the topic of accountability in this work? #EduColor
And if you're Black, it can more probably mean firing. This is why vocal allies& amplification of Black educators by allies is critical. It is far easier for allies to speak & protect Black educators who speak w/o the risk of the same collateral damage to their lives. #Educolor
A4: It can bring up conflict, defensiveness, & difficult conversation but in the end, our duty is to advocate for the students/families we serve. Silence is compliance. #EduColor
A8: I'm looking for ppl to ask more questions. Eg. Kids are ditching repeatedly. Shouldn't the question be what's going on instructionally that's making them think class is not the place to be? Rather than excusing it/blaming it on their "bad" reputations? #Educolor
A4 Calling out words and practices that are harmful. Providing resources & research to refute arguments. Showing what works and serves SOC better. #EduColor
A8: Accountability can only be sustained through openness to its evidence everyday, constant assessment of it and persistent attention to the process of it. We cannot ignore nor hesitate to tackle. #Educolor@EduColorMVMT
And if you're Black, it can more probably mean firing. This is why vocal allies& amplification of Black educators by allies is critical. It is far easier for allies to speak & protect Black educators who speak w/o the risk of the same collateral damage to their lives. #Educolor
A4: It can bring up conflict, defensiveness, & difficult conversation but in the end, our duty is to advocate for the students/families we serve. Silence is compliance. #EduColor
A7: Easier said than done, but we have to get to a point where we call out injustices no matter the costs. It’s levels to it. But it’s for the sake of our students. Be encouraged #educolor
Q9: Let’s commit to supporting each other in 2019: What are some readings and/or resources you'd like to share around the topic of accountability in this work? #EduColor
A9: Joining #clearthe lair chats has been transformative. I have read white rage,,white fragility from those chats. From Twitter, I have started reading troublemakers. Reading hate you give by @angiecthomas . becoming by @MichelleObama with my daughters #educolor
#EduColor Q9: There are so many! 1. Teaching to Transgress by Bell Hooks 2. Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire 3. Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain by Zaretta Hammond. Also, research Gloria Landson-Billings and Critical Race Theory.
A9: Joining #cleartheair chats has been transformative. I have read white rage,,white fragility from those chats. From Twitter, I have started reading troublemakers. Reading hate you give by
@angiecthomas
. becoming by
@MichelleObama
with my daughters #educolor
A8: A lot of my work is creating affinity spaces and support groups for Black folx and other people of color. We need these spaces to stay grounded and focus -- #EduColor
A9: I can’t speak enough about #cleartheair and @ValeriaBrownEdu as a resource for accountability. In that spirit, the book White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and White Rage by Dr. Carol Anderson are MUST READS #educolor
I heard @chrisemdin say, "When the spirit moves through a room, you don't sit down." THAT spirit is what I need to see more from folks engaging in so-called "equity" work. #Educolor
Ugh. I hate hearing this, but I can't say I'm surprised. There's a lot of looking going on, not much listening or really hearing, being moved by people with a message of the deep pain our school system is causing kids.
So, no new structures were put in place after the talk to facilitate change? Has your district considered using the Cultural Proficiency series or trainings from Corwin? Some have found that to have more lasting impact than single speaker approach. #EduColor
A7 A leader that values equity will be clear about the role power plays in its pursuit definitely. This helps build the trust necessary to foster accountability. #EduColor
A9 The science teachers I work with are trying to do better and could use help. We've formed a group of teachers but we don't have much expertise between us and aren't sure how to start or be successful. #educolor
