I'm so happy to be here and to further our conversations around equity and cultural responsiveness. Thank you @NinaThomasFCPS and team for leading this important work! I'm Rashida - an AP in FCPS #NoVaEdChat
Hi Nina Thomas here! Welcome to our first annual TwitterChat of the school year! Thanks to Dr. Hollie, I am over excited about the conversations we are about to have this evening. Get ready get ready!
#FCPSWeseeyou#NoVAedChat Let's do this!
Is this your first #NoVAedchat? We are so glad you're here!! Lots of us are regulars and can help - don't be afraid to ask questions! Here are some hints to help you! Most importantly... include #NoVAedchat in every tweet!
Is this your first #NoVAedchat? We are so glad you're here!! Lots of us are regulars and can help - don't be afraid to ask questions! Here are some hints to help you! Most importantly... include #NoVAedchat in every tweet!
What comes to mind for me @validateaffirm is the evolution of it all and where I am now compared to where I was many years ago, in terms of my personal and professional space. #NoVAedChat
My journey has led me to be more reflective and cognizant of my language and behavior. I have been less likely to judge others that have a narrow lens for an appreciation of diversity and the benefits of inclusion. Its about calling people in vs. calling people out. #NoVAedChat
A1: I'm at a very new place in my journey b/c my position of influence changed. As an AP I have opportunities that I didn't have before. I try to maximize my voice, privilege, & power in a positive way to ensure equity for all students. #NoVAedChat
#NoVAedChat I think about that teacher back in 4th grade who believed in me and saw something that others didn't. Her push to include me in advanced classes lit a lifelong fire for learning that it has been my privilege to share with students and educators.
So glad you are here! Don't worry about reading and responding to every tweet. Just take in what you can. It will be archived and you can read it all later! #NoVAedchat
A1 that until a few years ago I had no idea what I didn’t know and the more I learn about (in)equity the more I realize I don’t know and how much work I have to do #NoVAedChat
#NoVAedchat Hi Everyone, I'm Kimberly Perri and I teach 3rd, 5th, & 6th grade students at McNairES and I'm the SBTS . I heard Dr. Hollie speak on November 5th at Woodson HS and was very engaged during his presentation. @fmigdal You participating?
Join us tonight at 8pm e to dig deeper on Equity and Cultural Responsiveness in the Classroom on #NoVAedChat at 8 pm e. Co-hosted by @FCPSNinaThomas and Dr. Sharroky Hollie @validateaffirm . Retweet & tag a friend you want to talk with! #FCPSWeseeyou
A1 What comes to me is a recognition of the blind spots that I have. I feel like my eyes are consistently being opened as others share their perspectives, and I am so grateful to have the space to learn and grow and reduce those blind spots. #NoVAedChat
A1 - Mostly how ignorant I was growing up. And how happy I am to have done the work to (try to) overcome my upbringing. #alwayslearning#neverdone#novaedchat
A1: what comes to mind first is how much i have learned, had my mind opened, been humbled...and SO much more to learn. thank goodness for the work of our @FCPSEquity team! #NoVAedchat#WeSeeYou
My journey has led me to be more reflective and cognizant of my language and behavior. I have been less likely to judge others that have a narrow lens for an appreciation of diversity and the benefits of inclusion. Its about calling people in vs. calling people out. #NoVAedChat
A1: the shift trom being curious vs being “PC”. Asking questions doesn’t make us sound unintelligent. In order to AUTHENTICALLY understand another culture, we must ask, listen, learn. I’ve never felt defensive when someone asks rather than assumes about my culture #NoVAedchat
My journey has led me to be more reflective and cognizant of my language and behavior. I have been less likely to judge others that have a narrow lens for an appreciation of diversity and the benefits of inclusion. Its about calling people in vs. calling people out. #NoVAedChat
A1. I have been on a long journey to learn about equity and cultural responsiveness. I have especially learned to purposefully seek perspectives of those with different experiences than I have had. #novaedchat
A1: Equity is about giving students what they need to be successful. I think about the importance of being aware and broadening one’s perspectives to understand and attend to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students. #NoVAedChat
Hi - This is only my second time doing a Twitter chat. So, include #NoVAedchat in my answers, correct? I think I'm still confused on what to do. How do we know when to post an answer to the questions? Thank you.
A1: Lots of things come to mind- lots of trainings and coursework throughout the years- looking for the best way to tie them all together and move forward
#novaedchat
A1: Honestly, I didn’t think about equity when I was teaching. It just seemed like something that was naturally there. If I were teaching again, I’d make sure I was more aware to be sure it was part of my classroom. #NoVAedChat
Yes! You can reply to people or compose your own tweets based on the promts. Just be sure to include #NoVAedChat so we can all see your tweets! You don't have to reply to every tweet...You've got this!
Definitely so,ething I think about a LOT and plan with intention. But I don't think I was aware of just a few years ago. Glad I can't time travel back to my first year... #NoVAedChat
Im beginning to see all learners as leaders of equity and cultural responsiveness. In order for the work to permeate our school system, we all must own the knowledge, awareness, skills and practices to get there. Journey is on-going #NoVAedChat#FCPSWeseeyou
#NoVAedchat The best part of my job is supporting teachers and Equity leaders in our schools. I love to build their capacity through coaching conversations, sharing resources, and connecting them to colleagues doing great things at other schools in FCPS Region 2. @FCPSR2
Our focus @validateaffirm is solely on helping educators to VABB their students with how they engage them, leverage culture and language to affect building relationships, and, most importantly, influence how they teach their students. #NoVAedChat
A1: I feel like I’ve been on this E&CR journey my entire career, but didn’t have the self-confidence to say all of the “tough” things. I was always too nervous to speak my mind, until I found a community of educators just as passionate. #lookingatyouTwitterFam#MVWES#NoVaEdChat
A1: Hi, everyone! Jen, principal, @FlintHillES. 😊 What comes to my mind are the various schools where I have had the privilege of teaching, learning, & administrating in. Each school has a different story to tell, & these experiences have influenced my journey a lot! #NoVaEdChat
A1- My journey has taught me to continue to listen to others and empathize even though it may be something that I may not personally experience. Trying to be more thoughtful about how I choose to speak, teach, and relate to students and colleagues. #NoVAedchat
In reply to
@FCPSEquity, @NinaThomasFCPS, @validateaffirm, @TechyMargaret
Right!! Not being afraid to ask Qs for the sake of understanding. There doesn’t even have to be response/ongoing conversation. Ask, then listen to the answer. No judgement/bias as follow-up. #NoVAedchat
A1 I keep thinking of how I’m continually growing in this area. I frequently learn new things that make me check myself and consider my bias. #NoVAedChat
A2: I think that the initiative of equity and cultural responsiveness across FCPS has helped to start some great conversations that allow educators to focus on providing the best service possible for our students and families #NoVAedChat
Q2 A1: I’m always “taking the temperature” of where my students are in the classroom. As a world language educator, I strive to help students make connections and value differences and similarities between their culture and the target language culture. #NoVAedChat
Hi, Corey here. FCPS Middle School Social Studies teacher at Kilmer MS. Joining #NoVAedChat for a little while tonight. Such a critical conversation. Happy to be here.
A1: Hi, everyone! Jen, principal, @FlintHillES. 😊 What comes to my mind are the various schools where I have had the privilege of teaching, learning, & administrating in. Each school has a different story to tell, & these experiences have influenced my journey a lot! #NoVaEdChat
Hi Everyone! Glad to join tonight. A1 The journey of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness has influenced me to constantly strive to better understand the perspectives of others personally and professionally. #NoVAedchat
@RickinFCPS And having that community has helped. Thinking and talking through some tough convos as practice or for support has been invaluable! Thank you, #PLN! #NoVAedChat
A2: As I lead professional learning for a variety of groups, it is important for me to keep in mind that my experiences and background do not necessarily match my participants'. I need to be open and support participants in being open to and valuing our differences. #NoVAedChat
A2. I have come to realize that the answer to any difficulty in the classroom is probably best solved through relationship and mutual understanding. We search for the latest and greatest educational trick but the answer is the simplest one possible. #novaedchat
And be sensitive to the fact that marginalized peoples do not owe any of the emotional labor to teach us things we don't fully yet understand. #novaedchat
In reply to
@foxesinfirst, @techinteaching, @RashidaJGreen
A2: I'm very proud of our Ts! We created a "Portrait of a Flint Hill Graduate" this year to elaborate on how we are meeting the needs of all learners. No silos! Encouraging access to advanced academic curriculum and resources for all in LA, science, & social studies. #NoVaEdChat
Q2 A2: Scaffold. Scaffold. Scaffold! Focusing on the language domain of writing, I provide sentence starters to help students feel successful as they learn another language. #NoVAedChat
#NoVAedChat Equity is not only important for our 186,000 students in FCPS but it's so important for ALL of our staff members in this county as well. One compliment is when I colleague looked at me and "You have the Educators Swag".
A2 I spend more time asking Ss about themselves. As they share stories, I learn about what they like and how they learn. As
a librarian, I get lots of opportunities for casual convos w/ Ss. And I LOVE it. #novaedchat
A2- continuing to ask questions and involve as many stakeholder groups as possible. I think I realize that not all people have the same frame of reference and experiences I do and to take that into account when planning PD #novaedchat
A2 I feel that I’m more open minded in working with Ss. I find myself reflecting on whe whys before addressing issues and problems that impact behavior and performance. #NoVAedChat
Q2 A2: Scaffold. Scaffold. Scaffold! Focusing on the language domain of writing, I provide sentence starters to help students feel successful as they learn another language. #NoVAedChat
A2: Welcoming families to bring & share traditions in class. Cultural responsiveness is already interlayed in curriculum - important for us to make it a focus in ALL content areas...not just SS instruction. Ex: counting Eid dates/Hanukkah candles for numeracy practice #NoVAedchat
Story on @NPR this am about white tears and how so often convos about race are derailed by white tears and convo shifts to comforting that person rather than focusing on the work #NoVaEdChat#whitefragilityisreal
In reply to
@RickinFCPS, @foxesinfirst, @techinteaching, @RashidaJGreen, @NPR
A2 A district focus on equity. School and County adopting the One Fairfax initiative. FCPSOn 1-to-1 addressing digital divide. A new focus on making digital resources accessible. Many good things going on. #NoVAedChat
A2 trying to honor and celebrate experiences of students as second language learners with ties to other countries through choice in project work. #NoVAedChat
A2: Making a personal connection. I feel that is so huge is being able to connect with students and makes learning so much easier if you can connect on a personal level. I strive for that every day. #novaedchat
A2: I continue to see Ss in different ways all the time. Today, I got to see Ss care about their school, saw what school did for them on their journeys and took ownership in a tough conversation about race’s place in education #NoVAedChat
A2 It is about creating the environment to have the conversations. Our ECR team is doing just that through their learning with FCPS Equity Leads #novaedchat
I have to say that I have learned so much by participating in conversations, listening more than talking, reading books that are suggested and surrounding myself with people who challenge my thinking #NoVAedchat
In reply to
@acuteteacher, @RickinFCPS, @foxesinfirst, @techinteaching, @RashidaJGreen, @NPR
A3: Last year, I had the opportunity to co-lead module 2 at my school and it was by far the scariest yet rewarding moment of my career. Creating a safe environment to talk, share and learn below the cultural surface was quite an experience #NoVAedChat
#NoVAedchat I'm thrilled to be in a position to provide PD on Equity & Cultural Responsiveness. When I was in a schoolbased job I started by listening, reading, & learning and gradually began sharing with teammates. Advocacy for students & families was and is my driving force.
A2 Recently shared some learning with FCPS APs.I proposed a challenge to collect data..asking Ss who in school cares abt YOU? One caring adult makes a world of difference to a S believing they r welcomed, wanted & capable of success.Can all Ss answer? Who says no one? #NoVAedChat
A3: Is this a trick question? ha! I think that all of our students and staff need love. Our own biases and perceptions might make us think one person needs it more than another #NoVaEdChat
Allowing others to know that you welcome talking about difficult issues. Opening the door. Creating safe space to be authentic. #easiersaidthandone#NoVAedChat
A2 ESOL now has a dashboard to help schools identify long-term English learners as well as students who could become long-term ELs so they can give these students the support they need. #NoVAedChat
A2 working with a large ESOL population has led to a MUCH more broad understanding of the experiences of ESOL learners but have had to ask LOTS of questions in my 7 years teaching and relied on many building experts #NoVAedchat
A2: I am working to build relationships with quieter, introverted students.Asking questions in writing/google is a great avenue for building those connections. #NoVAedChat
A1: My E&CR journey has been long. I think over the past 5 years, it’s been more aware and intentional though. I’ve always been passionate about ALL students, but the more i learned about E&CR the more i realized I needed to learn even more. #NoVAedChat
Q3: i seek opportunities to support and forward the goals of the @FCPSEquity team. today, connecting dots for someone who needed to see the interdependence of @FSP_FCPS, the equity work and their work. #NoVAedChat
A2 - I feel it is important for us to have background knowledge in regards to the students we work with as well as their culture. Many times this stops a small problem from becoming a bigger one. #NoVAedchat
My classroom consists completely of flexible seating options and has been a new way to support all learners in my classroom. The students absolutely love choosing their flexible spot every day! #NoVAedChat#StudentChoice
Q3: The Equity Lead meetings provide a space to converse and collaborate with our colleagues! I aspire to continue to work with leadership at my school to share what I have learned. @FCPSEquity#NoVAedChat
A2 working with a large EL population has led to a MUCH more broad understanding of the experiences of EL learners but have had to ask LOTS of questions in my 7 years teaching and relied on many building experts #NoVAedchat
A2: I've recently come to recognize barriers to equity that I'd never considered; unfortunately our school communities construct barriers for some students/families when we don't consistently translate flyers, important documents, etc. #NoVAedChat
A4: I think that it is a challenge any time individuals (self included) are asked to do some personal reflecting on how biases impact work in the classroom and community. It’s tough to accept that we all have bias, intentional or otherwise... #NoVAedChat
A3 I’m mostly on the receiving day right now - participating in a lot of PD (PLN at school, through @FCPSEquity, and through AVID @CRTNation). All of these channels have provided time for reflection and collaboration with other Ts. #NoVAedChat
We must create an environment where safety and growth are fostered. We must be vulnerable first. Model what moving to a bigger shell looks like. #NoVaEdChat
In reply to
@TechyMargaret, @RickinFCPS, @The_MrsMorales
#NoVAedChat A2: I've always greeted students at the computer lab door but after learning more about social responsiveness - I've taken a deeper interest in learning more about Ss and truly understand where they may be coming form. or their perspectives
A1: I continue to learn and grow, & I often wonder how well I am “walking the walk” as a school leader. I want some sort of check & balance for my staff, parents, & students to let me know if they feel seen, heard, and a sense of belonging. I know I have blind spots. #NoVAedChat
A3 I am fortunate to be on the leadership teams of my school and district to help keep cultural responsiveness at the core of all PD and any school initiatives. Since I am not in the classroom, I get to practice, I mean model, responsive pedagogy with teachers. #NoVAedChat
What comes to mind for me @validateaffirm is the evolution of it all and where I am now compared to where I was many years ago, in terms of my personal and professional space. #NoVAedChat
A3 Earlier this year I found #ClearTheAir chat hosted by @ValeriaBrownEdu. I read the books with friends and engaged in the conversations. It pushed me and gave me opportunities to share! I keep learning more and more in this convo @acuteteacher@GCMLibrary#NoVAedchat
A3: Currently, we are focused on sharing our beliefs, experiences, and equity-call-to-action through our school-embedded professional learning, PTA mtgs., etc. We have done some great exercises, including Diversity Rounds. I have @eddy_colleen to thank for that. 🤗#NoVaEdChat
A3 - I have shared knowledge I have gained from PD as well as readings that I have done with colleagues at CT's as well as individual conversations as needed. #NoVAedchat
In our district right now there is a large push toward cultural responsiveness and equity. We have departments in both now in our district office. I believe this is a great step in a way that is needed in our school. We get to share at many PD sessions with others. #novaedchat
A2.2: That being said, I was also recently introduced to the Google Translate app, which can translate photos of typed/written language. Want to share this with families so they can advocate for themselves even when they don't receive docs in their native language. #NoVAedChat
Our focus @validateaffirm is solely on helping educators to VABB their students with how they engage them, leverage culture and language to affect building relationships, and, most importantly, influence how they teach their students. #NoVAedChat
Q3 It was so great to facilitate learning with FCPS Equity Leads yesterday evening. The ideas across the room provided a supportive and motivating environment for leaders of transformation. #NoVAedchat
This is reflective talk. This is you on the journey. Once you realize the work to be done it can be overwhelming and rewarding at the same time. #NoVAedChat
A5: We have to consciously make it a practice, work at it daily, to acknowledge our biases and check them at the door before we begin interacting with our students and staff. #NoVAedChat
Q3 I’m thankful to have facilitated data literacy training on how to use data in EDSL for supporting equitable decinsion making in course enrollment with DSSs. #NoVAedChat@FCPS_ISD
A2: I support student growth in communication and collaboration skills. Though not 'new,' as we transition ownership of skills over to students, the impact on classroom culture is HUGE. Giving kids language and strategies to connect to one another = empowerment. #NoVAedchat
A4 - What challenges me most is staying current with research and best practices in this area to try my hardest to be a role model/leader for others. #NoVAedchat
Reading the #ClearTheAir books and many others has helped me too. Latest favorite book to rec - So You Want To Talk About Race by @IjeomaOluo. It's really eye-opening and helpful and even has moments of humor! #NoVAedChat
In reply to
@TechyMargaret, @ValeriaBrownEdu, @acuteteacher, @IjeomaOluo
Nina after attending the AP conference. I accepted that challenge & can't wait to share it with our wellness team! It has been eye opening and heartwarming. Thank you. #NoVAedchat
Q4: The journey is a challenge. We need to have the courage to have the uncomfortable conversations with each other. It’s about working together as a team and finding ways to support all students! #NoVAedChat
Just keep swimming, is my motto here. I will keep reading and learning and trying new things. Any effort is good, continued effort is where I have started to see my own growth. #NoVAedChat
My biggest challenge is working with districts that lack infrastructure, resources, and the leadership to implement CLR as we @validateaffirm have defined it (focus on instruction). #NoVAedChat
A3:The challenge is the time needed to shifts hearts,minds & practice of this work when the sense of urgency is REAL. As a parent of a minority student, my urgency is personal. I want the shift NOW and I know reflection on practice and change takes time. #FCPSWeseeyou#NoVAedChat
A4: One equity gap is in AAP v. General education classes. We have a goal of using more AAP resources in our gen ed classes to give all students experiences with higher level thinking structures and enrichment activities #NoVaEdChat
#NoVAedchat Sometimes the demand for information, PD, and resources is overwhelming but that just means people are open to widening their lens. When people are shut down is the real challenge. @validateaffirm@FCPSEquity@NinaThomasFCPS
A2: #NoVAEdChat I’m seeking to understand and make sure I am being fair in all my interactions with Ss. I know that I need to continue to learn myself and seek input in my interactions too.
A4 not feeling comfortable speaking up when I know I need to. I feel like such a novice and don’t want to say the wrong thing OR I don’t have the argument fully formed to be compelling to whomever I’m talking to #NoVAedChat
#NoVaEdChat 💡If we placed a “bias basket” at our next Equity lead or staff meetings and invited colleagues to write and place their biases in the basket, what might we find? Would it provide a visual to release a bias that holds us back?💡
A4: It is a continual process of reflection, modification, adjustment and improvement- there is so much to learn and process- and it is worth it! #novaedchat
A4: The biggest challenge is keeping up with all of the special ed paperwork changes. I feel they change everytime I do another document. Keeping up with best practices in that area is definitely my biggest challenge. #novaedchat
A4: Balance btwn teaching/welcoming & infringing on family/cultural boundaries. Thin line btwn being curious vs being intrusive. How do I know when families want to feel represented/celebrated vs feeling “put on the spot”? Sensitivity = tricky.. so many factors @ play #NoVAedchat
My biggest challenge is working with districts that lack infrastructure, resources, and the leadership to implement CLR as we @validateaffirm have defined it (focus on instruction). #NoVAedChat
A4: the biggest challenge is knowing that there are things i dont know. A challenge is facing my own vulnerability and take risks to have an honest conversation! #NoVAedChat
A3: I've been BLESSED with the a mentee sent to MVWES straight from the E&CR gods this year. She and I could talk about this for hours (seriously!). As a first year teacher, she's already sooo far ahead of the game in her proactive approach & commitment to equity. #NoVAedChat
A4: the biggest challenge about this (much needed) work is the teacher who doesn’t put students first. Some teach how they were taught and live in “that” world. The world keeps revolving and so do our students’ needs @FCPSEquity#NoVAedChat
A3: This year we are doing PLNs on our school planning days. I’m in our E&CR PLN, we’ve been able to grow and learn together while sharing our journeys. It’s been really valuable to me. #NoVaEdChat
A5- This is the hardest area in my opinion and the one where you need to be the voice reminding others to not jump to make assumptions or show bias. This is where continuing to read/learn about cultural responsiveness and practice it daily keeps me honest. #NoVAedchat
A4: The challenging thing for me is that there is always room for improvement. I will never reach the finish line and have to stay constantly vigilant and reflective about my words, deeds and actions inside and outside of the classroom. Teaching is learning. Always. #NoVAedChat
A2: There have been some language tweaks that I have heard recently that are helping to shift my mindset around learners: “underserved” instead of “underachieving” & thinking about paying an “educational debt” instead of closing a gap. Powerful. #NoVaEdChat
A4: Where to begin, what to conversations to have, what conversations to revisit. For us, learning began by selecting an entry point; thinking about how we reach all learners. We want all Ss to be challenged & motivated through differentiated learning experiences. #NoVaEdChat
As a second year teacher what challenges me the most with this work is differentiation for the wide variety of students needs in my class. Flexible grouping between classes, guided reading, guided math, and strategy groups have been a temendous help! #NoVAedChat#teamwork
THANK YOU! for supporting this important work as a mentor to a new teacher. Learning from each other and collectively impacting Ss. #NoVAedChat@SavdbytheJLBell
A4: My biggest challenge is trying to model and lead when I know that I am still just beginning to understand my own blind spots and overcome my own biases. #NoVAedChat
Even better, let's continue to advocate for families receiving info in a language they understand per federal law. We are way behind best practice for #languageaccess. Most important - we need Language Line! #NoVAedchat
When people think racism is always explicit and obvious and you start trying to explain systemic racism and implicit bias and the person goes on the defensive “but I’m not biased. I’m color blind,” #NOVAedchat
Q4: Everything challenges me about this work. My heart is so invested and I have to continue to use my position to push back on practices that do not promote equity. #NoVAedChat
All means all! It is hard to disrupt systems where remedial classes are in place and teachers believe they are working. We need to have high expectations for all of our students.#NoVAedChat
One home visit I did was an epic fail. The whole family had shirts with American flags on and they kept telling me they loved America. It still haunts me...and drives me to be clear. #NoVAedChat
Q4: I believe all our students deserve to be challenged through the highest quality instruction. It pains me when I hear that students have to be able to do 'x' before we can give them the best instruction. #NoVAedchat
A4 I struggle with knowing when to push colleagues and when to give them room to learn for themselves. Especially in a "Minnesota Nice" culture where not many appreciate directness. I'm sure I often err on the side of silence when I shouldn't. #NoVAedChat
A4: The biggest challenge is recognizing that understanding the E&CR journey & being willing to disrupt the systems in place is unique to each person. Some people aren't in a place to have (or understand) these conversations yet, and it can be frustrating. #NoVAedchat
#NoVAedChat Look past the 'negative distraction' and realize where the S might be coming from. That child might not want to raise their hand for help. That S might feel uncomfortable asking ? b/c of a struggle with English? Perhaps a quiet 1:1 conversation?
A4 Bouncing off of @techinteaching, recognizing my privilege and bias while feeling confident in sharing my growing beliefs and values. It really requires vulnerability- and “leaning into discomfort.” #NoVAedChat
A4 One of the challenges is wishing I could literally stand side by side with each person as they reflect, stretch, and leap, but hoping that more educators realize that they are not alone in this work and in their inquiry. #Novaedchat
Yes! The FCPS Advanced Academics courses offered through My PLT have opened my eyes on how to incorporate higher level thinking structures in my third grade general education class! #NoVaEdChat
A4: One equity gap is in AAP v. General education classes. We have a goal of using more AAP resources in our gen ed classes to give all students experiences with higher level thinking structures and enrichment activities #NoVaEdChat
We cannot truly "welcome everybody" unless we work to address institutional racism, misogyny, religious privilege, LGBTQ bigotry, ableism, and a myriad of other societal issues that act to privilege one group over another. #novaedchat
#NoVAedchat I like the Jay Smooth metaphor of "dental hygiene". You don't just get your teeth cleaned once and it's done forever. Checking our assumptions is a practice and we have to challenge ourselves to keep at it all the time. @validateaffirm@NinaThomasFCPS@FCPSEquity
Our biases come in many, many ways - not just racially. One way to stay mindful is to recognize where biases pop up outside of race, especially in nuanced contexts And say to yourself it will be my first thought, but not my last thought.#NoVAedChat
A5: Being culturally responsive means considering the best outcome for whomever ur working with and how to get there. Always asking yourself, what am i assuming in this scenario? Ur more likely to check assumptions at the door and proceed w/ the best outcomes in mind #NoVAedChat
And another challenge is that everyone's entry point is going to be different. This is a big task, and I'm impressed with the work that is happening around me... we still have a long way to go. #NoVAedchat
Q5: Asset mindset. When we approach each interaction with the lens of "WHAT WILL I LEARN FROM THIS PERSON" instead of how I need to tell them what to learn from me-then assumptions and bias never enter the conversation! #NoVAedChat
A5 stopping, noticing, and reflecting on my first assumptions about a person in a given situation. Trying to train implicit bias out of this brain so I can really see the actual human in front of me #NoVAedChat
#NoVAedchat I like the Jay Smooth metaphor of "dental hygiene". You don't just get your teeth cleaned once and it's done forever. Checking our assumptions is a practice and we have to challenge ourselves to keep at it all the time. @validateaffirm@NinaThomasFCPS@FCPSEquity
AGREED!! ...and those of us in positions of power have to use our influence to make it happen ❤️ #WhoIsReadyToMakeAChange#ManInTheMirror ...I’m singing my Michael Jackson song over here ha! Change starts with me, with us... #NoVaEdChat
I think another conversation that is often avoided is when we try to look at practices that are inequitable or not meeting students' needs and work to change them. Avoiding change because it's uncomfortable for the adults is something we have to address #NoVAedchat
A1. Traveling internationally as often as possible. Putting myself in positions where I'm "the other." Not only do I learn about other cultures, but more importantly I reflect on my own. #NoVAedchat
A5: I think we need to evaluate what filters we use and engage in conversations such as these that challenge us and inspire us for our school community #novaedchat
#NoVAedchat Patience is my struggle. This work is crucial for teaching, learning, and relationship building. I often feel like Veruca Salt, “I want it now!”, the equity golden egg.
In reply to
@NoVAEdChat, @validateaffirm, @FCPSEquity, @NinaThomasFCPS
Q5: To stay mindful of our assumptions and biases, we need to be transparent and continue to self-reflect. Let’s continue to discover, learn, and educate each other. #novaedchat
Hi, Chris! The willingness to learn together and see how we can better support colleagues as well as students and families is evident every time we meet. #NoVAedchat
A5 I think we need to keep reminding ourselves, reminding each other, and help create environments were people feel comfortable speaking up when they have concerns. #NoVAedChat
A5: I think we need to evaluate what filters we use and engage in conversations such as these that challenge us and inspire us for our school community #novaedchat
A5 It’s essential to make this a habit and take time to reflect. As educators we reflect on our instruction - we should be applying those same skills to our interactions with others. #NoVAedChat
A3: I had a chance recently to do a “throwback” to Courageous Conversations About Race in order to support my awesome equity lead develop norms for our Equity PLN. Those 4 Agreements are still on point!! #NoVAedChat
A5: be willing to confront and admit your own bias. Then tackle where and why you have bias. Lastly discuss these biases and how we might overcome them to better our structures for students #NoVAedChat
Being open minded to changes that are happening all around us and not being afraid to dive head first into new exciting ways to incorporate learning in our classrooms. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but we have to step out of our comfort zone if we want to grow! #NoVAedChat
Our biases come in many, many ways - not just racially. One way to stay mindful is to recognize where biases pop up outside of race, especially in nuanced contexts And say to yourself it will be my first thought, but not my last thought.#NoVAedChat
Agree!! Not all bias is intentional. Sometimes it’s hard for us to realize we are seeing something through our “lens” rather than the reality of the situation. #NoVaEdChat
A4. In all honesty, it's when I've worked in schools where the administrators are not very self-aware and don't see the importance of this work. If your principal doesn't get it, the work won't get very far. #NoVAedchat
A5 Tim from Minneapolis, MN- just jumped in and have enjoyed catching up on this chat- For me it's about using the CLR practice of checking my filter, questioning my belief system (bs), and listening to my deficit monitor and doing that on a regular basis #NoVAedchat
A5: I think it's valuable to value diversity in your 'perspective circle.' Intentionally engage in conversations/thinking with those you know have different experiences/perspectives. Ask "What do I not see?" Make it a point to shine a light on your blindspots. #NoVAedchat
Someone from the @FCPSEquity office recently said, "questions before answers." It made so much sense to me. (But I can't remember who to credit properly...) #NoVAedChat
A4: What doesn't challenge us, as educators, every single day? It takes a servant's heart to show kids (or adults) you truly care. We have 1,400 Ss @FCPSMcNairES & they know Ms. P will give them a High 5 or a hug or try to get them to smile. #NoVAedChat
A5: I think it's valuable to value diversity in your 'perspective circle.' Intentionally engage in conversations/thinking with those you know have different experiences/perspectives. Ask "What do I not see?" Make it a point to shine a light on your blindspots. #NoVAedchat
A5: I think that’s where a strong team of educators comes I to play. I often check myself and thoughts with my team to see and hear other perspectives. To make sure that I am not acting out of a place of bias. #NoVAEdChat
Twitter is great for building your 'perspective circle'. Intentionally curate your list of those you follow to include a variety of perspectives! #NoVAedchat
A5: I think it's valuable to value diversity in your 'perspective circle.' Intentionally engage in conversations/thinking with those you know have different experiences/perspectives. Ask "What do I not see?" Make it a point to shine a light on your blindspots. #NoVAedchat
A1 I acknowledge that I have a lot to learn about myself. I am honored to hear others stories and appreciate their perspective. I am so thankful that FCPS is creating a culture where everyone belongs. #NoVaEdChat
A6: Build relationships with our students. When we really get to know our students - we are more aware of their backgrounds, interest, etc. This should then shape our instruction. #NoVaEDChat
I always think of how uncomfortable many of our students are in a traditional school culture, the least we can do as educators is push ourselves to get uncomfortable as well. @validateaffirm has helped me grow in capacity to do this and ask this of colleagues #NoVAedChat
In reply to
@TechyMargaret, @acuteteacher, @validateaffirm
Yes! There needs to be a tremendous amount of PD on #languageaccess and the role it plays in equity. So many Ss don't stand a chance when their parents don't have equal access to basic info coming home. #languageaccess#NoVAedchat
Some friends/family were talking about that missionary who got killed on that island off India. I shared a perspective that his being there to "convert natives" is a glaring example of white supremacy & colonization. #novaedchat#difficutconversation
A4 & 5: As Dr. Hollie says your first thought is not your thought. So presume positive with others. Meet them where they are on their journey. Learn to create brave space rather than safe space. My challenge, is truly opening up within that brave space. #NoVAedchat
A6: Also, we can't be afraid to get out of our comfort zone. This is my all time favorite image. It reminds me that I can make magic happen only when I'm pushed beyond what is easy for me and beyond where I feel the most comfortable #NoVaEdChat
Be The Change ...it’s a reminder to me that as our mindsets begin to change our actions should follow. I want to stay Curious Not Critical on my journey to ensure equity for the staff and students I lead ❤️ #NoVaEdChat
A6: It's a journey.
(if I had a fourth word, it would be "chosen" because one has to choose to take this journey to truly grow. We can't change what we won't acknowledge.) #NoVAedchat
