On today’s episode Sharyn and Anne Zoom with co-workers Jimese and Diedre, who bring their perspectives as black educators to the conversation about what we all need to be thinking about and doing differently in our classrooms to ensure equity for our students. As the dialog about race and racism in our country once again comes to the forefront, we felt it was important to have an honest discussion about what teachers need to be aware of when dealing with the diversity within our own classes.

We talk about the importance of having those difficult but frank conversations about bias, out in the open, instead of behind closed doors, and about holding each other accountable when things are done or said. We also discussed the idea of standards to hold students to when dealing with language and culture and how to take advantage of those teachable moments as conduits towards change.

In light of the movement for massive change within our country that is now pushing forward, we delved into the topic of civic responsibility and to how to get the right people into our classrooms and into government office so that major change can more readily be accomplished.

Diedre and Jimese are a joy to talk with, and in this frank no nonsense conversation, Sharyn and I learned a lot. We hope you will find today’s dialog just as enlightening, and come away with some ideas on how to bring more equity to your classrooms and campuses.

Please share your own ideas and thoughts on this topic with us by leaving comments on our website, www.transparencyinteaching.com

Thanks to the listeners that have shared their relevant links:

VABB (Culturally Responsive)

Links to resources used in this episode:

My White Friend Asked Me on Facebook to Explain White Privilege; I Decided to be Honest

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Calls on Schools and Communities to Take Action to Address Institutional Racism and Educational Inequities

10 Examples that Prove White Privilege Exists in Every Aspect Imaginable

Tony Thurmond Video