As educators, teaching the next generation of citizens is a big part of what we do. We give students mottos and mission statement like be ready, responsible and respectful. We give schools mottos like Pro Scientia Atque Sapientia (for knowledge and wisdom). We have vision statements like Empowering all Students, Celebrating our Community, Inspiring Lifelong Growth. We give them those … Read More
Bias and Buzzwords
Is Bias a real thing or do people just like to throw around terms like White fragility and racist? The isms and the phobes are inflammatory. Do you like to be called names? Most of us don’t. Still, does offense at one negate the other? Listen, learn and share. From the blogpost: What did the words you said or wrote do … Read More
SmallBites Lagniappe: To Administrators and District Leaders on the Eve of the Inauguration
Many educators as well as campus leaders are fearful about discussions going off the rails or parental backlash if they watch tomorrow’s inauguration. There is no need for either. If we say the pledge in our buildings, “One Nation, under God Indivisible…”, then we can find a way to watch history in unity. Listen to the end for a simple … Read More
SmallBites Lagniappe: In Good and Bad Times, We Rise
Not sure what to tell the students? Play them “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman: I am not a stranger to the dark Hide away, they say ‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars Run away, they say No one’ll love you as you are If America were to sing … Read More
SmallBites Lagniappe: #StopTheSteal
#StopTheSteal opens with a personal story about my relationship to the Confederate flag as a Texas born and bred Black kid. It goes from there to explore the words “stop the steal” from the perspective of those who’ve experienced gaslighting in classrooms throughout our nation’s history (spoiler alert, that’s all of us). Want to create more equitable and inclusive … Read More