Marilyn V.’s Post

🌟 Now more than ever, teaching the truth matters. 🌟 History UnErased is redefining how we teach history by integrating LGBTQ-inclusive narratives into K-12 classrooms. In a world where divisive rhetoric threatens progress, we empower educators with the tools to deliver a more complete and authentic story of America. By teaching students the diverse perspectives that shaped our past, we’re not just teaching history—we’re building a more resilient, inclusive, and united future. Let’s ensure every child learns they are part of the story. Together, we can create classrooms that inspire, connect, and empower the next generation. Learn more at https://unerased.org/ #InclusiveEducation #FutureOfLearning #EquityInEducation

"Everyone has their own experiences talking about race and racism, which impacts their knowledge and ability to address it in the classroom." Our Executive Director of Equity, Mary Rice-Boothe, Ed.D., says confronting racism in the classroom requires a multifaceted approach. In Larry Ferlazzo's Education Week series on the topic, she shares seven practical strategies to help educators. "By modeling inclusive practices, aligning efforts with broader educational goals, and engaging with the community, educators can build a collective commitment to creating a more equitable and just learning environment for all students." Full article: https://lnkd.in/gRRUxvFS

Equity and inclusion in education are not just policies to be implemented but the foundation of a thriving school community. As school leaders, our role is to ensure every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. By prioritizing equitable access to resources and fostering an inclusive environment, we lay the groundwork for a more just and compassionate society, one classroom at a time. https://lnkd.in/ezc5s7MQ

As educators, we often speak of preparing students for the future—but what if we also focused on empowering them for the present? ✨ The integration of the Arts and social-emotional learning is not just an enhancement to the curriculum; it’s a transformative approach that cultivates creativity, resilience, and empathy in today’s young learners. 💡 The connection between emotional well-being and academic success is undeniable, and it’s time we embrace innovative methods to address the whole child in education. 🌱 As I continue exploring the powerful role of arts education in fostering both SEL and academic growth, I invite fellow educators, leaders, and policymakers to engage in this critical conversation. Let’s create classrooms that truly support students’ holistic development! 🌟 #artsintegration #SEL #wholechildeducation ⁠#childdevelopment #theater #innovativelearning

In our refreshed Blueprint coming soon, we explore how high-performing education systems work hard to bring people and institutions across the community together on behalf of young people. This piece by Dr. Cassandra Herring of the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity offers examples of just that. "Trough community partnerships, we can build a pipeline of educators equipped to thrive in today’s classrooms on day one, delivering a more inclusive and equitable education system for all." https://lnkd.in/gqXevdDh

Investing in the learning and development of teachers means investing in the community. Creating a pipeline of success is what happens when community organizations comes together and open the access to resources.

Today we continue our Tell Your Story series with a focus on amplifying Student Voice through the lens of our next global standard for thriving: Strategy. Great schools understand the importance of honouring the new social contract of education – today’s learning for tomorrow’s world – by aligning all of their work towards the quality of the citizens who their educational programs will shape. If students are imbued with a deep understanding of how to balance the opportunities and obligations that arise from their mature membership of their communities, then schools will know that they have succeeded; schools exist not just to sustain themselves but to serve their communities. They model this service intentionally so that the voices of their students become the voices of true servants concerned for their: - Purpose, Commitment & Contribution: students generate a sense of purpose and connect this to their participation in the classroom, co-curricular activities and the wider life of the school. - Community, Inclusion & Citizenship: students have a circle of school friends from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and/or year groups. The hopes represented through these voices need to be influenced by a perspective that balances the local, regional and global communities in which students find themselves situated. In time, they need to be bolstered by capabilities in detailed planning and organisation that can turn aspiration into reality. #youmatter

From struggling to thriving: Adlai E. Stevenson Elementary's community-driven success story. Principal Tonya Hickman's leadership puts families first, sparking academic growth and trust. Challenges persist, but the commitment to community remains strong. #CommunitySchool #ParentEngagement #EducationSuccess #AdlaiStevenson #Education #edtech #EducationEquity #InclusiveEducation #NYCSchoolLeaders #NYCPrincipals #NYCEducators

ICYMI: Yoshua Simms, an early childhood education major at Cincinnati State and a Leading Men Fellow with The Literacy Lab wrote an op-ed for the Enquirer - Cincinnati and Kentucky highlighting the importance of representation in education and how it can empower young learners. Here's a powerful quote from Yoshua's piece: "We can’t shy away from this problem. In fact, we need to lean into it to come up with real solutions to help recruit more Black and brown males into the teaching profession. Those solutions should include collaborations with community organizations, educators, policymakers, colleges and universities and other institutions. The racial makeup of classrooms won’t change without a collaborative strategy. " Read the full article and learn more about Yoshua's mission here: https://lnkd.in/e-5bRSFU #RepresentationMatters #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TheLiteracyLab

In his powerful memoir “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier” Ishmael Beah reflects on how war tore apart not only his world but also the trust and connection among people. At “THE” LEHMAN YABC, we believe in the healing power of education, and at the heart of that belief is the idea that great schools begin with great educators who create safe, sacred spaces for students to grow. One such space is the educational circle. Educational circles are more than just a teaching tool; they are a sanctuary of unity, trust, and respect—places where students can express themselves freely and engage with one another in meaningful ways. These circles foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, where every voice matters, and every story is heard. Grounded in the principles of culturally responsive teaching, circles create a space for students to connect on a deeper level, both with their peers and with their own identities. The benefits of incorporating circles into our practice are profound: 1. Build Relationships & Community: Circles nurture connections, strengthening the bond between students, staff, and families. 2. Create a Structure for Safe Sharing: By providing clear expectations, circles offer a space for students to express themselves without fear of judgment. 3. Enhance Participation: Every student is given an equal voice in the circle, promoting active engagement and shared ownership of the conversation. 4. Build Self-Esteem: As students share and listen to each other, they gain confidence in their own thoughts and experiences. 5. Enhance Social & Emotional Learning: Circles help students develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. A special shout-out to Rassaan Parris whose dedication to empowering students through #reading has further enriched our circles. His commitment to fostering #literacy and self-expression has helped our students find their voice and grow as both learners and individuals. #CycleOfExcellence #allwedoiswin for our #scholars #lehmanyabc #studentsfirst UNICEF United Nations #sel #read NYC Department of Education #topeveningprogram