Courageous Conversations: Dr. Shantha Smith | Episode 02
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
In the wake of nation-wide protests that resulted from the death of an African American man at the knee of white police officers, it is clear racism is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our county. However, it is also clear that many Americans want to confront racism in order to become a nation that values ALL of its citizens regardless of race. Though conversations around racism are difficult, they are necessary if we want to make a significant impact.
So, how can teachers start having conversations about racism within their building?
Dr. Shantha Smith is an Equity and Excellence Coordinator and Instructional Lead Educator in Arlington, VA, where she works to transform school culture. She is dedicated to making her school a more equitable learning environment for all students by challenging staff to reflect on how their practice is informed by implicit bias and the impact it makes on students of color.
In this episode, I have the pleasure to learn how Dr. Smith opens these conversations with colleagues which challenges them to think in ways that take them, beyond the curriculum.
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Resources:
Books
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain by Zaretta L. Hammond
We Got This: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be by Cornelius Minor
For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too by Christopher Emdin
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