Our education system is riddled with racial inequities and trauma, and now is the time to address this unacceptable reality and begin the work of dismantling these systems of oppression.
Our education system is riddled with racial inequities and trauma, and now is the time to address this unacceptable reality and begin the work of dismantling these systems of oppression. Before learning can occur, their social and emotional well-being must become a daily commitment and renewed through an anti-racist lens, otherwise we run the risk of continuing to traumatize our students. We must move from hashtags — such as #SEL, #trauma, and #anti-racism — to reality: our students need action and we need the resources to make that happen. We must change our curriculum, pedagogy, mindsets, and policies to reflect our values and restore our school communities.
Take Action
Our education system is riddled with racial inequities and trauma, and now is the time to address this unacceptable reality. You can take action right now by demanding CPS leaders prioritize SEL and dismantling systems of oppression in our schools!
From Hashtags…
Spread the word and help us move from hashtags to healing by sharing one of the messages below on social media.
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To Healing…
E4E-Chicago members throughout the city have been advocating for two of our recommendations: protecting SEL and other related service provider staff from cuts, and the need for ongoing mandatory training for all staff to build antiracist, healing-centered competencies. Hear two educator testimonies around why these recommendations are so important to them and their students below.
Our goal is to make anti-racism a reality through SEL supports and trainings to better support our students and educators, and we want @ChiPubSchools to help make this possible by ensuring anti-racism and healing-centered trainings for all staff. #RacismCausesTrauma #E4ECHI #SEL pic.twitter.com/I2R3fDd19X
— Educators4Excellence (@Ed4Excellence) October 13, 2020
Our students need #SEL support now more than ever, especially in light of trauma from the pandemic and continued dangerous racist rhetoric. @ChiPubSchools let’s make sure our staff are priorities. https://t.co/3LGa0fAcUy #E4ECHI #HashtagsToHealing #RacismCausesTrauma pic.twitter.com/rO8hU0tgzp
— Educators4Excellence (@Ed4Excellence) November 17, 2020
Join the Conversation
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Did you know that only half of the teachers in the U.S. adapt their instruction to the cultural diversity of their classrooms? Check out this article on racism in schools by The Hill.
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In order for a whole staff to address a student’s trauma, we have to shift to a more healing-centered approach. Take a look at what this article from Medium has to say about this mindset!
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Teaching Tolerance is a great resource toward navigating SEL and trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more.