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Equity & Inclusion Newsletter

A Monthly Communication: September 2020, Staff Edition

Equity & InclusionNewsletterA Monthly Communication: September 2020, Staff Edition

Teacher in Residence for Diversity and Cultural Competency: Introduction

Hello! My name is Dr. Erin Birden and I come to this position with a ton of passion for this work. I strive to be an anti-bias and anti-racist educator, and also understand that this requires true, lifelong commitment. I will soon be sharing some of the ways in which I can collaborate with you this year as our district furthers our commitment to equity, inclusivity, diversity, and cultural competency in all we do.


A bit about who I am...


  • Prior to this role, I served as a Grade 2 classroom teacher at Long Meadow Elementary School and have recently earned a doctorate in Instructional Leadership. There, my research focused on the nature of courage in classrooms.
  • I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and emphasize that I come to this work with a profound sense of humility, and a vigilant awareness of the limitations of my perspective and my social identities. I'll be working constantly on raising my own critical consciousness and I hope you will join me in ever-widening our worldviews.

  • I recognize the magnitude of the profession of education, and believe wholeheartedly that we teach humanity first and foremost.

The Roots of This Work The Roots of This Work

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Grounded in Theory of Action 1

We believe that every student deserves a positive learning environment in which their diversity is valued and contributes to their successful academic and social outcomes.
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Guided by the Social Justice Standards

This framework for anti-bias education is comprised of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes arranged into 4 domains. It provides a helpful anchor for equitable, just, and safe schools within Region 15. The areas of identity, diversity, justice and action are enduring across the lifespan and are applicable to adult learning as well as PreK-12 learning.
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Because this is the Humbling Reality of Being in Education

We understand that we need to equip our students, families, and staff with tools to foster positive identity, to experience joy in and true appreciation of others’ complex social identities and diversity, to cultivate cultural competency, and to develop the knowledge, skills, and courage needed to respond impactfully to social injustice.

Each edition, I will offer up a read, a watch, and a listen to collectively continue our learning: Each edition, I will offer up a read, a watch, and a listen to collectively continue our learning:

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Read

Why White Students Need Multicultural and Social Justice Education article
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Watch

Danger of a Single Story TED Talk. I see this talk as a must watch!

Also, a great lesson plan on using this TED talk in the classroom here

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Listen

Nice White Parents is a fascinating podcast about building better school systems. There are 5 episodes.

I'd love to work with you!

The Teacher in Residence for Diversity and Cultural Competency role is new this year and I am here primarily to support you, our staff and students! I look forward to connecting with you.

Please reach out!

Email: ebirden@region15.org


Follow on socials:

Instagram: r15equity_inclusion

Twitter: r15equity


*Note: Quotation above (c) 2019 CLC Collective and Dottir Press

At the end, I'll always share some upcoming, free professional learning opportunities: At the end, I'll always share some upcoming, free professional learning opportunities:

Social-Emotional Learning for an Antiracist Future: A Conversation with Dr. Dena Simmons

Social-Emotional Learning for an Antiracist Future: A Conversation with Dr. Dena Simmons

Join us for a conversation with educator and antiracist Dr. Dena Simmons where we will explore the power and purpose of educating for social change.

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Anti-Racist Teaching During the Pandemic: Lessons from The New Teacher Book by Rethinking Schools

Anti-Racist Teaching During the Pandemic: Lessons from The New Teacher Book by Rethinking Schools

Teaching is a lifelong challenge, but the first few years in the classroom are typically the hardest. With the pandemic’s online teaching platforms, we are all new tea...

launch secure.givelively.org

Click here to access the monthly read aloud I included in the family/student version of this newsletter. Click here to access the monthly read aloud I included in the family/student version of this newsletter.

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