This month at TEP we are honing in on our Policy Priority Areas. We want to share why each is important to realizing our dream of quality education for all God’s children. We also want to share how you can partner with us to strategically demand better for our kids and our schools. This year we are focused on creating safe and nurturing schools for every child at every stage of development. To help get us there, we are supporting policies that ensure adequate supplies, facilities, and resources for equitable learning through:
- Free wireless and suitable devices to make use of it. Remote access is critical for equitable learning
- COVID tests and PPE
- More nurses and medical care
- Buses and school buildings that aren’t broken and allow students to learn safely. This includes air conditioning, heat, clean water, and schools that are well-ventilated.
- Investing in physical spaces that foster creativity and broaden students’ imagination
- Healthy meals and snacks
- Support staff like counselors and school mental health services
- Ensuring adequate resources for wraparound services. So children can fully participate in learning and focus on school while in school
In addition to advocating for and supporting the policies above, we’ve compiled resources for teachers, students, parents, and community members that support and promote equitable learning.
Equitable Learning Resources
Truth Matters for Students
by The Expectations Project + EduColor
A resource for folks who want to ensure students receive an accurate, full education and resist the ongoing anti-truth/anti-CRT movement. TEP & EduColor help students, teachers, parents, and community members learn what’s going on and what can be done to ensure all students learn the truth and receive a quality education.
www.truthmattersforstudents.com
The Anti Racist Teacher / Textured Teaching (workbook, e-course, and additional resources)
by Lorena Germán + Multicultural Classroom
For teachers who want to create an anti racist classroom and employ culturally sustaining practices, but need some tools to get there. These books and their accompanying resources present “theoretical and research-based frameworks to develop anti racist reading instruction practices” and include planning tools and sample units for ELA, math and sciences, and across grade levels.
www.multiculturalclassroom.com
Social Justice books reading list
by Teaching for Change
From their site: “The best selection of multicultural and social justice books for children, YA, and educators.” They also have an anti-bias book talk series that’s worth checking out!
https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/
A Gift for Teaching
There are a ton of local resources available to help teachers and students thrive. We learned of this one from one of our staff members who is a former Florida educator. At A Gift for Teaching, teachers and students in central Florida can come “shop” in person or online for free school supplies and resources provided by community partners! What local resources are in your area helping teachers and students thrive?
www.agiftforteaching.org
First Book Marketplace
From their site: Addressing “barriers to education faced by children in low-income and historically excluded communities by providing brand-new books and resources to children in need.” / “a nonprofit that provides educators who serve kids in need with essentials for learning and life.” Adults can sign up today to receive free books and resources for the kids they love and serve!
www.fbmarketplace.com
This is just a sample of the incredible work that is out there. If you have something we should add to our list, drop it in the comments below!
