Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens
@MNTOY2006
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Wife • Mom • 2006 MN Teacher of the Year • Champion for excellence and racial equity in education • Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
MInnesota
Joined April 2009
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The 1st day of school I asked my students to give a word that described them. One of my Black males used “lazy.” That really stuck with me. I read an assignment he handed in on Friday. It was a masterpiece. I found him and told him how brilliant he is. He thanked me profusely.
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I also told him that I’m not sure who told him he was lazy, but he’s showing up anything but lazily in my class. I told him how much I appreciate how hard he works in my class and the great work he does.
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Advice to a new elementary school teacher: never, ever withhold recess from your students for any reason. They need the activity and you need them to have the activity. It shouldn’t be viewed as a privilege, but a part of your daily curriculum.
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Today, at Target, I met a student from my school. She asked me if I were Dr. Stephens and I said yes. She said she’s excited to take my class when school starts. It’s been a great day.
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One of my students thanked me several times for letting her correct her paper and hand it in again. I reminded her that we’re about excellence not perfection. Perfection doesn’t make room for mistakes. Excellence does and makes room to correct them.
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I remember when I taught a Black male in my 6th grade ELA class how to read. He was written off by other teachers. His previous teacher asked me how I did it. I made him a priority and I had no doubt that he could do it.
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Something rarely discussed regarding the impact of Brown v Board is the fact that 38,000 Black teachers and administrators lost their jobs, an example of intent versus impact. While integrating students, we should have integrated teachers.
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I don’t want anyone telling me when I can and cannot use the restroom, so I afford the same to my students. When they ask to go, I write a pass. Monitoring bodily functions isn’t my lane. If this doesn’t work for others, so be it. It works in my classroom community.
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Social emotional learning has its place, but if your district still upholds racist practices, policies and beliefs, then all the SEL curriculum in the world won’t help.
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Good morning to all our educators who are in the classroom this week. 💜
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My Education class unpacked the following quote: “Consciously, we teach what we know. Unconsciously, we teach who we are.” ~Alice Hamachek It’s going to be a great semester, y’all!
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Yesterday, I asked my Intro to Urban Ed students several questions, including “What has been missing from your education?” The overwhelming response was Black teachers have been missing from their education. This response wasn’t just from Black students.
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I am super excited to hear the inquiry presentation from one of my students today. Her topic: How White Superiority Shows Up In Classrooms. Her researchable question: In what ways does the educational system teach us to operate in whiteness? She's a high school junior by the way.
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Is there a school district in this country where the expertise of Black female educators is valued? Asking for myself.
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One of my White students said that my class was the first advanced class where she was in the minority and it taught her to be more observant and listen to other perspectives. She said she has learned a lot.
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Two of my HS seniors did their inquiry presentation on professional development. Their researchable question:Is the pedagogy of teachers effectively impacted by racial equity training and other professional development? I love these students!
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BATHROOM PASSES WERE ALWAYS NASTY! I never understood why the use of them was permitted. That’s it. That’s my tweet and yes, it’s random.
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White America has grown so accustomed to “windows,” but yesterday was a mirror.
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Most of my white students struggle with questions about their culture. I asked them why these questions are so challenging.They said no one has ever asked them about their culture before. Why do we encourage white teachers to be culturally competent, but not white students?
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If you’re exhausted with conversations about racism, I’m exhausted with experiencing it.
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@notcapnamerica
"When you got pregnant, what were you thinking about?" "What was your mindset?"The causacity of that nurse to even ask that question. Lawd, tell me this ain't so. Please, someone tell me that she was placed on perpetual desk duty in the storage closet.
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So the teaching of Critical Race Theory or any anti-racism curriculum is considered indoctrination, but the continual bombardment of White Supremacist curriculum is considered a “good ole American education, where the excellence of POC is diminished. Hmmm... Miss me with that!
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I don’t know why folks have an issue with the term, Culturally Responsive Teaching. We have been using culturally responsive teaching since the inception of schools. It’s just that there was only one culture to which we were responding!
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I remind my students that I am not the smartest one in the room. That’s too great a burden to bear, but collectively we are! We learn from each other. It’s so liberating!
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No school today. Any other school districts have Yom Kippur as a holiday? We will also have Eid off this school year. It’s been a long time coming.
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I believe that Black students are underserved, under taught and over policed. I said what I said. Don’t @ me with any foolishness. I’m not in the mood.
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The students in my building have more respect for me than some of the adults. Some of the adults really seem to struggle to call me Dr. Stephens. To call me Lee-Ann in an auditorium with students is a macro aggression. Only my friends are allowed to call me by my first name.
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The Basics of Critical Race Theory. So when I introduce CRT to my SOAR students, I present five main tenets. If they want to go deeper, then they can do the research themselves. CRT began as an academic movement that looks at society and the law through a racial lens.
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I am so grateful that after being missing for almost two days while half-submerged in a creek, my 85 year old mom was found. I'm dismayed that she experienced that. She doesn't remember much, except heading to church/driving thru weeds/being in lots of H2O/being really cold.
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You can’t dismantle a system that you pretend doesn’t exist or refuse to acknowledge.
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After saying something about “The System,” one of my students spoke with me after class about it. She said she hates that term, because we always name specific groups that are fighting it, but we don’t name who makes up “The System.” It’s made up of people. She said name them.
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There is still COVID, right? I’m just checking, y’all, because I’m at an event and I’m the only one masked up. What in the Delta Variant is going on?
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Dear Lord,
Please give
@Simone_Biles
a clear mind as she prepares to compete on the beam. Let her drown out any distractions and focus on her technique. Keep her safe from any injury. 🙏🏾
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I met with a retirement counselor today and I thought I had to teach for seven more years, but I only have to teach for three more. I’m beyond ecstatic. I enjoy my students, but when it’s time, it’s time!
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I just got a text message that I can get $100 if I get vaccinated. I’ve been vaccinated since March, but I still think they should give me the $100.
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I’ve established a culture in my class wherein my students don’t ask if they got a certain grade. They are more concerned with whether or not the assignment has met my expectations. I just realized that today.
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@wkimeria
We got stopped by the police for waiting in a line of cars, looking at a Christmas light display. Cars were lined up, but we were the only Black folks and the only ones told that we couldn’t stop there. It was some years ago, but I’ll never forget it! That was in Hugo, MN.
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One of my students said that she learns something every day in my class and that she and some of her classmates have discussions outside of class about what they’ve learned. I’m achieving my goal!
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First semester: Give us a word that describes you. Student says “lazy.” Me:😳As often as I can, I remind him how much I appreciate the work he’s doing in my class. Second semester, new course: What would you like your teachers to know? Same student:I’m hardworking. Me:😊
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There’s nothing like a student, particularly a Black male student, telling me that he was glad to be a part of my class and that he had never been in a classroom environment like that before. 🙏🏾
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One of my former first grade students that I taught my first year said that she knew back in grade one that she wanted to be a teacher; she wanted to be just like me. She is now a semi finalist for MN Teacher of the Year.
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Three of my Urban Ed students in a virtual meeting with Ruby Payne. They asked questions about her personal experience with poverty, the role that race plays into her mindset, her evidence of anti-racism, etc. They were masterful and they appreciated her willingness to meet.
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A group of my senior girls just told me that they have had a group chat since the beginning of the school year, called “Ride or Die for Lee-Ann Stephens.” ☺️
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I gave candy to a White male student, who I remembered his telling me, two weeks ago, was his favorite. After class, he came up to me, asked if he could hug me, thanked me for remembering him, thinking of him/how much that meant to him. What was minor to me was major to him.🥲
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I just saw a group of White families in Minnetonka, MN, staging their own peaceful protest. They had BLM, Honk for Justice, and Justice for George Floyd signs. They know the arrests are just the beginning. Y’all, White folks protesting by themselves!❤️
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Racism is such a part of America that when you call it out, you’re viewed as anti-American. Nah, folks, I’m anti-racism. I love this country.
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@itsjocetheboss
@Bos_Laflare
I’m a Racial Equity Instructional Coach. I was smiling from the inside out. I’m still smiling!
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Yesterday, a White student, who is a senior, said, “Although, I have only known you for a short time, I have never felt so valued and cared about by an adult in my life!” I’ve known her for two months. I couldn’t stop the tears from pouring from my eyes.
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@MrTomRad
This is a very true statement. My lived experience is evidence. The lived experience of my Black students is evidence. The lived experience of my Black children is evidence. Come on, people!Teachers aren’t exempt from upholding racist practices and policies.
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I taught my last high school class that I will ever teach. Lots of tears, of course. Anyway, my lesson was on Counter storytelling: Standing Rock, Mendez v. Westminster, The Black Panther Party's Health Programs, Aurelia Browder and New York's history with enslavement.
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My first year of teaching, which was in Minneapolis, I was on the local news to highlight the need for racial diversity in teaching. That was 30 years ago and we are still having the same conversation and don’t @ me with excuses. Shameful, MN!
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Me: I like your shoes. Are they new? Student: Yes, they just dropped.
Me: Did you have to wait in line?
Student: Nah, I have a shoe man.
Me: 😳
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My husband had his second round of chemo today. Nothing else really matters to me at this moment.
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Mentally, I’ve believed that I could lose my life by simply being who I am, Black in America. Last night, while being told to run and fearing for my life, I physically felt that my being Black would get me killed. I don’t even know how to process this right now. I’m shook!
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(1/2) In the Dollar Tree and I overheard the cashier saying that Juneteenth was a stupid name. Nah, I couldn’t let that go. Me: I’m going to offer you a different perspective on what you said about Juneteenth. It’s not stupid to me or many of the folks who look like me.
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I am at a wedding in Cleveland this weekend for a former elementary school student. Six of my former students are here and they asked me if I remember reading to them. They said it was better than any Netflix movie. My heart, y’all!
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Regardless of your political beliefs, the way Judge Ketanji Jackson was treated during the hearings was nefarious and it’s not unique to just the hearings for us. This is why our health suffers. We have to hold all that stuff in, so we aren’t dismissed as “angry Black women.”
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That’s me y’all! It’s because of the work I do with Students Organized for Anti-Racism. I am because they are! “St. Louis Park Public Schools leader will receive diversity award” via
@hometownsource
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If we took a poll of all K-12 teachers, asking if they are teaching Critical Race Theory in their classrooms, the response would be a resounding “no.” So banning something that isn’t even taught, is asinine. But, go ahead.
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I once believed interruption of systemic racism was enough, but interruption doesn’t dismantle anything, it just puts a pause there and then, it can be resumed. I thought being an ally was fine, but realized allies can be bystanders. Disruption and co-conspirators are needed.
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We have over 150 educators attending our first St. Louis Park Summit for Racial Equity on a Saturday! Yay! I need this today!
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I was miserable last year and at times, wanted to resign. I’m teaching an Intro to Urban Ed class and there aren’t enough words to describe the joy I feel every time I’m in that class. One of my students said I’m showing her how school can and should be. She’s a HS senior.
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“We’re just tired as Black people of having to prove our humanity only when the most inhumane thing happens to us.”
@nhannahjones
on
#wheredowegofromhere
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This is what an Anti-Racist School looks like for my SOAR students.
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To have a student tell me she works hard in my class because she cares about the class, likes the way I teach and appreciates how I create the lessons every day and she knows that’s not easy, gave me life! I really needed that affirmation today.
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It’s my anniversary! Thirty-five years of marriage!
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One of my former students just texted me to tell me that she was on the highway when the semi truck plowed through the crowd. They were peaceful protestors and their protest was sanctioned. That’s why the highway was closed at 5 pm. She said she thought she was going to die. 😢
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@kixxonlee
@itsjocetheboss
@Bos_Laflare
It’s a specific title. We specifically work with teachers on racial equity and instructional practices. Also, their own racial consciousness and disrupting systems of racism that impact student achievement and student experiences.
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My SOAR (Students Organized for Anti-Racism) group is leading a Courageous Conversation about Race on Monday at our HS. We did the final planning for it at our meeting yesterday. Their questions are amazing! I’m so honored to advise such courageous students!
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I have my mom’s plan of care meeting today and I’m so sad about all of this. I know this isn’t unique but it’s all new to me. Because others have experienced this with their mothers, doesn’t make it hurt any less for me.
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@mrsthewlett
He just grabbed all the books about Thanksgiving that remained in the school’s library. He had ten books and I don’t remember all the titles, specifically. I do know that the students concluded that most had a White perspective. The process was most important to me, though.
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I'm in tears right now!
#AmandaGorman
is the embodiment of excellence. The progeny of brilliance. A young Black woman of magnificent sagacity. A crafter of words that evoked emotions from my soul. Thank you for sharing your unbridled gift with us. I am grateful.
#inauguralpoem
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One of my students insisted that I rest over the break. She told me that she means it. 💜
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Last year I earned my doctorate and this year, I hope to complete my Superintendent’s license and I want to turn my research into a book: What Black and Brown Students Say They Need in Advanced Classes or something like that.
#2018goals
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It’s the best feeling in the world to be with your student who was waiting for his acceptance for Howard University and watch him open the notification! He is in!My heart leaped out of my chest!
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My thoughts: I don’t believe our educational system is broken. It can only be broken if it first worked for everyone. It never worked for everyone. It is doing what it was designed to do. It needs to be redesigned with the focus on every learner. There are models out there.
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(2/2) Her: I just don’t know what it means. It’s new to me. I never learned about it. I explain it to her and she thanks me. However, she follows up by telling me her 12 year old grandson explained it to her. So, she knew what it meant! So, she was expressing her true sentiments
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@TanaHargest
@kalidrea
I feel sick to my stomach right now! No one can justify this with, “You don’t know the whole story or you’re just seeing part of the video!” Nope! Nope! Nope! It’s murder! A “public servant” committed a public murder.
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Just got a call from a student to let me know that she got accepted into her top two HBCUs. She thanked me for all I’ve done to help her. That made my evening!
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With this quote I started my class today: “Excellence isn’t perfection. Perfection doesn’t make room for mistakes and excellence does. To be excellent we learn from our mistakes.”
Yours truly
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This is why I’m filled with joy everyday. One of my Black male students had a reputation of skipping classes and not doing assignments. He hasn’t skipped my class once and he came to school late today due to a family issue. He stopped by my office to find out what he missed. 🙏🏾
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I’ve recently revisited my purpose and modified it. I use to say it was to empower students, but now it’s to invest in students, so the power already in them will surface.
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My 85 year old mom and me. Me: Hi Mom, today is my birthday. Mom: Really? How old are you? Me: 61
Mom: Do you feel 61? Me: Not really. You used to sing Happy Birthday to me. Mom: I can do that now. Me: Please do!
(Mom sings with her angelic voice)🥰
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“And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? ... It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear...”
Martin Luther King Jr.
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I know I’ve been holding in a lot of stuff. I just didn’t realize how much. If it weren’t for my commitments to my students and not wanting to disappoint them, I would take a sick day. Yesterday was too much! I went to bed as soon as I got home. Now, I can’t stop crying.
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Ever since I found out my mom was submerged in a creek overnight, I wake up in the middle of the night with my stomach in knots, unable to fall back to sleep. I’m exhausted and heartbroken.
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The Five Main Tenets that I teach are: Permanence of Racism, Counter Storytelling, Interest Convergence, Critique of Liberalism and Whiteness as Property. Permanence of Racism: It is so embedded in U. S. society that it seems natural and is often invisible to most individuals.
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I can’t remember the last time I read a book in one day, but I did today. I couldn’t put it down! The Vanishing Half by
@britrbennett
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My 83 year old mom has been waiting to get the vaccine. She calls the ODH every few days only to get a voice message. I finally registered her online and she has an appt to get the vaccine. What happens to elderly people who aren't computer savvy? She doesn't even own one.
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It’s exhausting that as a Black woman, I’m expected to walk on water while others get applauded for treading. I’ve never wanted to exist in the land of mediocrity, but it must be a relief to have the bar set so low that you seem great when you go above it. This is my mood today!
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As a black woman in a predominantly white profession, I’m constantly debated, challenged to prove what I know regarding systemic racism and it gets exhausting! I’m exhausted! I’m doing my work. Others need to do theirs. I won’t do it for them!
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@antiracistSEL
When they constantly view themselves as the standard, they won’t be adequately equipped to take down white supremacy. I need my White students to be co-conspirators in my work of anti-racism.
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Almost done with my handwritten notes welcoming each student to my Intro to Urban Education and Reflective Teaching class. I’m grateful!
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This is our SOAR (Students Organized for Anti-Racism) group facilitating a discussion about the statewide walkout, the Chauvin verdict and where we go from here. These students are such Courageous leaders who stand in their purpose and understand the evils of racism.
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I asked my mom how she feels about being in the care facility and she said as long as they treat me right and do what they are supposed to do, she’s fine with it and then she thanked me for continually checking on her. I still feel like a lousy daughter.
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To have a former student tell me that they don’t remember everything about first grade, but they remember how good I made them feel means everything!
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