“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their
own.”
- Nikos Kazantzakis, Greek Writer
A Spirit’s Toolkit
Critical Consciousness
It is imperative for each of us to develop a reflective awareness of our own biases and assumptions and PUSH past them. It is this action that propels us toward creating justice.
Dorinda Carter Andrews’ TED Talk expounds on the importance of utilizing critical consciousness in the classroom as a tool to combating education inequity.
Rethinking Pedagogy
How do you approach the processes of learning?
Taking the time to reconsider your methods and practices is essential to creating learning spaces that are safe and transformative. Understanding and leaning into the culture and history of your community is a great place to begin.
Here a few texts to help you get started:
Black Appetite. White Food. by Jamila Lyiscott
For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education by Christopher Emdin
We Want to do More Than Survive by Dr. Bettina Love
Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks
Community’s the Plug
Get to know your community. Work with your community.
Educators are who Elmo calls, “the people in your neighborhood.” If you teach, tutor, or mentor — you will never be completely effective if you don’t connect authentically with your students… and you can’t do that if you don’t know their community and culture.
Practice partnership: parents, churches, sports teams, libraries, public programs… wherever the children are, find yourselves there and tap in to the source!