OF NOTE
A Bi-Monthly Update from The Nellie Mae Education Foundation
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Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages |
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Supporting Educators and Young People as We Enter the School Year |
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As school community members across the country gear up to return back to school, we at Nellie Mae are taking the time to reflect on the issues students and educators have been raising and solutions they have proposed to make our schools safer and more equitable. From shortages of teachers of color to the continued attack on teaching truth in our schools to discipline practices that prioritize punishment over healing, it is imperative we listen to those most impacted as we resist and re-examine oppressive policies. We encourage all of our readers to join us in supporting and uplifting the voices of students and educators who have been working towards an equitable education system for all. |
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TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TEACHING TRUTH |
While some argue that teaching truth in schools will make white students feel guilty and uncomfortable, educators know that these conversations can help process difficult emotions and lead to transformation. Nellie Mae Speakers Bureau member Christie Nold co-wrote this piece about the curiosity, solidarity, and joy possible when we teach the full history of our country.
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LISTENING TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO INFORM SCHOOL SAFETY |
In this guest column for the Providence Journal, the board of our grantee Providence Student Union writes about the importance of listening to young people asking their leaders to address the root causes of school shootings and create true safety by investing in counselors and restorative justice. |
ERADICATING THE LGBTQ+ DISCIPLINE GAP |
LGBTQ+ students face disproportionate levels of discipline in schools, often for reasons related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Inclusive policies, firm leadership, and supportive relationships with staff are key to combatting this troubling trend. |
EXAMINING DISCRIMINATORY DISCIPLINE THROUGH DRESS CODES
Attempts to protect students of color from disciplinary discrimination must include rethinking policies like dress codes, which are all too often used to unfairly target girls of color. This blog post from Nellie Mae grantee The Education Trust calls on adults to lead with collaboration and empathy for students, rather than punishment.
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NELLIE MAE LEADERSHIP TRANSITION ANNOUNCEMENT |
Earlier this month, the Foundation announced that interim President & CEO, Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou, will be transitioning out of her role in December, 2022. Learn more about Dr. Ngounou's accomplishments as leader of the Foundation and join us in thanking her for all of her work by checking out the full announcement. |
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In This Issue
Seen and Heard Report
Too often in conversations about young peoples' lives, the voices of young people themselves are not heard or prioritized. Nellie Mae partnered in the creation of this report that centers youths' observations of the decision-making happening about them during the Covid-19 pandemic and their ideas for change.
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Rhode Island Supports Teacher of Color Initiative
Nellie Mae grantee RISPE recently received state funding to support the recruitment of more teachers of color in Rhode Island schools. Learn more about why RISPE's mission of increasing the number educators of color is so important in their press release.
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New Hampshire Behind in Hiring Educators of Color
In New Hampshire, a staggering 98% of teachers are white, in contrast to a growing population of students of color. Educators and students share how they experience this disparity, and possible solutions to increase the number of educators of color.
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Using Performing Arts to Highlight Student Voice
Nellie Mae grantee Maine Inside Out has been supporting students in Lewiston, ME to create performances highlighting issues with punishment in school. Students are using their plays to speak up about their experiences with conflict in school.
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Coalition Manager Job Opportunity
The HUSKY 4 Immigrants Coalition is seeking a Coalitions Manager to lead a campaign to expand access to healthcare and the HUSKY Medicaid Program to immigrant communities in Connecticut.
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