Equity Literacy begins with the willingness to see what we might be conditioned not to see and with the humility to consider our collective culpability
The Vermont Higher Education Collaborative (VT-HEC) is continuing its work with renowned educator, author, and speaker Paul Gorski to present a second series on reducing inequity in our schools. After providing access to three free webinars on Paul’s dynamic introduction to the Equity Literacy Framework and two themed workshops this fall, we have scheduled two additional days this spring focused on the themes of race/racism and poverty. In addition, there is a new free webinar available capturing an interview of Taharee Jackson by Paul on the Roles and Responsibilities of White Educators. All the webinars and workshops have been supported by VT-HEC’s Mission Investment Fund.
Equity means more than hosting multicultural arts-and-crafts fairs or diversity assemblies. It begins with a willingness to see what we might be conditioned not to see and the humility to consider our and our colleagues’ culpability. It involves real conversations about racism, economic inequality, sexism, homophobia and ableism.
While each of the two days this spring will focus on a particular theme they both will utilize the concepts of the Equity Literacy Framework to help participants become more aware and effective in dealing with inequity regardless of it form or source and to apply the principles found in the framework to their own setting.
Ridding Schools of Racism: From Equity Optics to Equity Action
Presented by Taharee Jackson and Paul Gorski
March 24, 2020: DoubleTree Hilton, South Burlington, VT
Taharee Jackson holds expertise in the areas of teacher education, inclusive schooling practices and policies, and urban education reform. She is particularly interested in how members of “privileged” groups become advocates and allies for others. Watch for her forthcoming book, A Different Way to be White: Becoming Antiracist Teachers and Teacher Educators.
An Economic Justice Approach to Eliminating Socioeconomic Inequities in Schools
Presented by Paul Gorski
April 15, 2020: DoubleTree Hilton, South Burlington, VT
Paul Gorski is the founder of the Equity Literacy Institute and EdChange. For nearly 25 years he has worked with schools and districts across the United States on equity and justice issues ranging from race and racism to poverty and economic injustice. He is the co-author of Reaching and Teaching Students in Poverty: Strategies for Erasing the Opportunity Gap and Case Studies on Diversity and Social Justice Education
The VT-HEC is one of Vermont’s largest statewide providers of professional development focused on the education, health and well-being of children and youth. The VT-HEC equity series is underwritten by the VT-HEC Mission Investment Fund. For more information: vthec.org.
