District: Salem-Keizer
Job Assignment: 3-5 Special Education - Self-contained
Local Association: Salem Keizer Education Association
Years of Educator Experience: 5 years
What are three ways you have actively elevated equity?
Representing educators of color as an OEA Board Director, serving as a Co-Chair of our local Committee On Racial Equity, and serving as a Committee Member for the Regional Educator Network.
What is your equity stance?
Equity is more than just a word; it is a guiding principle. I believe that we need to strive for a culture that values our differences and grows through our collective diversity. Whenever given a platform, I do my best to keep equity at the core of my actions and words. Creating a culture of equity is not about doing the right thing but about doing the respectful thing. It comes down to creating a culture where everyone, no matter who they are or what their background is, can come together and feel valued, honored, and respected while being their true self.
What is your favorite social justice quote?
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” - Elinor Smith
Can you share one equity focused resource or student read that you recommend?
Some of my favorite read aloud titles for my special education classroom on inclusion are: The World Needs More Purple People by Benjamin Hart and Kristen Bell, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, and The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson.
When I need help creating equity lessons that will fit my student needs, I visit learningforjustice.org and adl.org and browse their lesson plans for supplemental resources and activities.
