Inspiring Change
We, as school librarians, must model the standards. As role models for our youth, we need to ensure that our very actions are those that are antiracist. We must see our students for who they are, embracing their gifts, their cultures, and differences. We must see ourselves from the unique perspectives of our students who are not like us and use that insight to support their learning. We must fill out shelves with books that represent everyone. We need stories with people of color going about their lives, not just stories of overcoming struggles that are so prevalent in our collections. ~ Jennifer Sturge
Currently, many organizations are dedicated to preparing students for the future by connecting them to today’s world. Right now, the events highlighted in national and local media are complex and difficult to address.
Both students and educators are struggling with how to deal with the issues and how to begin discussions.
As a school librarian, in an effort to address these challenging topics, I would be remiss if I did not attempt to ensure that the @Tappan_Zee_HS library be an inviting and welcoming space for thinkers, doers and dreamers.
The resources listed below offer a starting place for anyone and everyone to begin to build a greater understanding, as we work to become better, well-informed citizens and united as human beings.
Resources:
- Discovery Education
- Facing History and Ourselves
- Teaching Tolerance
- Asian American Racial Justice Toolkit
- Letters for Black Lives
- PBS Learning Media
- Anti-Racism Resources for All Ages
- Institutionalized Racism: A Syllabus JSTOR tzhs/Dutchmen
Please remember that when reading any article, watching any news channel or listening to any news article or item, evaluate the source. Below is “The Media Bias Chart”, by Ad Fontes. Ad Fontes rates the news for bias and reliability, using a rigorous methodology and a politically balanced team of analysts. Ad Fontes is Latin for “to the source,” because they rate the news by looking at the source itself.
Leave a Reply