Op Eds
The Trauma of Being a Black Educator
Michele Lamons-Raiford, California Policy Fellowship alumna
- The Educator's Room
California
•Oct. 14, 2021
The Teach Plus National Teacher of Color Alumni Network fosters affinity connection and collaboration with and among Teach Plus alumni of color from across our regions. We work to gather IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, People of Color) teacher leaders’ input on key educational practice and policy issues that affect them, their students, and their communities. Individually and collectively, the Network members engage in professional leadership and learning and advocacy efforts to improve the teaching profession and increase equitable outcomes for students.
Our vision is to engage as a community that serves as a racial affinity group, committed to collectively cultivating an uplifting, empowering, healing space for teachers and leaders of color and their growth and sustainability in the profession.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be in community with other Teach Plus educators of color through the Teacher of Color Alumni Network. Being able to engage with this diverse group in authentic connection always encourages me to continue this important work. I look forward to Teach Plus maintaining its efforts to promote, support, and uplift the many contributions of its diverse network of alumni.
Justin Johnson
Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship Alum, 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of Color Alumni Network Leader
“Research shows that teachers of color are great for all kids, and make a particular difference for students of color. That is why I believe it is essential for Teach Plus to create a safe space for teachers of color to build community, heal, and create a safe space for sustainability — and I’m immensely grateful to the teacher leaders who will collaborate to make it happen.”
—Lindsay Sobel, Teach Plus Chief of Policy, Planning & External Affairs
How Does It Work?
Through the Network, you will become part of a larger community of teacher leaders of color, engage in connecting and communicating, and work with your peers on issues impacting teachers of color and the teaching profession.
Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow and 2021 National Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey with First Lady Jill Biden. Photo Credit: Ron Sachs / CNP
As a Network member, you may:
- Attend high-quality, virtual professional learning events and participate in affinity groups focused on teacher leadership
- Engage in discussions with state and national education leaders and decision makers regarding key educational issues
- Learn about Teach Plus’s work in our Equity Focus Areas and leadership opportunities in your state and nationally
- Write op-eds and contribute to Teach Plus reports and memos
All Teach Plus National TOC Alumni Network events and activities are virtual and free to all Teach Plus alumni of color. If you live in a state where Teach Plus has a local presence, you may also receive opportunities to learn, engage, and advocate at local and state levels.
Nationally and locally, Teach Plus TOC Alumni have:
- Testified in front of the state legislatures regarding equitable funding, recruitment and retention of a diverse teaching workforce, teacher preparation and leadership, whole child, student-centered learning, high-quality early childhood education, college and career access and readiness, and meaningful accountability
- Facilitated education presentations to the State Boards of Education and state and national colleagues across the country in collaboration with state and national education partners; professional learning and development for teaching colleagues at state and national conferences
- Led and conducted focus groups of teachers of color on their experience and the role of race and identity in education
- Engaged with the United States Secretary of Education to discuss persisting education issues within our profession
- Represented teachers as State Teachers of the Year, National Teacher of the Year, and as guests at the White House during Teacher of Year recognitions
- Published op-eds in local and state media outlets, including Edutopia, EdWeek, ASCD Express, Learning for Justice, Surge, The Educator’s Room and more
Qualifications:
To participate in the Teach Plus National Teacher of Color Alumni Network, you must:
- Be Teach Plus alum who identifies as an educator of color
- Be willing to engage in Teach Plus National TOC Alumni Network events and activities with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Resources and News
Op Eds
Despite COVID Challenges, Illinois State Teacher of the Year Justin Johnson Has Found Ways to Connect With His Students Through Music
Kathy Pierre, Senior National Coordinator of Communications and Media
- What's the Plus?
Illinois
•Aug. 12, 2021Op Eds
California Dual-Language Teacher Leader Jesus Galindo Prioritizes Social Emotional Learning Daily With His Students
Kathy Pierre, Senior National Coordinator of Communications and Media
- What's the Plus?
California
•May. 10, 2021Op Eds
Why every school district should be required to teach multicultural education, specifically Black history
Sheila Weathers, Nevada Policy Fellowship alumna
- The Nevada Independent
Nevada
•May. 2, 2021Op Eds
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. Flowers? Mugs? We’re Looking for Something More
Justin Johnson, Illinois State Teacher of the Year Fellow
- Education Week
Illinois
•Apr. 30, 2021Op Eds
Inhale Adversity, Exhale Hope: Reflections of a Black Educator
Michele Lamons-Raiford, California Policy Fellow
- The Educator's Room
California
•Apr. 21, 2021