“Empowering Teachers with Social Justice Resources”

Social justice education in K- curricula continues to be a subject of debate across the country. While there is a belief that making social justice in the classroom optional is beneficial however, we recognize that such an approach would negatively impact students who are marginalized in society. Those who have experienced marginalization in schools. We have put together a list Social justice lesson plans that are available for free and teaching resources to serve to aid those working towards addressing these problems. The list below is not the basis for a plan. Anyone can find additional tools to aid them in their path towards inclusion.

Educators and administrators are encouraged to explore GLSEN Educational Resources as well as The Zinn Education Project as valuable tools for promoting social justice in the classroom and beyond. It is the Zinn Education Project provides a assortment of materials for teaching as well as workshops and curricula relevant to “people’s historical” issues, like climate changes, Islamophobia, the labor movement, The New Deal, and antiwar movements, among others. Over , teachers have participated in the project’s training programs since the start of the project and are equipped with the tools to create their own curriculum and article for publication. Resources for classrooms include a range of teaching material available in the project.

Do you think body image is an issue that causes social unrest? Go to the Body Happy Organization’s website to gain more understanding on how the way we view the body can affect our psychological health. Their website states that “Body concerns with regards to image don’t only influence the participation of youngsters in the classroom, but they can also influence whether or whether they even attend.” Click this link to view lesson plans of your classroom. It is also possible to visit their sites to learn more about’Acres and a Mule (multimedia game) and watch other videos and songs.

Kindergarten is an international platform that serves to benefit parents, children, as well as early childhood educators and institutions. Kindergarten is a platform that promotes LGBTQ+, trans and black education. Visit the webpage above to read alouds and poetry as well as workshops and mutual aid shops. Additionally, they offer daily word-of-the-day that are specifically designed for young learners. They also offer the following resources: Woke Read-Alouds (via video) and Gender Inclusion Classrooms which are both crucial topics that have been discussed in the last few years in terms of education in regards to rights of LGBTQplus students in schools.

It is believed that the Rainbow Club at your school is an ideal source of definitions, checklists for inclusive schools and other sites to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity. Additionally, you may want to look into Queer Kid Stuff YouTube channel. For more information on how to set up clubs, look up the Teaching Guide that was created by Teaching for Change, which will provide parents and teachers with helpful tools for creating an educational environment that encourages pupils to write, read and change the world, while making meaningful connections to the real world.

We have the chance to promote inclusion in our classrooms as global citizens. To that end, Anti-Bias Education provides a vast array of educational resources for educators, including books and articles. Facing History & Ourselves also has trainings available for schools, and a consortium of schools that are partners, as well as training and assistance for educators and administrators. The programs are designed for the particular needs of each school’s community including pedagogical theories to specific content for each subject. For more information on how to introduce Facing History & Ourselves to your school, go to their website.

Conclusion

A Rainbow Club in your school can be a great resource to encourage LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion. Its Queer Kid Stuff YouTube channel is a wonderful resource for valuable educational and knowledge, and it is the Teaching Guide created by Teaching for Change offers teachers and parents useful tools to create an enriching educational environment, which will help students be more knowledgeable and more connected to the real world. When given the appropriate instruction, students will become capable agents of change in creating an environment that promotes inclusive learning in schools.