CRTL 2

This artifact outlines a social-emotional learning and mental health advocacy plan. The plan aligns with my personal and professional mission as a school leader and educator. I researched several professional organizations that support social-emotional learning and mental health advocacy and identified four that I will explore in-depth as part of an action plan. My current professional affiliations support both social-emotional learning and mental health, and I have identified local professionals to collaborate with. This artifact also includes an action plan that begins with other educational leaders in my district and branches out to include local stakeholders such as students, families, and community members. I have identified my strengths and areas of growth as an advocate. 

This artifact aligns with CRTL 2, culturally responsive teachers and leaders understand that there are systems in our society, especially, but not limited to, our school system, that creates and reinforce inequities, thereby creating oppressive conditions. Educators work actively against these systems in their everyday roles in educational institutions. This outlines a plan that supports and advocates for social-emotional learning and mental health in schools. It goes beyond my school and addresses the district and community. The advocacy impact could become widespread and move to the state level as well. Organizations and individuals identified promote collaboration and momentum for the cause. 

This artifact illustrates my passion for social-emotional learning and mental health. It's important for leaders to identify the immediate needs of our students, families, staff, and community. Once a need is identified, an action plan must be put into place to address the concern. As an emerging leader, I have many strengths that will lead to collaboration and action. Along with other stakeholders, I would initiate a cycle of inquiry, problem identification, data collection, action plan, implementation, and reflection to address SEL and mental health concerns in our school, district, and community. A collaborative approach will lead to global impact and solutions. Leaders must identify individuals and organizations that support the development of solutions. I will be a catalyst for change. 

The Diversity as an Asset assignment is a proposal of three activities that will lead to more awareness of cultural diversity amongst our students and staff. The first activity involves students recognizing and representing their cultural backgrounds on a bracelet. All students will create one. From afar, all students will be united in having a bracelet. Up close, their unique backgrounds will be represented. The second activity involves celebrating holidays of all the cultures represented by the student population. The third activity focuses on heightening the cultural diversity awareness of all staff members. As staff acknowledge biases and begin to implement tolerance and diversity celebration into their classroom, we will see a stronger appreciation for the many gifts our students and families possess as unique individuals. ​ 

These activities support CRTL2, culturally responsive teachers and leaders understand that there are systems in our society, especially, but not limited to, our school system, that create and reinforce inequities, thereby creating oppressive conditions. Educators work actively against these systems in their everyday roles in educational institutions. The student activities are designed to address the oppression that exists when schools do not acknowledge the diversity that exists. The staff activity allows staff members to identify and reflect on the biases we all have. This awareness will encourage educators to take an active role in celebrating diversity in their classrooms. Both will be actively working toward the solution rather than reinforcing the problem. 

The artifact aligns with my competence as an emerging leader. Advocacy is an important aspect of leadership. These activities will create a heightened awareness of diversity and encourage students and staff to advocate for culturally responsive practices. In addition, our school just updated our mission statement and incorporated this statement: "Williamsburg Elementary is a partnership of students, staff, families, and the community that strives to provide:  -a safe environment that empowers individuals and groups to celebrate their culture, heritage, and identity".  It is my responsibility as a leader to help the staff dive deeper into what this means. The professional development activity in this artifact supports that aspect of our mission.