BIPOC Educators Working with Black or Brown Students

Senior policy associate Michelle Burris describes teacher Arman Green, who she interviewed, by writing that “Although Arman teaches math, through his commitment to his students, he inadvertently teaches civics, as well, by teaching his students the importance of making their voices heard.” This may ring very familiar for other BIPOC teachers, too.

BIPOC teachers experience the invisible tax in many ways, including the expectation - spoken or unspoken - that they will lead conversations about race with students. Burris also notes, though, that, “Students are listening, and silence on race in education will not suffice…This work will undoubtedly not be easy, but through conversations about race, critical pedagogies, and, ultimately, love, we can empower our students to become social, authentic, and civically engaged changemakers.”

The resources here, whether you are newly entering an exploration of the research on anti-racist work in education or are deep into your journey, are curated to help you self-reflect, self-educate, and grow your skills as an anti-racist teacher. However, this work categorically should not rest solely on the shoulders of BIPOC teachers.