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Team W.E. Inc is a dynamic nonprofit organization founded in 2021 by Chanel Turner, a passionate Baltimore City teacher fueled by her unwavering belief in the immense capabilities of Black students and the urgent need to address systemic inequities.
W.E. stands for "Whole Education," representing our commitment to providing a holistic approach to education for BIPOC students in underserved communities. Whole Education encompasses addressing academic, social, emotional, and cultural needs to support students in reaching their full potential.
Our nonprofit organization is rooted in the understanding that education must go beyond academics to address the social-emotional well-being of students and confront systemic racism head-on.
Chanel's profound understanding of the true lack of resources for social-emotional learning (SEL) and development came from her first-hand experiences as a Baltimore City Public School teacher interacting with her students. As she began her teaching career, she encountered the effects of systemic racism on education, which had significant implications for the socio-emotional growth of her students.
One of the immediate challenges she faced was the large class sizes in urban classrooms. Overcrowded classrooms often made it difficult for students to receive individualized attention and support, hindering their emotional development. Limited teacher-student interactions and personalized guidance added to the barriers that prevented students from fully exploring and understanding their emotions.
Furthermore, many of her students carried the weight of past traumas and adverse experiences, some of which were directly linked to systemic racism and its impact on their communities. The effects of poverty, violence, and discrimination had left deep emotional scars, making it even more crucial for them to receive comprehensive SEL support.
Chanel witnessed how these environmental factors directly affected her students' ability to engage in positive socio-emotional growth. The lack of access to mental health resources and trauma-informed care further exacerbated the challenges they faced.
Recognizing these disparities, Chanel felt compelled to address the root causes of these issues. She understood that simply advocating for SEL resources and development in schools was not enough. To create a meaningful impact, it was essential to also advocate for equitable distribution of resources, smaller class sizes, and trauma-informed approaches to education.
Through her work with Team W.E., Chanel aims to raise awareness about the intersectionality of systemic racism and its impact on socio-emotional development. The organization works towards creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that acknowledges and addresses the emotional needs of students, particularly those from marginalized communities.
By advocating for systemic changes and providing resources to address these environmental factors, Team W.E. seeks to break down the barriers that hinder the socio-emotional growth of students affected by systemic racism. Chanel's commitment to dismantling these obstacles and promoting holistic education is driven by her belief that every student deserves a nurturing and empowering learning environment, regardless of their background or circumstances.