Spotlight: Meet Dr. Nancy Dome

All WCSD staff attended our Keynote address, Equity by Design, presented by Dr. Nancy Dome of Epoch Education on August 9. The keynote address launched our partnership with Epoch Education in support of our equity professional learning plan. Dr. Dome’s message invited us to design communities of belonging for students and staff. "This is not easy work and we will need to focus our energy and intention on our equity plan to make it a reality", challenged Dr. Dome. She encouraged us to look at all of our systems through the lens of equity: policies, outcomes, power, relationships, and solutions. We can expect this work to be constantly evolving as we continue to strive for a more equitable school system.

Dr. Dome shared the following definitions to help guide our work around diversity, equity and inclusion.

Diversity - all the ways in which people differ; recognize that people affiliate with multiple identities.

Equity - the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people.

This requires striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups, equitable distribution of resources, and understanding the root causes of inequity.

Inclusion - ways in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate.

The keynote address concluded with an introduction to Compassionate Dialogue: a conversation to resolve a problem or find a solution through connection and showing empathy for others. The idea of showing up for all community members with compassion and empathy resonated with our staff as we have supported each other and our classroom communities through the trials of 2020-21. In the spirit of appreciating the importance of taking time to build relationships and empathy with all stakeholders, all staff members will participate in a professional learning module and a facilitated discussion this fall with the support of Epoch Education. Over the next two school years we will participate in the following additional Epoch learning modules in support of deepening equity: Thriving as a Racially Conscious Person in the United States, Let’s Talk About Race, and What is Implicit Bias?

Dr. Dome’s message of creating communities of belonging provided an inspiring kickoff to the new school year. We hope you will join us virtually for a community conversation with Dr. Nancy Dome on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. - save the date!