During our latest #NAESPchat, principals explain how they affirm their students’ cultural identities year-round, not just during Black History Month.

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During our latest #NAESPchat, principals explain how they affirm their students’ cultural identities year-round—not just during Black History Month. With more than 50 educators taking part in the chat, the discussion, hosted by NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership fellow Ryan Daniel, led to some useful ideas we’re passing along to you as you work to create an equitable experience in your school communities. 

How do you ensure students from all cultural and racial identities are seen and heard in your school community?

A1. Spend intentional time with them in and out of school. Get to know their families, ask questions and listen. #naespchat #naespmll https://t.co/vyHmL2bL1f

— Jessica Cabeen (@JessicaCabeen) February 24, 2021

A1: Student focus groups, ensuring our master schedule includes all cultural celebrations. We also ensure that students see themselves in different murals within our building. #NAESPchat #naespcdl

— Dr. Ryan Daniel (@HeyDrDaniel) February 24, 2021

A1. As school leader we need to first create a climate of inclusivity for all. Our school has focused on celebrating authentically cultures and racial identities, we don't just talk about it, it's part of the fabric of our instructional goals & expectations. #NAESPchat https://t.co/I3SzayQbWx

— Liza Caraballo-Suarez Ed.D. (@CaraballoSuarz) February 24, 2021

How do you encourage respect and community between students of different racial and cultural identities?

A3 Socially distanced classroom circles to share about our cultures. They become restorative circles for times when we need to expand a sense of understanding. #naespchat https://t.co/wrQTUvI45e

— Kimbrelle Lewis (@k2blewis) February 24, 2021

A3: Implement restorative practices, specifically the “circle strategy” to create a sense of belonging among students #NAESPchat https://t.co/jUbs7urc03

— Dr. KOOL™ (@TheKoolestDoc) February 24, 2021

A3: Through building relationships among the students of different backgrounds. Encouraging everyone to get to know someone who is different than themself. #NAESPchat

— Seth Daub (@PrincipalDaub) February 24, 2021

Navigating conversations around race and culture are often difficult. What are some ways you facilitate those conversations with your staff?

As a building Principal you first have to be willing to have those difficult conversations with your staff. You can pretend biases don’t exist. Communication and professional development for staff. High expectations for all #NAESPChat

— Susan (@susan_danielson) February 24, 2021

Jump in! You can’t grow, change, or learn from the sidelines. #naespchat https://t.co/jTnjp61oaX

— Dr. Rachael George (@DrRachaelGeorge) February 24, 2021

Q4: These conversations have to be normalized, not just when something comes up. Also have to be cognizant of tokenism. #naespchat

— Jana Parker (@JanaCParker) February 24, 2021

How to deal with resistance from staff members?

A5: Always lead with conversations & change with Data! Allow staff to reflect on their practices and how their behaviors influences school wide data. Create space to provide feedback and set small wins to overcome resistance. Create a feedback loop to follow up #NAESPChat https://t.co/azfCJI1Nat

— Dr. KOOL™ (@TheKoolestDoc) February 24, 2021

A5: Bring it back to our WHY. In order to serve our students we must know them. Resistance usually stems from being uncomfortable and/or lack of awareness. This shouldn't be a barrier to doing what's best for our students. #NAESPChat

— Dr. Parker (@Dr_TParker) February 24, 2021

A. 5. Be persistent, don’t give up, meet them where they are and encourage them to grow in their belief system just like they want their students to grow in their learning. #NAESPChat

— Gracie Branch (@branch7) February 24, 2021

What are some ways you have created community within your different racial and cultural parent groups?

I try to make a point to ask deeper questions to familes about their backgrounds, get past the surface level - family stories are powetful and so informative #NAESPChat

— Dr. Andy Jacks (@_AndyJacks) February 24, 2021

I haven’t tried this yet, but my colleague @caguilarmunoz has had families make presentations about their story and who they are, to the staff & their parent groups. It’s been a powerful practice they’ve started at their school. #NAESPchat https://t.co/UR5MFKL56O

— Jessica Gomez (@mrsjessgomez) February 24, 2021

During parent night, I have groups of parents make presentations. They learn a lot about and from each other #NAESPchat #naespcdl

— Dr Andrea Thompson (@DrAndreaThomps1) February 24, 2021

Have more suggestions? Add yours to the conversation going using #NAESPchat on Twitter.

Save the Date: On Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. ET, our next #NAESPchat, “Women in Leadership: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Support,” will be hosted by NAESP’s new Center for Women in Leadership. Join fellows Dr. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez for an uplifting discussion that’ll help you thrive as a female leader in education.

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