Four Awesome Resources to Take Your DEI Education to the Next Level!
Updated: Nov 18, 2022
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is something that’s so important for all educators to be well-versed in, so we’re so happy to highlight the subject this week! At its core, DEI is about making sure every student is loved and able to be the best person they can be because of their wholly unique identities, so it is such a crucial priority in your classroom now and always!
We’re sharing out four of our favorite online resources for DEI-focused education this week. As teachers, educating ourselves is the best first step towards ensuring social justice in schools, and though what we’ve found we hope will be of use to you, there’s no substitute for official DEI training from professionals when it comes to your professional development.
Did we miss one of your favorite resources in our list this week? Let us know, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, or reach out to us on social media so that we can share your knowledge with our community.
1: Social Justice Tool Box (http://www.socialjusticetoolbox.com/)
From one of our AEE friends Meg Bolger (among other contributors) comes the Social Justice Tool Box, an awesome compendium of experiential activities designed to make groups more accepting and understanding of diversity. If you like Kikori activities, then you’d LOVE these ones; they are hands-on, easy-to-use, and so impactful!
2: Learning for Justice (https://www.learningforjustice.org/)
Learning for Justice is an organization focused specifically on giving teachers the resources needed to teach social justice, and resources they sure do provide! Whether it’s a lesson plan, student text, or poster you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to use. Our favorite feature? You can search for content based on DEI topics of your choice, such as race, religion, ability, and/or class!
Heard (or haven’t heard) of land acknowledgements but still needing a place to learn about the subject? Check out the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture’s webpage on the push to acknowledge Native lands! There, you will learn all about the struggles of Native populations in America and what you (and your students, for that matter) can do to raise awareness.
4: NEA Black History Month Lessons and Resources (https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/black-history-month-lessons-resources)
Lastly, continue to honor Black History Month in school with these awesome lesson plans from the NEA! With all grade levels and many different classroom activities (lessons, videos, readings on a variety of topics) being represented, it’s a must-have resource.
Looking for more activities that spotlight social justice? Check out this week’s spotlighted content creator, Tara Flippo!
Tara Flippo is an educator and consultant with experience as a youth facilitator, teacher trainer, college professor, and director. Tara's organizational leadership and facilitation skills span 25 years and multiple programs and settings. She ran her own Social Justice consulting business for six years and is a frequent presenter on Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) topics. Tara has comprehensive skills in the areas of Social Justice Education/DEI, Experiential Learning, Youth Development, and Social Emotional Learning. One of Tara's professional highlights is the publication of her first book in 2016 - Social Emotional Learning in Action: Experiential Activities to Positively Impact School Climate, whose activities can be found on the Kikori app!
