Overcoming Barriers: Strategies for Black Superintendents to Combat Systemic Racism in Education
The challenges of being a Black superintendent in America are as varied as the districts we serve, but they all boil down to one issue: systemic racism. Educational systems—from curriculum to hiring practices and even student assignments—have perpetuated racial inequality for too long. But now is the time for us, Black superintendents, to take control and create policies that challenge centuries of oppression in education. We must ensure students have equal access to quality learning opportunities regardless of race and socioeconomic background and promote an environment where diverse perspectives can be heard and respected. Shawn Joseph, Superintendent of Schools, discusses strategies you can use as a Black superintendent to combat systemic racism in your district’s schooling system.
Acknowledge and Address Systemic Racism
As a society, we must address the systemic racism within our institutions and infrastructures. Identifying the systems that perpetuate racism is the first step towards creating strategies to reduce them. This includes examining our education, criminal justice, housing, and healthcare systems, to name a few. By acknowledging how racism is embedded in these structures, we can develop interventions and policies prioritizing equity and justice. It is only by actively addressing racism we can create a truly inclusive and just society for all.
Increase Inclusion in the Hiring Process
Ensuring inclusivity in hiring is crucial for building a diverse and empowering educational community. Prioritizing hiring qualified Black educators and administrators is an essential step toward creating a more equitable workforce and improving educational outcomes for students of color. As many schools work to address systemic racism within their walls, prioritizing the inclusion of Black professionals in leadership positions can help promote cultural sensitivity and foster a more welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Shawn Joseph, Superintendent of schools, says that valuing diverse perspectives and experiences can better prepare students for a multicultural world.
Implement Anti-Racist Curriculum
Education is a tool that can shape the way young minds understand and value diversity. Implementing an anti-racist curriculum incorporating multicultural perspectives into teaching materials can equip students with the knowledge and skills to break down barriers and build understanding across cultures. By acknowledging and celebrating all students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences, teachers can create a learning environment that promotes inclusivity and fosters respect for all people. Students exposed to a diverse curriculum develop an understanding of their cultural identity while also embracing the differences of others. Ultimately, incorporating an anti-racist curriculum is instrumental in cultivating lifelong learners equipped to navigate a complex and interconnected world.
The role of parents in their children’s education has always been crucial. However, sometimes, parents may not have adequate opportunities to engage with their children’s schooling. This is where creating opportunities for parent engagement can help. Giving parents ways to get involved in their children’s schooling in person and remotely can help foster a more productive partnership between parents and educators. The benefits of this approach are clear: students’ confidence, academic performance, and overall success can all be positively impacted by having parents more engaged in their education. Whether through virtual parent-teacher conferences or in-person volunteering, we can all work towards ensuring that parents remain an integral part of their child’s learning journey.
Develop Equity-Building Initiatives
All students should have access to quality education regardless of their background. However, some schools have more resources and funding than others in our current education system. This results in a significant achievement gap between students from underprivileged backgrounds and those from more affluent ones. Equity-building initiatives are essential to bridge this gap and give all students equal opportunity to succeed. By allocating resources to address the needs of underprivileged students, implementing equitable funding between schools, and adopting similar initiatives, we can create an education system that is just and equal for all. This will benefit the students and our society as a whole.
A strong sense of community is key to success in any organization, including schools. Schools can foster a more collaborative learning environment by contacting local businesses, organizations, and community leaders. Not only does this type of outreach engage the community in the educational process, but it also exposes students to different perspectives and career opportunities. By building relationships with the community, schools can tap into a wealth of resources, from donated supplies to volunteer support. In turn, the community sees the value and importance of education, leading to stronger partnerships and a more vibrant community.
The need for systemic educational change and reform is a dire one that must be addressed swiftly. We must act to dismantle the systems within education that are inherently oppressive and racist while also reforming our teaching methods, expanding inclusion in the hiring process, creating equity-building initiatives, and developing meaningful community outreach. Working together, we can create an equitable education system where students of color are not punished more harshly nor marginalized further than their white peers. Our duty as educators and advocates is to continue to identify the sources of institutional racism inside schools so that they may be dismantled permanently. We can only create learning environments where students’ potential can be realized and celebrated equally.
