Elevating Equity

The Rural School Leadership Academy (RSLA) is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 cohort. RSLA is a fully sponsored leadership development fellowship that will run from July 2024-April 2025. This program specifically develops and connects rising rural school educators and leaders. Program highlights include: - Three cycles of professional development focused on building skill in school leadership competencies - In person rural school community visits and development sessions - Cohort-based learning with rural leaders from across the country - Expert content designed and delivered specifically with rural education leadership in mind - Engagement with the RSLA network of over 300 rural leaders - Optional one on one leadership coaching - Optional completion of a certificate in Instructional Leadership or School Management and Leadership with Harvard Graduate School of Education If rural school educators join us (RSLA) they get to have me (Rachel) as a facilitator! The final application deadline is TOMORROW 5/22. Learn more and apply at . #ruralschools #schoolleadership #ruralschoolleadership #Leadershipdevelopment #ruraleducation #educationalleadership

Alright folks, let's cut to the chase: What are YOU doing to dismantle your own racism? 💭 It's time to get real, get uncomfortable, and get accountable. Drop your thoughts below and let's keep pushing each other forward! #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

Let's talk about it. Meaningful conversations about racism pave the way for real change. 💬 #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

🌟 Monday Reflections 🌟 Let's talk about navigating those tough conversations on race, especially in predominantly white spaces. What challenges do you face in these environments, and how do you overcome them? 💬💭 It's not always easy to speak up when the room doesn't reflect the diverse perspectives needed for meaningful dialogue. Here are a couple of tips to help: 📚 Educate Yourself: Arm yourself with knowledge about racial issues and disparities. Understanding the facts can give you the confidence to speak up. 💡 Stay Calm and Respectful: Keep your cool, even in the face of resistance or defensiveness. Approach the conversation with empathy and a willingness to listen. 🤝 Find Allies: Seek out like-minded individuals who are willing to support you in these discussions. Strength comes in numbers! Let's keep the conversation going and support each other in creating a more inclusive world. #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

To those who have been part of our journey from the beginning, I just want you to know how much I appreciate you ! Your ongoing support means the world to us. 💛 And to our new friends joining us, a warm welcome! 😊 I’m Rachel Willis, the founder of Elevating Equity, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to our community. At Elevating Equity, we're on a mission to cultivate generations of racial justice leaders. Our commitment extends beyond conversations; it's a dedication to meaningful action and positive change. Together, we're creating spaces for dialogue, fostering understanding, and working towards a more just and equitable world. Ready to embark on this transformative journey with us? ✊🏽 Here's how we can make a difference together: 📚 Equity Through Educators: Professional development experiences for educators to understand how racism impacts students’ academic experiences. 🏫 Equity Through Leadership: Support for schools, districts, and education organizations to develop systems for family engagement, discipline policies, teacher evaluations, and staff hiring and retention. 🌍 Examining Race and Equity: Sessions exploring the history of race, privilege, intersectionality, and race in our daily lives. 💼 Equity at Work: Workshops, onboarding, and change management for companies and organizations. Join us in creating positive change! #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

🌱🍎 Addressing food insecurity one step at a time. Proud to join @georgiaorganics in advocating for food, health, and racial equity for Georgia's students. In our session, participants delved into the history of the National School Lunch Program Act, revealing its attempts to alleviate hunger post-Great Depression and WWII. Yet, it fell short in ensuring racial equity. Let's rewrite history together. #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

🍎✨ To the educators breaking barriers and fostering inclusive classrooms amidst challenging times, we see you, we appreciate you. From navigating book bans to standing against CRT bans, your dedication to creating racially equitable learning environments does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

Gratitude to all our past participants for their openness and courage in engaging with difficult conversations. Your willingness to challenge, learn, and grow is instrumental in advancing equity and justice. Together, we continue to build a better, more inclusive future. Thank you. 🙏💫 #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

Powerful words from James Baldwin. Disagreement is a natural part of life, but when it denies someone's humanity and right to exist, it's not just a difference of opinion – it's oppression. Let's stand together for equality and justice. 🌟 #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #RacialEquity #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality

Today's #TBT is dedicated to the 21 visionary students who sparked Rachel Willis's journey to launch Elevating Equity. Back in 2014, Rachel posed a pivotal question: "What if educational leaders saw themselves not only as academic stewards but also as racial justice champions?" That seed of inquiry blossomed into a transformative 14-month program at Columbia University's Teachers College, where this cohort of trailblazing educators committed to fostering racial equity in their schools. They diversified their staff, facilitated restorative circles to mend racial tensions, and critically examined their curricula to ensure it reflected the diverse experiences of their students. Since then, these leaders have assumed roles as academic deans, principals, charter network leaders, curriculum designers, special education consultants, and DEI advocates. Their impact inspired Rachel to launch Elevating Equity in 2016, empowering more educators with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to lead racially just institutions. Today, a photo of this remarkable cohort graces Rachel's desk, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of investing in leaders and centering racial equity. Explore more at www.elevatingequity.com 📚💛 #ElevatingEquity #Antiracism #MyRacialStory #BeBrave #EducationalEquity #RacialEquality #DiversityandEquity #SocialJustice #EqualOpportunity #EducationalEquality