Juneteeth is now a federal holiday, and while we couldn’t be more excited by this at Tutored by Teachers, we also know that a commitment to anti-racism and dismantling systems of power and oppression goes far beyond a single holiday. We work with students every day to close the opportunity gap and seek to improve student and teacher outcomes and advance equity in education, and we believe in empowering educators with the language, tools, and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion & justice in their own classrooms. Equitable educational outcomes happen when students feel safe, nurtured, and respected, and even just one adult can make all the difference in their outcomes. This is why, in honor of Juneteenth, we’ve developed a list of our favorite resources to help educators across the country commit to anti-racist work:
For An Overview
What is Juneteenth?, New York Times
Not sure what Juneteenth is, or exactly why it matters? The New York Times provides a great overview of the history of Juneteenth, starting when enslaved African-Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom two months after the end of the Civil War and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Teaching Juneteenth, Learning for Justice
Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance — and we are so excited by that rebrand!) gives a great overview of Juneteeth while working to empower students to break the cycle of systemic oppression. With ample resources, their lessons can be tailored for any classroom.
To Read
On Juneteenth, Annette Gordon-Reed
A beautiful and poignant read that gives incredible historical background interwoven with personal stories. A Pulitzer prizewinning author, Gordon-Reed is a powerful and transformative writer.
Start Here, Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community, Liz Kleinrock
An amazing resource for teachers, Kleinrock provides practical lesson plans and resources to help teachers transform their classroom spaces through anti-racist and anti-biased work. Start Here, Start Now is for the most seasoned educators and for those just starting out on their journey.
So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo
A quick and engaging read, Oluo helps frame conversations around race while incorporating personal stories and experiences. Although geared toward more social and workplace oriented settings, Oluo gives practical advice on how to have conversations about race and racism in America and talks about her experiences as a student in the classroom.
To Listen To
“Teaching to Thrive,” Abolitionist Teaching Network
Featuring Bettina Love and Chelsey Culley-Love, this podcast is a must listen for all educators. While you’re at it, check out Bettina Love’s website and be inspired to transform education in America.
“Still Processing“, New York Times
Hosted by Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham, this is a great podcast that discusses pop culture in America, ranging from the internet, movies, television, education and more. Timely, insightful, and infused with personality, Morris and Wortham discuss everything and everyone from Tina Turner to Tiger King, the N-Word to Summer Faves. It’s the perfect podcast for summer vacation.
“The Inclusion Solution Live,” The Winters Group
Hosted by Mary-Frances Winters, this podcast deals with all things DEI & J. Season 3, which discusses Black fatigue, is a must-listen.
For Further Professional Development:
At Tutored by Teachers, we’re a proud partner with Future Leaders Incubator, an organization dedicated to creating more equitable and inclusive school communities through their incubation model. We absolutely love that they aren’t a “one size fits all” model and work thoughtfully with their school partners to create meaningful leadership and professional development training.