The Weekend Voice

It's hard to believe that I'm in the best shape of my life at this age.

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Hey Advocates,

I turned 40 yesterday. It's hard to believe that I'm in the best shape of my life at this age. But I still have more things that I want to accomplish. Health and fitness was one of my aspirations. Next up, skydiving. I'll keep you posted.

This summer, I've been in the classroom teaching at the local university a class called EDUC 2204: Families, Community, and Culture to incoming first-year students. This is week five of the seven-week course, and I told the class that my birthday was on Thursday. I walked into class yesterday to a surprise "Happy Birthday" song, cake, and a card. Here's a little clip from yesterday.

I was shocked and honestly, it made my day. If you have a summer birthday, you understand the envy of seeing your peers have cupcakes or celebrations during the school year.

As a kid, I remember it was nice to participate with my friends to celebrate another year of life; however, I recall wishing I could know what it felt like.

How the SCOTUS Ruling Impacts Our BIPOC Student's Sense of Belonging

Hey Advocates,

My initial plan for today's Weekend Voice post was scrapped yesterday. I watched the news that the United States Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions. It got me thinking about my research on making students feel like they belong in school.

I believe having a diverse group of students in college is crucial, but it's equally important to make sure they stay and feel like they belong. Setting the court ruling aside for a moment, this is an opportunity for colleges like Harvard and UNC to keep creating a welcoming environment for ALL students.

A sense of belonging means that students of all genders, religions, backgrounds (including being the first in their family to go to college), limited income, disabilities, and sexual orientations feel accepted, included, and supported.

The court ruling will have a negative impact on black and brown students, especially if they also face other challenges mentioned earlier. College admissions will change...

When considering our school stakeholders, a critical question arises: What does the mission statement convey?

Hey Advocates,

Last night during my live stream, I shared the six strategies for cultivating a caring system. The work of Dr. Kate Kennedy inspired my presentation. Starting with a caring vision that sets the tone for our schools and institutions is crucial in our journey toward educational excellence.

When considering our school stakeholders, a critical question arises: What does the mission statement convey?

Imagine a student who does not fit within the "embracing culture" and is looking for a sense of belonging. Will they see themselves reflected in the mission statement? Often, mission statements solely focus on academic success or preparing students for life after graduation, lacking the affirmations that support all identities. These statements may be "safe" and fail to incorporate language that centers around a sense of belonging and care.

We must pause and ask ourselves: Is it time to revisit our mission and...

These subtle acts can profoundly impact a student's sense of belonging.

Hey Advocates,

This week, I've either received emails or received news articles about discrimination against our LGBTQIA students during Pride Month. It sucks that there is so much hate all there. I shared some of my thoughts last night during my webinar. Here are a couple of episodes for you in support of our LGBTQ+ students:

Here are my thoughts this week

It seems like every time I post something regarding our LGBTQ+ students, I get at least one email that essentially says, "They don't advocate for BIPOC students." Listen, I hear what you are saying and understand where you are coming from. However, please consider a couple of things.

BIPOC students are often part of the LGBTQ+ community
Many...

Why Teachers Need to Know About Students Living in Poverty

Hey Advocates,

I hope you had a great week and I want to recognize the start of Pride Month here in the United States. It’s unfortunate how much hatred and bigotry is out there because of Pride Month.

I’m keeping this week’s message short and sweet. Why? Well, I’m doing a thing on my bucket list this weekend. About three years ago, I started hitting the gym consistently and this past January, I made the decision to take things to the next level. So I’m participating in my first bodybuilding competition this weekend. I’ll be competing in the Men’s Physique category at the Idaho Muscle Classic. Even though I’m on stage all the time doing keynotes, posing in front of judges and others makes me nervous.

Plus, I’m so hungry

In my next book about creating a sense of belonging for students, I’ve been writing about the impact of poverty on a students’ academic,...

Grades are subjective and only sometimes reflect actual learning.

Hey Advocates,

I'm nervous and happy at the same time. Here's what I mean, my Baby Girl turned 13 yesterday. So I'm delighted, but I'm worried about those teenage years Any advice that you can send my way, please let me know!

Are you all set for speakers at your next event? I'm booking for the Fall with back-to-school speeches that will get your staff fired up for the upcoming school year. I'd love the opportunity to work with you and your team, and I come with stellar reviews. Check out my speaker profile and feedback.

TEN REASONS TO BOOK ME

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What I learned from this experience was the value of the unofficial mentor.

Hey Advocates,

I hope you had a fantastic week and are keeping up the momentum during the final weeks/months of the school year. A special shout goes out to Kristine McLane and her work at the North Beach Elementary School. I had the honor of facilitating their fourth Leading Equity book study session.

Next week, I'll facilitate the final book study sessions with Arlington Heights School District, St. Louis Public Schools, and Ames School District. If you are interested in a book study group this summer or fall, feel free to reach out to me, I'll sign the books and send them to you as well :)

I'm already gearing up for the summer and can't wait to share all the future programming from the Leading Equity Center.

Free Course Coming:

Are you interested in going gradeless next year? Well, I got you covered. Actually, my good friend Deanna Lough has you covered. We...

Do we want our students to be included in a burning house?

Hey Advocates!

What a week it has been. I had the honor of keynoting and workshopping for the MSCCA Conference in Ocean City, MD. It was a great time: here’s what folks said about my keynote. Here is the feedback from my workshop on Asset-Based Pedagogy. Or you can watch the video highlights here.

I’d love to work with you and your team via keynotes/workshops. I have back-to-school speeches to jumpstart/motivate your crew for the new school year. I speak to students as well. Let’s chat!

On Wednesday, I emailed you asking for your help as I prepare for the summer. I get asked a lot about how to get into consulting and even strategies for those already in...

Where we invest our time says everything about what we value, right?

Hey Advocates,

I spent a couple of days in Boise on a field trip with my son this week. We had a blast and we both enjoyed learning about the state of Idaho.

I'm currently on a plane preparing to keynote at the Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA) Conference, the top professional association for licensed child care and early learning centers in the state of Maryland. During my speech, I'll be posing a simple yet critical question to the audience: "Are you culturally responsive?"

I'd love to speak to your teachers, leadership, staff, or students for your summer or back to school events. Check out what the Leading Equity Center has to offer and let's chat!

Reality is a...

Reciprocal Vulnerability- The idea that we must explore and share the things that make us uncomfortable to build stronger connections with others.

Hey Advocates,

This week, I'm returning from Kansas City, MO, and Charleston, SC. It's been a blast doing work in these areas. Check out ways to connect with me and my consulting services. Let's collaborate soon, I have some openings this summer, and I'm booking speaking engagements for the Fall.

I want to share my thoughts on Reciprocal Vulnerability and its importance this week. I've been in the lab working on writing my next book (yes, another one is coming your way), and it's all about creating a sense of belonging for the "invisibles." Here's the thing, great leaders recognize that many of their staff might have worries about their job or challenges with their mental health. Administrators should work to create an atmosphere where their team feels safe to share their concerns and ideas.

However, teachers often...

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20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Activities To Do With Your Team

Leading change is a collaborative effort and thoughtful leaders must begin with the end in mind. However, leading change involves strategic planning sessions that increase awareness of the blind spots within our professional practices. This playbook features 20 activities you can use to lead change initiatives with the goal of ensuring equity within your organization.

I NEED THIS!

It's hard to believe that I'm in the best shape of my life at this age.

How the SCOTUS Ruling Impacts Our BIPOC Student's Sense of Belonging

When considering our school stakeholders, a critical question arises: What does the mission statement convey?

These subtle acts can profoundly impact a student's sense of belonging.

Why Teachers Need to Know About Students Living in Poverty

Grades are subjective and only sometimes reflect actual learning.

What I learned from this experience was the value of the unofficial mentor.

Do we want our students to be included in a burning house?

Where we invest our time says everything about what we value, right?

Reciprocal Vulnerability- The idea that we must explore and share the things that make us uncomfortable to build stronger connections with others.

20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Activities To Do With Your Team

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