In thinking about the additional support that we need from our school or school system to make the changes needed in our classroom to create an equitable environment, I honestly feel a bit overwhelmed. In our district, the percentage of the population that I am advocating for in this way is unfortunately seeming to be a marginalized minority without a voice. From my perspective, there is a need for education and efforts to create connections between those that are affluent and those who are struggling socioeconomically. Thought there may be cries for equity and our word of the year this year is “belonging”, there is also an underlying attitude from some of “not in our town” and a hesitancy to become more familiar with the real-life and valid concerns and possible struggles of those who are simply trying to survive and create a life for their families despite incredible hardship and amazing sacrifice. In the current state of affairs, there has actually been a debate about equity and opportunities for students, but the methods that the district has used to try to fix these inequalities include removing opportunities for ALL students, and taking surveys that give the impression that voices are being heard, when if fact, decisions seem to be made based on others things that are not as transparent and perhaps, more politically motivated. Attempting to share the stories of the PINE Project has brought out some reactions that I had truly not anticipated, that portrays the need for deeper understanding from those who are NOT in need, who have perhaps lost sight of what empathy and equity actually are and should look like in our world. 

I would love to create opportunities for partnerships with families of all different backgrounds, situations, religions, cultures, and stories. Giving the space for grace to be given and for kinship to be felt through working together for a common goal (my passion is literacy) would perhaps help toward greater understanding and a sense of community to be fostered so that the greater numbered population here could see those who maybe have a little less worldly possessions are part of “us” as human beings and citizens of our children’s worlds, instead of “them”, those who have struggled or come from things that are different somehow. It is differences that I feel truly make this world and our experiences in it so very beautiful. I look forward to continuing to be a voice for awareness, education, and change in my classroom and in my community.