Savvy with her chief of staff Jo Persad, and Mayor Yvonne Spicer (the first Mayor of the City of Framingham)
Be. A.C.T.IV.E.
Becoming an Anti-racist Teaching-force InVested in Equity
"Upon entering BPS, I was struck by the glaring opportunity gaps that were in stark contrast to the wealthy, suburban, and majority white districts in which I had previously taught. Furthermore, as the pandemic exacerbated the existing racial inequities endemic to the structure of the Boston Public Schools system, I realized I needed to expand my radius of impact. I am running to be a member of the executive board because it is time for our union to drive student-centered social change. It is time for anti-racism and equity to be at the forefront of the decisions we make, and the actions that we take. Leveraging my leadership and the skills gained from my time in the education field, I will bring these issues into focus. It is time for action, and I’m ready to take it."
Issues
Anti-Racist
I will advocate for the replacement of racist policies at the school, district, and state level with culturally affirming and sustaining practices
A truly anti-racist union advocates for the hiring of a teaching force that reflects the student body of our district. It pushes for the elimination of racist policies, and the implementation of policies with objective and specific language around race. It demands restorative practice over punitive discipline. It ensures that contract negotiations include discussion of the inequity that exists between white staff members and staff members of color.
Equitable
I will advocate for everyone to receive what they need to be successful. Equity of equality.
An equitable union advocates for all students and staff to receive all they need to be successful. It ensures pathways for the retention of teachers of color. It insists on the restructuring of the evaluation system to more accurately capture educator strengths. It includes school personnel in all conversations, and identifies the inequity within various positions in the district. It looks like a librarian, nurse, psychologist, and social worker at every BPS school, because our students deserve adequate resources to prepare them for the future.
Culturally-Responsive
I will advocate that curricula, policies, and contracts be created and implemented with our diverse community in mind
A culturally responsive union advocates for curricula and policies that are not only relevant to the backgrounds of our communities, but responsive to their needs. It identifies the racist disciplinary practices that exist in our district and speaks out against them publicly.
Student-Centered
I will advocate for the students in our community as they are at the heart of what we do
A student-centered union, like a student-centered educator, is here for the students. This means asking students, families, and community members for input, and then listening and acting on that input. It means creating a pathway for student advocacy that can be backed by the union.
Active
I will advocate for a union that shows up and gets things done
An active union prioritizes the recruitment and retention of groups of educators historically left out. This includes new teachers, teachers of color, support staff, nurses, and others. It meets those members where they are by utilizing technology, social media, text messaging and other avenues that increase access. It recognizes the importance of continuing to live stream union meetings, and understands that we can not return to the status quo as it was out of date.