What's Not Being Said Out Loud About Race, Equity and Social Justice In Our Schools

If you're like most MEA members you're white. Maine is one the whitest states in the nation. This isn't a condemnation, just a fact. Most will never understand what it's like to be an educator of color in Maine. Understanding where our colleagues of color come from can better help us understand how to not only help them but help students who may not look like you do.

Below are the concerns, feelings and interactions in our schools from MEA members. The list below reflects real statements and issues that occurred in Maine public schools. Everything on the list comes directly from MEA members of color or an MEA member who shared concerns with a new ad hoc committee of the MEA formed to help deal with issues of racial and social justice. MEA formed this committee to help guide the work of the Association as it continues to work to promote social justice and equity in our schools and workplaces.

The MEA is sharing these members' personal feelings in this publication as a way for every educator to better understand the issues our own colleagues face in schools around the state, so that together, we can better create an environment that is safe and productive for all.

Members' Concerns

• Feelings of isolation

• Perception from an educator that students of color don't need teachers "that look like them"

• Perception that the adult person of color in the classroom "couldn't" be the teacher/be the person in charge

• Adults at the school/community don't believe that racism exists at their school/community

• Statement from an educator "I don't see color"

• Being labeled as "Political" when bringing up issues of race/racism at their school

• Being accused of stealing items from a teacher

• School administrator not listening/not feeling it's important when the issues of race and equity are brought up to be discussed at the school

• Suffering abuse/being treated badly by a supervisor. Not feeling safe in a hostile/racist work environment

• Ed Techs aren't given the opportunity for Professional Development or are viewed as not having value or being an asset to the classroom/school community

• Being labeled "too soft or nice" when advocating for students of color

• Educators of color need to talk about the issues and bring them to the next level

• "We need to turn our anger into a movement"

• "We can't fix the past, we need to fix the future"

Professional Development Available

The MEA is continuing to work on increasing awareness of inequities in our schools with an increased effort to educate members how to best support their colleagues and their students on these issues. MEA offered a series of webinars as part of our Beyond the Classroom education series. The roundtable series, entitled Race, Equity and Social Justice can be found on our website, maineea.org. The webinar recordings are available for members to view. In addition, new professional development opportunities will be available on these topics, so make sure to check the website and your email regularly.

Equity Training Available For School Districts

MEA, in its efforts to continue to advocate for equitable outcomes for students, sent members to a national training on Leaders for Just Schools. Participants dove deep into understanding equity, investigating how bias impacts conditions of teaching and learning, and ways in which they can improve school culture so that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

These MEA members are available to share their knowledge and training with school districts around the state. Upon completion of the training, participants are prepared to build student-centered inclusive plans to create just and equitable learning environments for all. Participants maintain contact with their fellow educators, continuing to learn from one another and sharing their progress in implementing their plans.

To learn more and request a training contact: Dan Allen, MEA Training and Professional Development Director at dallen@maineea.org. Dan will put interested parties in touch with the MEA members who will conduct the training.