In This Episode: finding and understanding ourselves through our stories; the links between language and autonomy; re-framing assessment in ways that work for our students; and playing the game - or at least critically playing it. My guest is Silvia Gonzalez, a teacher-artist who works primarily with black and Latino young people in Chicago, USA.
Episode Run-Down How Silvia pushes the edge Empowerment and identity Centering our students' stories | Finding a place to be who you are Visibility and Invisibility | Toning down in the classroom Sharing our stories Critical interrogation and diverse perspectives Continual learning and researching as a teacher Actively engaging with our students and their communities Negotiating the pull towards standards whilst meaningfully engaging with the real issues in students' lives The power of language and systems of power Comfort, discomfort and accountability Transparency and critically 'playing the game' The Lightning Round Being open to our students' stories: 2 examples Links for People and Issues Mentioned in this Episode Silvia Gonzalez- Website - Instagram Cherri Moraga and Gloria Anzaldua - 'This Bridge Called My Back', 'Making Face, Making Soul -Haciendo Caras (books) Favianna Rodriguez - 'Migration is Beautiful' Related Pushing The Edge Podcasts
For more social-justice themed episodes, listen to:
Episode 3: Shake up your beliefs and values with Erin Stevenson Episode 7: Find your voice and really connect with Jenny Moes Episode 13: How to navigate social justice issues in the classroom with Rusul Alrubail Episode 15: Shaking up our mindsets about Indigenous Students with Surin McGrory Episodes 17 and 18: Making a Difference by Not Playing it Safe with Greg Curran (Part 1 and Part 2)