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My words from the @DenverSchools #SchoolBoard meeting: Today I am here to talk about restorative practices. You should know that it's about improving and repairing relationships between people and building healthy communities!
When we eventually get through this pandemic we will need to find a way to do that. The oppression that has plagued many of our communities will only get worse if we can’t restore relationships. As the school board for Denver public schools I know this concept is not new to you.
I admit in my studies I've been surprised at how many people nationally look at us as the leaders because as I have said in the past I don't see that.
Coming from the perspective of a teacher dealing with racial battle fatigue I am demanding a commitment to repairing the divide between teachers and admin!
I am asking that the district recommits to transformative practices and puts some serious funding to not only educate but provide the time and space to make this come to fruition!
I'm at a dps school and I have been trying to follow these practices with my leadership and colleagues for about 2 years now. This somehow still hasn’t happened and often people are still choosing punitive practices.
This is harmful because it has deteriorated the relationship between myself and others in my school community. I don't blame my leadership I point my ire at those that haven't given us the resources we need.
I can point specifically to my experience this year! After being wrongfully suspended for talking about my experience of racism I was denied for a restorative conversation by school leadership and those that made the accusation.
It has now made me paranoid and hinders my ability to teach to the point that I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to do this. I have finally been given hope that we may be able to move forward with a restorative conversation but I am afraid that it may be too late.
I assure you that I am not the only person in this district dealing with a strained relationship between themselves and admin. This is why I am asking for a true commitment to transforming our communities. We can’t expect our kids to get it if we aren’t living it ourselves!
Last but not least the @BLMAtSchool #WeekofAction is the first week of February. This is a #YearOfPurpose and a #LifetimeOfPractice! Spread the word!
