Introducing “Teach For Justice”
As millions participate in protests across the globe, we’ve been incredibly inspired by how the TpT community and people around the world are taking a stand against racism and demanding immediate action to address injustice.
At TpT, we’ve heard that call and know our community of educators has a unique role to play in creating systemic change in PreK-12 education. We recently announced a number of initiatives to bring forward the power of our diverse community and support the essential conversations that educators need to have with students and each other about racism and social justice.
Today, we are rolling out our “ Teach for Justice “ program to act on these initiatives:
$100,000 Grant Program for New Resources
Educators need resources focused on anti-racism and social justice, and we’re committed to working with our community to create new resources and make them as accessible as possible. That’s why we’re funding up to $100,000 in the form of grants* to educators to create vital resources to encourage discussions around equity and justice, challenge implicit (and explicit) biases, and create learning environments to support all students. Our hope is that these resources will go a long way towards encouraging discussion, challenging bias, and improving overall teacher and student understanding of these issues.
For the purposes of this program, social justice content is defined as resources that help students reflect, understand, and act to address injustice across diverse identities and communities and empower all to create equity. Anti-racist content is defined as resources that center racial literacy and racial justice, aim to reduce prejudice, and build skills to engage in social action that leads to systemic change.
Applications will open June 10th and be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 3rd, when the applications will close. A selection committee made up of representatives from the TpT community — including TpT Teacher-Authors and TpT leadership — as well as external, third-party experts in the field, will review applications and grant final awards.
Our aim is to have some of these resources available before the Back-to-School season to help educators facilitate important conversations about anti-racism and social justice at the start of school. Learn more about how to apply for a grant.
Free Professional Learning Opportunities
To support the essential conversations teachers need to have with students and each other about racism and acting for social justice, we are launching a free speaker series focused on anti-racist education and teaching students about identity, diversity, justice, and action.
This free series is open to all educators who want to participate, and will feature presentations by BIPOC experts on anti-racist education.
To kick-off the series, on Juneteeth (June 19th) — the oldest celebration of the freedom of enslaved Black people in America — we’ll be hosting a panel of Black Teacher-Authors from the TpT community to share their experiences as a Black teacher in America; the anti-racist strategies they recommend implementing in classrooms and communities; and their visions for a future education system that meets the needs of Black students and educators.
In July, we’ll host our first external expert session, so stay tuned for future announcements and more conversations about anti-bias and anti-racist education work.
Amplifying Black Educator Voices and Social Justice Resources
There are perspectives and resources on TpT that can move this conversation forward, and we are focused on using our platform to amplify Black educators, their TpT stores, and resources members of our community can use now. You can read on our blog and social media, including a BLM story highlight on Instagram.
We also want to hear from you. Your feedback will help us ensure we’re creating inclusive and supportive spaces for us to host these important conversations. Please fill out this form if you have specific questions, topics, or ideas. Stay tuned for more information and speaker announcements.
At the core of our efforts is the fundamental belief that there’s power in the collective wisdom of teachers — a power that can advance the cause of anti-racism and support teachers in building best practices. As we move forward, we’re committed to providing teachers with more culturally responsive content and the tools they need to engage students in conversations about race and social justice. With this, we’ll be furthering our mission of empowering teachers to teach at their best.
To apply for a grant, register for a session, or learn more, visit TpT’s Teach for Justice program.
*No purchase necessary to win. Enter before 07/03/2020 at 11:59pm ET. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only, age 18 and over, who are currently or formerly employed as educators. Void in Quebec, and anywhere this promotion is prohibited. By submitting an application you agree that third parties may review your application materials and any materials you develop for the purpose of prize evaluation. Additional terms and conditions apply, see full Official Rules.
Originally published on The TpT Blog on June 10th, 2020.
