While aspiring national, state, and city leaders develop their platforms and positions on racism, policing, and immigration, schools and what children in America are taught about themselves and their role in their communities is paramount. Despite recent headlines and renewed energy for justice and equity in our schools, many New York City educators and school leaders have been here decades, working and building more inclusive and responsive environments with each passing year.
Community leadership for over a decade from organizations like the Coalition for Education Justice (CEJ) and the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE), elected officials at every level, and New York City and State Education departments have come together to create and now implement the NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. With key implementation goals approaching, the Office of Equity and Access (OEA) for NYC Public Schools has partnered with NYU Metro Center to make unprecedented investments in CR-SE (Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education) capacity building and development for hundreds of New York City educators.
Critically Conscious Educators Rising (CCER) is the centerpiece of the initiative. Launching its 4th year with seven (7) cohorts and over 300 educators, this signature program builds educator capacity for sustaining careers as equity-centered educators. CCER provides educators with the opportunity to strengthen their equity, justice, and healing practices, through coaching and tailored support for school and district teams. Critically Conscious Educators Rising participants gather collectively to learn, discuss, and apply racially, culturally, and linguistically responsive strategies, by participating in ongoing learning that builds the capacity of educators. After the turmoil of pandemics, recessions, and many first-hand reports of burnout and exhaustion, the theme of Collective Wellness and Healing-centered practices anchors the 2023 experience.
New this year is a network of School Equity Teams convening as the Citywide CRSE Professional Learning Community (CCPLC). Teams will receive coaching and support on their own action plans between March and June, including support measuring impact and adapting to improve. Over 100 schools looking to deepen their CRSE mindsets and apply CRSE action plans have signed up so far.
New York City educators! Sign up for next year!
If you missed the window to join Critically Conscious Educators Rising (CCER) and/or the Citywide CRSE Professional Learning Communities (CCPLC) this year and would like to join the waiting list for our Fall cohorts, please complete this short interest form and share with your networks!