1st Edition
Diversity Without Divisiveness A Guide to DEI Practice for K-12 Educators
Diversity Without Divisiveness: A Guide to DEI Practice for K-12 Educators provides frameworks and tools to help you move beyond the buzzwords and truly practice DEI by fostering a shared vision for inclusive education.
Written by two educators with rich backgrounds in DEI practice and training, this book shows how to promote inclusivity without falling into partisan promotion of prescribed beliefs. Hoyt and Ham address common misunderstandings, explain the crucial interaction between DEI and SEL, and provide language for addressing parents’ concerns about DEI. The authors also invite educators to tackle DEI challenges in K-12 education: Should students be assigned to “affinity groups”? How can DEI be integrated into curricula? What are some tools for DEI professional development? How can we mitigate objections from those feeling threatened by DEI values?
The book offers a plethora of tools to ensure that DEI is not just an ideal to strive for but a tangible reality within every classroom. There are also firsthand accounts from educators who are actively engaging with DEI in impactful ways. With Hoyt and Ham’s tangible solutions, you’ll be able to chart a course for a more inclusive and equitable school.
Preface and Acknowledgments
Introduction: You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught
Part 1: Misconceptions and Clarifications about DEI in Education
1. No One is Anti-DEI
2. A Framework for Diversity Without Divisiveness
3. Reconciling Contested Issues Toward Positive Parent-School Partnership
4. DEI Integrity
Part 2: Praxis: Touchstones & Tools You Can Use
Part 3: Praxis Pointers: Real-World Applications from a Educators in the Field
Biography
Carlos Hoyt, PhD, LICSW, provides consultation, training and support on matters related to social identity, social bias, and social justice to people and places wishing to create inclusive environments, and psychotherapy for children, adults, couples, and families. Carlos’s first book, The Arc of a Bad Idea: Understanding and Transcending Race, was published in 2016. He has numerous published works, has presented a TEDx Talk, and appeared on several podcasts. More about Carlos can be found at carloshoyt.com.
Minna Ham, M.S.Ed, works as a Lower School Director at an independent school in Rhode Island and has been in elementary education and administration for over twenty years. She has presented at conferences and consulted with schools throughout New England on diversity, equity, and inclusivity topics.
“I really love the concept of diversity without divisiveness. Districts and educators need practical tools to help guide them in this very important work. It emphasizes a supportive lens that can help bring people together despite some of the difficult conversations that can happen with this important topic. I appreciate this timely and practical resource.”
Susan Kustka, Holliston Schools Superintendent
“I am grateful to Carlos, his insights, and his practice with DEI. His approach meets people where they are while also upholding the dignity and high expectations of historically disenfranchised people.”
Karl Danso, Principal, Cathedral 7-12 High School, Massachusetts
“Diversity Without Divisiveness is an essential read for all educators committed to dismantling systemic inequities. Hoyt's approach is asset-based, practical, collaborative and above all, focused on the needs of our youth.”
Stephen Zrike, Superintendent of the Salem, Massachusetts Public Schools
“Dr. Hoyt’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is revolutionary. By illustrating that we think about DEI each time we set foot in the grocery store or plan a dinner party, the conversation becomes not whether we should engage in DEI, but how.”
Erin Fife, educator and community organizer
“Diversity Without Divisiveness moves well beyond superficial treatments of DEI to offer insightful, comprehensive and practical applications for educators and school leaders who seek to foster inclusive classrooms and schools. We need the experienced and steady voices of Carlos Hoyt and Minna Ham to help navigate the challenging educational landscape that surrounds us.”
Heather Woodcock, Former Director of Professional Development and the Associate Teacher Program at Belmont Day School
