1st Edition
Identity-Conscious Practice in Action Shaping Equitable Schools and Classrooms
When teachers and leaders implement an identity-conscious practice, they can provide a more responsive and responsible learning environment. Unfortunately, avoiding the impact of identity can create problematic and oppressive conditions in schools.
So how do we lead with an identity-conscious lens? Award-winning author Liza Talusan provides real-world scenarios that educators can work through to apply an identity-conscious practice. Talusan helps educators grapple with three key questions: 1) How do I build knowledge about scenarios that involve identity? 2) How do my own thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs contribute to inequitable conditions? 3) What actions can I implement in my classroom/meeting spaces to align with principles of equity and justice?
Readers explore these questions through case studies on race, class/socioeconomic status, religion/faith, disability, sexual orientation, gender, language, and age. With the book's numerous real-world examples, Talusan makes the concept of an identity-conscious practice more tangible, so you feel ready and empowered to implement it day-to-day in your own practice.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Outline of the book
About the author
Part I: An introduction to an Identity-Conscious Practice
1. Why identity matters in schools
2. The foundations of an identity-Conscious practice
3. Talking about identity
4. Examining our Biases
5. Beginning your Identity-Conscious Practice
Part II: Implementing an Identity-Conscious Practice
6. Conflicts and Risks in an Identity-Conscious Practice
The Four I’s
7. Building Habits for an Identity-Conscious Practice: What now? What next?
8. Guidelines for Reflection and Conversation
Critical Check Ins
Framework
Process
Peer Learning Groups
Part III: Case Studies for Building an Identity-Conscious Practice
9. Case Studies on Race
Case 9.1: A Separate Affinity Group
Case 9.2: The National Guard
Case 9.3: A Place for Affinity
Case 9.4: The Research Project
Case 9.5: A Parent and Administrator Clash
10. Case Studies on Socioeconomic Status
Case 10.1: The Birthday Party
Case 10.2: The Payscale
Case 10.3: Difference Within
Case 10.4: The Soup Kitchen
Case 10.5: Art Supplies
11. Case Studies on Religion/Faith
Case 11.1: Song Choice and Choir
Case 11.2: The Dining Hall
Case 11.3: Read Aloud
Case 11.4: World Events
Case 11.5: Freedom to Express
12. Case Studies on Disability
Case 12.1 Recommendations for Employment
Case 12.2: The Theater Performance
Case 12.3: Neurodiversity and Staffing
Case 12.4: THE ASSESSMENT
Case 12.5: Increased Stress
13. Case Studies on Sexual Orientation
Case 13.1: The First
Case 13.2: Isolation
Case 13.3: Everyone Says It
Case 13.4: Health Education
Case 13.5: Waiting to Respond
14. Case Studies on Gener and Gender Identity
Case 14.1: A Girl on the Team
Case 14.2: Transitioning
Case 14.3: Bathrooms and Access
Case 14.4: The Group Project
Case 14.5: Disclosing Names and Pronouns
15. Case Studies on Language
Case 15.1: A Way to Connect
Case 15.2: The Email
Case 15.3: Must Speak English
Case 15.4: The Rubric
Case 15.5: The Competition
16. Case Studies on Age
Case 16.1: Set in my Ways
Case 16.2: A Word in the Meeting
Case 16.3: A New Assistant Director
Case 16.4: The Parent Group
Case 16.5: Someone to Mentor
17. Conclusion
References List
Biography
Dr. Liza Talusan is an educator, speaker, leader, writer, coach, and parent. She has over 27 years of experience in PreK-20 education and is currently a faculty member in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her book, The Identity Conscious Educator: Building habits and skills for more inclusive schools, published by Solution Tree Press, is the 2023 Gold Medal Recipient of IPPY Awards.
