In the fight for racial and social justice, which is a foundational principle of our organization, we need to have authentic, important conversations with colleagues, students, and our communities. Courageous Conversations is a resource for helping all of us do exactly that. With help from Elijah Armstrong of the National Education Association, Richmond writer and researcher Samantha Willis, and Naila Holmes, VEA’s Director of Human and Civil Rights, this tool can foster interaction on the essential topics of bias, racism, and equity. You can go through the videos and exercises on your own or in a group, at a time and pace that’s convenient for you.
In VEA, we work on Racial Justice because we are committed to the mission, values and promises we made to the members of (VTA) Virginia Teachers Association in 1967 to advocate for educational equity in Virginia. We are committed to improving our students’ and members’ lives as well as improving our communities. We will develop and implement a racial justice plan that will engage a diversity of member and student voices through courageous conversations, We will bring awareness about and advocate to destroy institutional racism in our public schools in Virginia. We will work hard to advocate for policy change at the school, local and state level; and we will remain committed to holding our politicians accountable on the issue in order to give every student a just public education.
Teacher shortages are a serious issue across the country. Here in Virginia, there are currently over 1,000 unfilled teaching positions.
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