Thread by @mochamomma

Teachers - the evidence points to us doing things radically different next school year. Some of y'all are prepping already but if you're still in the "I'm paralyzed" camp but want to contribute to some incredibly important changes this country needs then here's a little thread.

FIRST, go sign up for all the social media you can get from @ZinnEdProject. You'll get daily On This Day material but you'll also get teaching materials, the ability to search by time period or theme, and you can also donate. DON'T forget to donate.
zinnedproject.org

You can start with this one: zinnedproject.org/2016/06/civil-… because the protests students are currently seeing are not unlike those in the 60s. This may mean you'll have to do something you don't like. You MIGHT have to cut down on that favorite unit of yours that you've spent years on.

I had a teacher who cultivated her unit on a part of European history. I get it. Every year you add something new, taking the unit into another week because that happens to be your favorite part of history. RESIST THAT URGE. We already know our history is white top heavy.

Did I mention you can donate? Here's the link for your ease. If you're not an educator but you're wringing your hands about "what to do" then go give them some coins. Then take the curriculum RIGHT to your schools, parents. Drop it off. BE BOLD. zinnedproject.org/donate/

Then, go get some of the goodness of @Tolerance_org. Maybe you, teacher A, is worried about diversity, equity, and justice. You're in luck. Teaching Tolerance is devoted to that and has done the heavy lifting for you to be the best teacher you can be.

They've got resources, lesson plans, and professional development. Don't you know the PD person at your district? HIT THEM UP. Drop a line talking about, "Hey, I'm a concerned citizen and am worried about what's being taught in schools because we're in a shift here."

Let me drop this for you because you know you want to write a sternly worded letter today. You know you do. Here's your chance. Drop these resources and ask, "Please tell me HOW you're going to implement this." Then, wait. tolerance.org/classroom-reso…

Look here. @cultofpedagogy has done the work for you. Send this link to your team of teachers. You a parent? GREAT. Drop this in an email and follow up after a week with the dept chair of your fave discipline. It's FULL of social justice resources. cultofpedagogy.com/social-justice…

You might be saying, "Kelly! That's a lot!"

I know. But so many people have been trying to tell you and, sure, maybe someone just got hip to the atrocities of America & how we perpetuate it in school systems. Welcome! WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU. Especially, if you're a teacher.

So here's a source for THAT: garnpress.com/books/the-hist…

The History of Institutional Racism in U.S. Public Schools. The reason you need this, dear 83% of white teachers in America, is because some of you have largely ignored the very institution in which you're working. Level up!

This next one is specific for Black students. @JessedHagopian, along with Dyan Watson and Wayne Au, have written this just for you, teachers. They want you to have this. Use this. teachingforblacklives.org That books comes to you via Rethinking Schools. What's that? GLAD YOU ASKED.

So! @RethinkSchools is a non-profit mag & book publisher dedicated to sustaining & strengthening public education through social justice teaching and education activism.

WHAT A MOUTHFUL. I KNOW. You can donate here for this incredible work they do: rethinkingschools.org/donate

Maybe you're ready for this, teachers-who-haven't-engaged-yet. This is 101. There's so much more. You can join all kinds of social justice hashtags here, support the @EduColorMVMT, @BeingBlackAS and listen to everything from the good doctor of #HipHopEd, @chrisemdin