Today, we're diving into a critical discourse on equity in education, spearheaded by our guests, Ann Ishimura and Decoteau Irby, who are here to unveil their forthcoming book, *Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and System Change*. This episode tackles the pressing challenges faced by school leaders and educators as they strive to create equitable learning environments amidst rising resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Drawing on nearly a decade of research, Ann and Decoteau reveal that despite the political pushback and anti-DEI rhetoric, many educators remain steadfast in their commitment to equitable practices. We’ll explore the cyclical nature of equity leadership through their unique framework of "mornings, middays, and evenings," illustrating how leaders can navigate the complexities of their roles and drive systemic change. Join us as we unpack the intricacies of leading for justice and the importance of action over mere awareness in the pursuit of educational equity.

Exploring the confluence of education, equity, and leadership, the latest dialogue on the Becoming Bridge Builders podcast presents a compelling discussion with Ann Ishimura and Decoteau Irby, both esteemed education researchers and co-authors of the forthcoming book, 'Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and System Change'. This episode delves deep into the transformative practices that school leaders and educators implement to foster equity in the face of mounting resistance and backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. With a wealth of research from nearly a decade of collaboration with educators across the nation, Ishimura and Irby unpack the nuanced challenges and strategies that define equity-focused leadership today. Rather than merely advocating for awareness, they emphasize the importance of action—highlighting that true progress requires a commitment to change that transcends surface-level initiatives. This episode not only sheds light on the historical context of equity movements in education but also critiques the cyclical nature of progress and resistance, urging listeners to reflect on the ongoing journey toward justice in educational systems.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the critical need for equity in education, highlighting how systemic barriers affect students differently based on their backgrounds.
• Ann Ishimura and Decoteau Irby discuss their decade-long research that underpins their book, focusing on the practical actions leaders must take to promote equity.
• Listeners are encouraged to understand the cyclical nature of progress in equity work, likening it to daily cycles of morning, midday, and evening leadership efforts.
• The conversation reveals that the political dynamics of education are essential, as they shape who has access to resources and opportunities in schools.
• A key insight shared is that education can't be viewed in a vacuum; the socio-emotional context of students plays a vital role in their learning outcomes.
• The hosts and guests stress that awareness must lead to action, urging educators to go beyond surface-level commitments to effect meaningful change in schools.

Links referenced in this episode:

• dakotaerby.com
• annyshimaru.com
• amazon.com
• bookshop.org

Mentioned in this episode:

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