StephensonSPARK

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

Joining my small group partners at today's APS Equity Summit @MsCorrea5th @AhYoungah76 @whitneynaman @MGulledgeTeach @ms_mustafaa
#AtlantaPublicSchools #EquityMatters

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

Excited to be participating in today's Equity Summit with my colleagues at @APS_SPARK, @drjtoney @msbringslid, @TerryHarness #AtlantaPublicSchools #EquityMatters

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@twallmyers @GSUEdLead R6: I agree- this article made me pause and reflect on many of the practices schools and the community at large do with the best intentions. And, I too think continuing to listen to others is what will help us find solutions. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A6: I think the most meaningful and tangible element is present with conversations like we're having tonight. It's being honest and having thoughtful ongoing dialogue about how we can all do better and support one another. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@LeslieGillett1 @GSUEdLead R5: You're right in saying it's the commitment to a systematic approach to trying to create positive change. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A5: The converse of many of these tropes and traps identified by Dugan(2021) is quality action. It's the meaningful work and day to day action in our journey that work to promote equity in our school and community.#GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@CAMontgomeryEDU @GSUEdLead R4: Making equity a value that we all work towards is a goal we should all strive for, and it definitely is an intentional practice. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A4: I, along with my colleagues,
need to openly discuss what we're doing to promote equity across our schools and communities. Creating opportunities for open and honest dialogue will better help us evaluate when we are falling into potential equity traps (Dugan, 2021)#GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@NateilCarby @GSUEdLead This rings very true for me as well. We should constantly be discussing equity and cultural responsiveness and connecting these ideas to our daily practice. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A3: Unfortunately many of the equity traps (Dugan 2021) mentions are familiar. However, I think leadership is the ability to recognize when a particular practice may be an equity trap but we consistently evaluate what we do and working to change our practices. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@Tish63314067 @GSUEdLead Tish- I completely agree. We need to be constantly evaluating what each school and every community needs and work towards finding ways to meet those needs.

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A1: Hi, I am Nathan Stephenson and I currently serve as a SELT in Atlanta Public Schools and I am enrolled in the GSU Tier 1 Educational Leadership program. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@JennFass @GSUEdLead Hi Jennifer! I hope you are doing well. I look forward to hearing your thoughts tonight!

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A2: Leaders should understand their respective overall mission and consistently work daily to execute this vision. This is vitally important as we work to create more equitable schools. Each day provides opportunities to make a difference in our journeys. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@twilson271761 @GSUEdLead Isn’t that so empowering to think as a leader that you be a part of transformational change for our communities. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A6: As evidenced by tonight’s discussion we have so many talented and unique perspectives that we would all benefit from hearing. We need more conversations about we can strive to promote equity across all of our schools. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@MsHarrisonJ @DrJust_ice @GSUEdLead I completely understand your point but I’m confident there are many valuable resources out there. Please share when you do! #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A5: Quality leaders are constantly looking for opportunities to grow and learn. As a constant learner we must accept to consistently reflect on all aspects of our practice and seek out others for their advice. As we do this we identify we can grow as leaders. #GSUEdLead

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@missTayjay2015 @GSUEdLead The more discussion and honest reflection we have the better we will be as leaders, schools and communities as we strive for change.

[StephensonSPARK @SparkStephenson]

@GSUEdLead A4: We need to constantly and consistently reflecting and evaluating our practices to help stop the cycle of oppression. (Minkos et al., 2017) #GSUEdLead