Shaundra Boyd

Teacher, GSU student, and Non-Profit Co-Founder and President

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@j3schoeb @GSUEdLead R6.Julia, I definitely agree. The first thing is to read the research and learn as much as we can about creating equitable environments for all. We also have to engage in those difficult conversations so we can avoid the traps and tropes that exist. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A6. One key idea is that equity is not attainable without understanding the traps and tropes that exist. We must have conversations about this topic before we can commit to the journey of ensuring equity within our schools. We must bring this topic to the forefront! #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@EducatorKDunlap @GSUEdLead R5. Kareem, it is time for us to stop being afraid of having, what many may see as, uncomfortable conversations. We must address this topic head on and be willing to be truthful and transparent when we do. Doing so, will truly impact achievement for all students. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A5. It is imperative that leaders develop a high level of competency on this topic. To achieve equity, we must learn as much as we can about it and how to address it within your specific context. It is a topic that should be at the forefront of our minds. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@missTayjay2015 @GSUEdLead R4. Taylor, I definitely agree. It is time to have the uncomfortable conversations so that we can move forward in ensuring equity for all students. This is an urgent matter, and leaders must tackle it head on and right now. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A4. The best way to become more aware is to talk about it. Having the dialogue helps create more understanding around the topic. Stakeholders can identify what traps and tropes they have unconsciously been a part of and discuss opportunities to improve in this area. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@AJonesCaldwell1 @GSUEdLead Alisha, you are so right. Many of these traps resonated with me. The "Spray and Pray" method is one that I have seen so many times. Leaders must understand that to truly create equitable environments they must dig deep and plan for this process to be an ongoing effort. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A3. There are many traps and tropes that resonate with me. "Doing Equity", is one that I have heard so many times. Equity is not a pre-packaged program with tools and strategies to use. It requires a commitment to learning and understanding our various student groups. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@NateilCarby @GSUEdLead R2. Nateil, you are so accurate! It is a journey that is ongoing. I am certain that there is no organization that can truly say that they have arrived because there are always changes that will occur along the way that will lead to refinement and revision. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A2. Equity is a major undertaking and choosing this path will require everyone to shift their mindsets. Leaders should be ready to approach this work with an understanding of the level of depth involved in creating an equitable organization for the students they serve. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A1. Shaundra Boyd, ECE CTAE Teacher, Tier I Educational Leadership Certification Program #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@CaitlinBoyd21 @GSUEdLead Caitlin, It is imperative that all stakeholders are invested in the communities they serve and the global community. Investment means appreciating the diverse population of students we serve and working to ensure that each student's culture is valued in the classroom. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A6. One takeaway from this reading is that cultural competency should be at the forefront of all leaders' minds. If we want to ensure equity in our schools, we must understand the role culture plays in teaching and learning and making decisions with this idea in mind. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@shousewo @GSUEdLead Santerria, I agree with your perspective. It may be inherently present is some leaders, but if it is not, it can be learned. It is all about recognizing where your strengths and weaknesses lie in this area and being deliberate about addressing the areas needed. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A5. Being culturally competent is a disposition. However, I also believe that it can be learned if a leader recognizes that they have deficiencies in this area. As a leader, I will continuously assess where I am in the space and make any changes that are identified.#GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@missTayjay2015 @GSUEdLead Taylor, such a great response. We have to create environments where it is ok to discuss personal and institutional biases that impact teaching and learning. We can only make change when we are willing to acknowledge our truths and work to improve where it is needed. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A4. Keeping our own biases at the forefront of our minds, helps us ensure that they do not show up in the work we do for students. If you know what biases exists, every decision and action we take will ensure that we are conscientious about not excluding any student. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@j3schoeb @GSUEdLead Julia, it is great that APS is focused on examining current policies and practices to determine where inequities lie. In such a large district with varying demographics throughout the county, it is important to assess where inequities lie and tackle the issue head on. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@GSUEdLead A3. I have ensured equity for students in my classroom by providing high quality instruction that meets their individual needs. I have ensured instructional equity across classrooms in my building by providing peer observations and feedback to improve teacher capacity. #GSUEdLead

[Shaundra Boyd @sdboyd4]

@jules_harrison1 @GSUEdLead Julia, I agree with your response. All stakeholders have to believe in the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in all classrooms. Leaders must create a culture that embraces these ideas in order for all students to achieve. #GSUEdLead