Exposing Racism in Curriculum

When racist curriculum “goes viral” on social media, it is typically dismissed as an isolated incident from a “bad” teacher; however it isn’t an anomaly. It may be a systemic problem that reflects how "whiteness" is embedded and reproduced in education. During this webinar, we’ll hear from author and education professor, Dr. Bree Picower, on how a teacher’s ideas about race, consciously or unconsciously, may influence how they teach about race and racism in the classroom. 

Dr. Picower will examine current examples of racist curricula that have gone viral to demonstrate how "whiteness" is entrenched in schools and how these ideas may reinforce racial hierarchies. She’ll explore how racial justice can be achieved in programs across the teacher education pipeline—from admission to induction.  By examining the history and development of racial justice efforts in teacher education, this webinar will offer possibilities for transforming how teachers think and teach about race and racism in their classrooms.

Captioning will be provided during this webinar, which takes place from 7–8 PM ET/6–7 PM CT/ 5–6 PM MT/4–5 PM PT. This webinar is not being recorded so please plan to join us live. Check the webinar start time in your local time zone.

You will be eligible to receive one-hour of professional development credit for participation if you actively watch the webinar. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate of completion from the webinar console. Check with your school or district in advance of the webinar to ensure that the professional development credit is accepted.

Speakers/Presenters

Dr. Bree Picower

Dr. Bree Picower is a Professor at Montclair State University in the College of Education and Human Development. She is the Co-Director of the Urban Teacher Residency, Newark Teacher Project and the Critical Urban Education Speaker Series with Dr. Tanya Maloney at MSU.  Her newest book, Reading, Writing and Racism, is an unflinching examination of recent examples of viral racist curriculum and what it means for our educational institutions to take responsibility for addressing teachers’ understandings of race.

Pamela Donaldson

Pamela E. Donaldson is the Associate Director, Equity and Inclusion for Facing History & Ourselves. As a longtime professional development provider and educator, she is experienced in designing and facilitating curriculum implementation in the humanities and educational equity. Pamela is also experienced in providing thought partnership, coaching and support for educational and community leaders. Youth Empowerment, equity and justice are areas of passion and purpose for Pamela as well.

Elana Curry

Elana Curry is the Senior Associate, Organization Equity for Facing History & Ourselves.  Her almost 20 years of experience includes teaching, coaching, and leading as a principal in multiple contexts. She has also spent much of her career with a focus on culturally responsive teaching, innovative classroom culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusive practices. Elana is passionate about ensuring all students, regardless of their background and socio-economic status, have the opportunities and access to attain a high quality education.