How can you incorporate antiracist practices into specific subject areas? This practical guide answers that question and provides a road map for introducing antiracism into the English language arts (ELA) classroom with teacher-friendly tools and strategies.
Drawing on foundational and cutting-edge knowledge of antiracism, expert Keisha Rembert responds to the following questions: What does antiracism look like in the English language arts classroom, given the unique responsibilities of the ELA educator; why is it vital to implement antiracist practices that are relevant to your classroom and school; and how can you enact antiracist pedagogies that foster critical engagement and stimulate a culture of antiracism?
Aligned with National Council of Teachers of English standards, this accessible resource is replete with hands-on antiracist activities, teacher insights and interviews, questions to spark reflection and action and lesson plans and is essential reading for all ELA teachers. From building an antiracist foundation to evaluating the effect of antiracist practice on students and reflecting on your own lived experience, this book is a truly comprehensive guide for educators who want to empower all students. Rembert demonstrates how to find motivation in progress and joy in the process, pushing past confusion and discomfort in a continued effort to create an equitable, inclusive and antiracist ELA classroom.
Contents
Meet the Author
Acknowledgements
Preface
Section One: Exposition
- Building Background: How did we get here?
- Introspection: Where should I start my anti-racist journey?
- Laying the Foundation: How can I create a standard and culture of antiracism in the classroom?
- Shifting Your Instruction: What does instruction in an antiracist ELA classroom look like?
- Student Impact: What are the effects of an antiracist ELA classroom on students?
- Beyond the Noise: How should I handle praise, criticism and build community?
- Beyond Race: What are some additional benefits of an antiracist ELA classroom?
- Looking Back and Thinking Ahead: How do I evaluate the antiracist classroom and keep moving forward?
Section Two: Rising Action
Section Three: Climax
Section Four: Falling Action
Section Five: Resolution
Biography
Keisha Rembert is a nationally recognized and multi-award-winning educator who spent more than 15 years teaching middle grades ELA and History. Currently, she teaches future educators and leads the education departments’ DEI efforts at National Louis University, USA. She is also on the board of the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents and is co-chair of the Committee Against Racism and Bias at the National Council of Teachers of English.
