I Used to Think…
Now I Think…
Pause. Take Notice. How is the moment shifting you? How is it shifting society? We offer up this thinking routine from Project Zero and invite you to reflect today, and everyday, on where we’ve been and how this new context is redefining your perspective.
As a community organization working across a broad network of Oakland schools (district, charter & independent), we have a unique view of the landscape. Therefore, before we redesign our structures we are intentionally stepping back to first and foremost take care of ourselves and our families, and secondly we are looking closely and empathizing with teachers and students.
We are considering:
Who are the most vulnerable learners in this new context?
What are the emergent equity needs?
What do teachers and students need, and what do they Think, Feel, and Care about?
What are schools and districts asking of teachers and students?
What does learning look like in this new environment? What could it look like?
How do we navigate collective capacity? Who is a parent? Who can’t work right now?
In addition to shifting to all virtual meetings and teacher coaching sessions we are also redesigning our April culminating event to a digital platform. We are considering creative ways to showcase Oakland teachers’ educational and instructional leadership. More soon! We are also excited to be opening up our application window later in the spring for our ‘20-’21 fellowship.
We are also watching for the services that will support our community:
Food security is a clear need for students and families. Please consider donating to the Alameda County Food Bank or to the Oakland Ed Fund’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund.
Some internet companies are offering temporary free wifi, a clear equity issue for low-income students. Sonic, Comcast, Xfinity Public Hotspots
Tech Exchange is currently closed through April 7th, because of shelter-in-place, but they are amazing and provide low-income students with computers long-term.