resources, and professional development and
learning opportunities needed to reach their
highest potential for the sake of every student. We
will continue to do this.
But there are other kinds of supports needed by
today’s educators, things that can’t always be found
in a textbook.
Take a moment and ask yourself a few
important questions: How do you see each child
as an individual? How do you develop the empathy
to understand their unique challenges, even if you
can’t identify with who they are or where they
come from? How do you check your bias at the
door and honor your ethical obligation to meet the
needs of all your students, regardless of personal
beliefs? (Side note: If you have no interest in
answering any of those questions, you might be in
the wrong profession. Just saying.)
We won’t even try to pretend we have all the
answers, because we don’t. You know we don’t.
But we can lead the conversation. We can help
raise awareness of the challenges and work to
provide solutions. We can amplify our collective
voices, share the work that we’re all doing, and
honor our roles in ensuring that every child has an
equitable education.
Tell us what you need to make these things
happen. We’re listening. And we’re doing!
Stephen Sye
ILA Associate Executive
Director
LITERACY TODAY | July/August 2018 | literacyworldwide.org