Building a Network for Educational Equity: Uniting Practices, Perspectives, and Power

Jul 31, 2023

The current political climate in the United States education system is highly polarized, with several contentious issues, including so-called critical race theory, gender identity and sexual orientation, discipline policies, and school funding, becoming politicized. Despite this, it is important for schools to be places where students can learn about different viewpoints and perspectives to create well-rounded individuals for the future. Equity-minded school leaders play a key role in navigating the complexities of politics within their districts, ensuring that educational practices are firmly grounded in the principles of equity.

Equity leaders are committed to making a difference in the lives of traditionally marginalized students by ensuring access to culturally responsive and affirming curriculum. From building relationships with key stakeholders, such as school leaders, teachers, parents, and community members, to influencing policy and practice to create a more equitable education system, these leaders are important. That’s why a group of dedicated professionals came together to form the Equity Officers’ Network.

Recognizing the continued need to disrupt an educational system that perpetuates inequities and marginalizes students from historically disenfranchised communities, The Education Trust and Chiefs for Change launched the Equity Officers’ Network in 2021. This space is designed for equity leaders to learn, support, and foster connections with one another to address the formidable challenges that they face in their daily practice.

From Washington state to Florida, Nevada to Washington, D.C., the network cohort share their expertise, forming a vibrant community where they learn from each other’s successes and collaborate on innovative solutions. One member shared, “As a new district leader serving in this role, the support I received through the Network was invaluable. The sessions were always meaningful and applicable, and the networking allowed me to learn and continue to learn from my colleagues in other districts across the country.”

Chiefs for Change provides equity leaders with access to executive coaches, many of whom are former superintendents, which equips leaders with tools and resources to engage in deep self-reflection to meet their equity goals. Having former superintendents as executive coaches within the Network offers a unique advantage: They help equity leaders navigate the intricate landscape of policymaking, stakeholder engagement, executive leadership power dynamics, and system-wide transformation, ensuring their efforts are effective and sustainable.

With access to mentors and coaches who offer strategic guidance and expertise, coupled with professional learning and networking with values-aligned colleagues from around the country, equity-minded leaders are working to improve the lives of students and their families. As one participant states, “This Network offered exceptional professional development, unveiling unexpected opportunities for leadership growth. While focusing on equity training, it also covered essential aspects of effective leadership, encouraging robust advocacy, and amplifying the well-being and success of all children.”

At the core of the Equity Officers’ Network values lies a recognition of the power of student voice. Amidst the crossfire of adult ideological battles, students often find themselves silenced, despite being most directly impacted by the decisions made about their education. This disparity is particularly prevalent among Black and Latino students, whose educational experiences are frequently overlooked or under-resourced.

Understanding students’ influence, the Equity Officers’ Network engages students during in-person convenings, which serve as a platform for students to share their lived experiences — addressing topics such as race, school funding, sexuality, access to special services, quality of teaching, career readiness, and the impact of school culture on their multiple identities.

For example, one member helped establish a student-run organization to amplify the voices of marginalized students within their district, which gave them a platform to advocate for their needs and share their experiences. As a result of this effort, significant policy reforms were implemented, directly improving areas such as teacher recruitment and hiring policies, student discipline practices, and the establishment of student affinity groups.

Equity-minded leaders ensure that all students have equal opportunities to thrive academically. They also have an understanding of how systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination can impact students’ educational experiences.

Accordingly, the Equity Officers’ Network provides equity leaders with an arsenal of tools and resources designed to equip them as they push forward with strategies that shift the education system toward a more equitable, just future. While we live in an era where educational policies and practices are under constant attack, these equity leaders’ commitment to equity is a reminder of importance of ensuring that education is accessible to all students.

In short, the power of shared learning, fueled by synergy and the exchange of innovative ideas, thus holds the potential to forge a lasting impact on the future of education. Advocates should continue to cultivate collaboration and harness the power of networking to guarantee every student receives an equitable education and the chance to thrive within their respective community.