Educating Mitchell: A Tale of Undoing Bias and a Charge for Change

How often do you think about your privilege and how it may come across in the classroom? Implicit bias is prevalent in our schools, and most times, Black and Latino students bear the brunt of the bias that lives in all of us.

In this keynote address from our Summer 2017 Standards Institute, Kristen Ehlman and Lacey Robinson discuss how teachers contribute to marginalized conditions for students, primarily students of color, and how these practices spread throughout our schools.

This video explains:

• The story of Mitchell and how it illustrates the bias he and other children of color face in our schools
• Three lenses that feed our bias and how they can be adjusted
• Why diversity in school leadership propels an “escalator out of poverty” and fills the trust gap between Black and White students
• Norms and practices, such as Personal Opportunity Plans that teachers can implement to create a safe and inclusive school culture

Watch Educating Mitchell: A Tale of Undoing Bias and a Charge for Change

Kristen Ehlman joined UnboundEd after working for more than 25 years as an educator. As Unbounded’s director of leadership, she designs and conducts professional development sessions focused on school and district leadership, change management, and effective implementation strategies. Lacey Robinson has more than 20 years in education as an educator, principal, and staff development specialist with a focus on literacy, equity, and school leadership. As UnboundEd’s senior director of engagement, Lacey designs and conducts professional development sessions focused on school and district leadership, change management, and effective implementation strategies.

Ask Yourself

“How will you hold yourself and colleagues accountable to the Mitchells in your school community?”

Find Additional Resources

For more on how to spark a conversation on about race, bias, and prejudice in your school download our Bias Toolkit and learn more about why you should attend the Winter 2018 Standards Institute.