Oakwood has a legacy of excellence, and I am eager to maintain this legacy through the core pillars of my campaign: Opportunity, Community, and Inclusivity. Inclusivity can mean many things to many people, so let’s take a moment to define it a little further.
I firmly believe that we are all better when we are all valued, respected, and welcomed. Students learn best when they are valued for their unique selves and feel a sense of safety, belonging, and inclusion.
In the hierarchy of needs, a sense of belonging and inclusion is critical to promoting academic success. In the spirit of inclusivity, we recognize, value, and celebrate the richness of diversity among our students, families, and educators. This richness of diversity is truly an asset for our schools – it makes us stronger. By acknowledging the variety of lived experiences, skills, and backgrounds, we intentionally invite students to bring their authentic selves to the classroom.
So how do we promote greater inclusivity? Oakwood can foster an environment of inclusion through a variety of ways:
- Robust special education services
- High-quality diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming
- Social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Celebrating our military families
- Enhanced mental health supports
- Character building curriculum (i.e. Timber)
- Open dialogue with students and families
- Building safety and security
- Educational environment free of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying
- Other activities
Whether a student speaks another language, receives special education services, is identified as gifted, is gender expansive, has a different learning style, or possesses a unique lived experience or identity, it is important to honor their uniqueness and lean on their experience to learn and grow.
During my time as an educator, I partnered with school leadership to design inclusive EL programming across the district, increased awareness and competency of best practices to 28+ school districts, and leveraged federal funding to equitably serve students. To effectively address the complex needs of a diverse student body, it is critical to elicit input from students and families, stay abreast of educational best practices, and support educators in delivering robust instruction to promote excellence.
If elected, I will uphold the pillar of Inclusivity. I am all in for all students because I am committed to inclusion for all learners and support evidence-based practices of instruction, differentiation, and accommodation to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion so all students can be fully present, learn, and thrive.