VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

inclusion

Language: A Step Toward Inclusivity

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Written by VSTE Board Member & UnisonEDU founder, Patrick Hausammann. Connect with him at @PHausEDU.com on Bluesky & @PHausEDU on X.

Few things in life can affect or move us more than a great story. The story keeps us held in suspense or riveted in anticipation as we listen or read the events unfolding. When a story is a great one, the pages seem to fly by as you consume the literary genius as quickly as you can, placing yourself in the story as you go. By the end, you’ve lived the events with the character, you’ve felt all the possible feelings, and you’ve reached the resolution. Even if you wished the ending to be different, you’ve loved, felt, and experienced the story. 

Now picture the same story but as you read it you’re filled with a sense of loss, disconnection, and even anger. The story still flows well and you can easily tell it’s well crafted, however, you know quickly it’s not by someone you like or that thought of you. You’re unable to place yourself in the story but you keep going in hopes you’re included, perhaps just on the next page or coming spoken word. Alas, you arrive at the end just as frustrated as you were towards the beginning. You’ve not lived events through the characters nor have you felt anything but the negative feelings that arose early on. You hope the memory of the story will soon fade but know it will likely stay around a while due to the strength of emotion you feel.

Such polar opposite reactions are present every single day in classrooms, workplaces, and even homes around the world. There are many elements of equity and inclusivity that contribute to the stark contrast of the two experiences. Some of these include bias, racism, prejudice, homophobia, sexism, genderism, ableism, and ageism. In a story, elements of these can be found in numerous parts from an author, however, one of the most prominent is often the language used.

Hopefully, one big question you have at this point in the post is, what can I do to be more inclusive and not alienate anyone that reads or hears my stories, writing, etc.? Below are the first two steps I would recommend to begin your journey. It is my sincere hope that they continue a wave of progress that can be seen in numerous large technology companies and beyond. They should also help in expanding your reading and social networks further allowing you to continue your journey past this entry level.

  1. Educated Commitment
  • Don’t try to be more inclusive in your language without also learning more and examining your own biases and past interactions. There are few things worse than performative measures taken to mask a true self that will undoubtedly surface and carve a swath of loss, disconnection, and anger in many readers while fueling the perpetuation of negative biases in others. A false facade will be uncovered by those it will hurt the most. Think and learn first. Apologize for the past wherever hurt has been caused. Follow the great Maya Angelou’s model, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” Ken Shelton (https://kennethshelton.net/) in collaboration with Microsoft created an online learning pathway, “Anti-racism journey for educators with students,” that would be a great place to start your journey. It can be accessed here: https://education.microsoft.com/en-us/learningPath/8ec7f261
  1. Role Specific Research

Now that you’ve begun your journey to being more inclusive in your language and have committed to ongoing education and growth, be sure to share as you progress. Your share may just be the words another needs to read or hear to start their journey. Be an active ally and upstander calling out and educating those that practice exclusion, racism, and more when you recognize it. Together we can make a true difference and progress towards a world where everyone can live the events with the character representative of themselves and feel all the possible feelings from the story and not the exclusion they embody.

 

Bonus Resource: Anti-Racist Language Guide from the University of Arizona

 

Join Us in Making a Difference: VSTE’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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written by VSTE's DEI Committee Chair, Lynmara Colón

Attend an amazing VSTE DEI Committee webinar with panelists that will help all Reach The Peak: Leveraging VSTE For Your Professional Growth at the 2023 VSTE Conference.  REGISTER HERE!

VSTE DEI Logo

My years as a VSTE board member have taught me a lot about the power of serving in spaces where one can advocate for students from different backgrounds. Over the years, I have met countless educators all over the state committed to supporting students and providing them access to technology in many different ways.

At VSTE, we are thrilled to announce our unwavering commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in technology. We understand the importance of this work, and we have actively engaged with a wide range of stakeholders across the state, listening to their needs and gathering insights on what they are looking for in DEI efforts from the organization.

Throughout these conversations, it has become abundantly clear that many of you share a strong desire to gain more knowledge and guidance on supporting marginalized student groups, women, and minorities within the technology sector while seeking opportunities to grow in your roles. We've also learned that many of our members are concerned about securing funding for DEI initiatives to improve the educational experiences in your school divisions. In response to these needs, we are excited to launch a series of webinars where you can hear from experts from various fields who will share their knowledge and passion on these critical topics.

VSTE 23 "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" Logo

Our upcoming VSTE conference, set to take place on December 3-5, promises to be an invaluable space for you to dive deep into these crucial subjects. Here's what you can expect from the conference:

  1. Expert Insights: Our lineup of speakers includes experts making magic happen in these spaces, focusing on supporting English Learners and students with disabilities, mentoring, culturally responsive practices, and leadership in diverse school divisions across the state. Their presentations and discussions will provide actionable strategies and innovative ideas to drive DEI forward. Every year, I leave with notes and ideas that have helped me enhance some of the initiatives in my school division.
  2. Networking Opportunities: The conference will offer numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, educators, and advocates who share your passion for this work in technology. By engaging in these connections, you'll gain new insights, ideas, collaborations, and friendships that can help advance your advocacy work. I make it a point to make at least 3 connections across the state. These new friends have been a lifesaver in helping me process my learning after the conference. Every year, I look forward to seeing them again!
  3. Growth and Empowerment: The VSTE conference is not just about learning; it's about empowering you to make a tangible difference in your field. We aim to equip you with the resources, tools, and learning experiences necessary to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. The keynote sessions are powerful and always packed with great wisdom. I make it a point to attend a session on something new. It forces me to get curious and grow about new things.

At VSTE, our ultimate goal is to foster a sense of belonging for everyone, where technology becomes a powerful tool for educators to create conditions for every student to succeed. We believe that by working together and sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can significantly impact the lives of those historically underserved in the technology sector.

To that end, we extend an invitation to attend an amazing VSTE DEI Committee webinar with panelists that will help all Reach The Peak: Leveraging VSTE For Your Professional Growth at the 2023 VSTE Conference.  REGISTER HERE!

We hope to see you at the conference in December, where we will embark on an exciting journey toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Let's create a magical and transformative experience that will impact all educators and students in Virginia.

Join us in this magical adventure. Together we can make a difference because “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough!”. We can't wait to connect with you at the VSTE conference.

May Webinars

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During May, the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee hosted two webinars.

In the first, Christopher Bugaj, Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta, and Beth Poss, authors of the book "Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year", discuss the wide range of strategies teachers can use to help empower ALL students to take charge of their own learning.

In the second webinar, titled "Teaching Social Justice that Inspires Future Leaders", Charlotte Morris discusses how to use storytelling to help students express their ideas and understanding of social justice. You can view Charlotte's previous webinar here: https://youtu.be/t-wge3cJGJg

Hosted by Nicci Dowd, co-chair of the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and member of the VSTE Board of Directors.

Webinar: Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year

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The VSTE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is pleased to host the authors of the new book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year for its free webinar series. The group will be joined by Amy Jackson on May 13 at 9 AM.

Christopher Bugaj, Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta, and Beth Poss have created a wide ranging guide to inclusion with lots of strategies. They remind us that learning need not be a chore for anyone, including those with IEPs or 504s.

The session will begin with an examination of what authentic inclusion really is, what it looks like, and how it fosters improved outcomes for everyone involved.

From there, explore a range of strategies which engage and empower ALL students to take charge of their own learning. Incorporated into the strategy discussion will be examples of contemporary tools that can be used to support the design of the instructional methodologies. From apps to browser extensions to web tools, participants will not only learn new supports to promote active learning for every student but have an opportunity to share what’s working in their own practices.

Areas to be discussed include reading, writing, STEAM, Executive Functioning, Research and Study Skills, Social Emotional Learning, Professional Learning, and Cross-Curricular Supports.

Come for the strategies, leave with mindset change!

Registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAofuuprjouE93OE41HwwlFhB5iYDaUPomI

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Webinar: Dr. Penni Sweetenburg-Lee

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In the April 2021 edition of the VSTE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Webinar, Dr. Penni Sweetenburg-Lee, Director of Training & Alumni Development Programs for the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, discusses the organization's work and the services they provide to the people of Virginia.

The webinar is hosted by Dr. Nicci Dowd.