Our own Dean of Lower School, Erica Snowden, recently attended a book launch for The Guide for White Women who Teach Black Boys, where she is a contributing author.  Erica received this opportunity after working with the co-editor, Ali Michael, at the Race Institute and at a GSF professional development day. The faculty and staff also previously read Ali Michael's book, Raising Race Questions: Whiteness, Inquiry and Education.

Erica shared a few words about her chapter, Chapter 36: Interrupting School Structures: ADD/ADHD Over-identification and How Black Cultural Styles are Often Confused for ADD. The book suggests that teachers first understand themselves, respect the radicalized context in which they teach, and use these reflections to connect with Black boys and their families  An additional benefit is that it can help others to have more compassion towards Black male educators, while being a great resource for anyone who cares about education. Erica concludes, "When you create a better educational environment for Black boys to succeed, other students will benefit as well."  

The school purchased several copies for faculty and staff to share. It is available  for purchase here. You can also follow the conversation about the book or participate in keeping it going here.