Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1190776
E N L O A T H E R T O N H i g h S c h o o l t e a c h e r Sherinda Bryant takes a social justice approach t o e d u c a t i o n . A s a re su l t , h e r n i n t h grade English students have won prizes, become critical thinkers and been a voice in their community. Last school year, students received kudos for examining a problem in their own backyard. " We looked at the housing crisis and defined what it was, why it was happen- ing, and who benefits when there is a crisis," says Bryant. " We discussed very tough questions. But I was pleasantly surprised at the responses I got from my 14-year-old students." Bryant teaches in Atherton, where even modest homes cost millions. The Bay Area tech boom resulted in shortages of affordable housing, displaced longtime residents and created a traffic nightmare. She expected that her students from struggling families living in nearby Red- wood City, Menlo Park and East Palo Alto would worry their families are being M RACE AND CLASS IN CLASS Sherinda Bryant teaches English through a social justice lens Sequoia District Teachers Association housed on general education sites in Manteca Unified, Lincoln Unified and Escalon Unified school districts. "My students may not be able to express how e Den impacts them, but I can see their progress," Barry says. "In the beginning, I had to sit with them and explain each step. Four months later they come in and pick up a task and don't need someone sitting next to them. I can see that they are excited and proud they've mastered something." e Den has received strong community support. Target donated shelving and materials; San Joaquin County put fresh paint on the walls and new linoleum on floors; and the Junior League revitalized a green- house that will eventually be used in the program. Last spring The Den held an open house, and attendees included small businesses that employ students, potential employers, commu- nity members and administrators. Such public interaction, says Barry, boosts student confidence and improves social skills. "People underestimate what kinds of things these students can do and how productive they can be," says Barry. "I'm very proud of what they are accomplishing here." S O M E E D U C A T O R S G O to great lengths to bring their innovative ideas to life, and/or infuse their teaching with extraordinary creativity and energy that touches all students and elevates the profession. If there's an innovator we should know about, drop us a line at editor@cta.org. Include their name and chapter. Educators can get their great ideas funded through CTA's Institute for Teaching, which awards competitive grants for strength-based projects that improve schools and instruction. Apply at teacherdrivenchange.org. Know An Innovator? Student Kristopher Gonzalez with Jennifer Barry. 28 cta.org