In a time of division and uncertainty for our country, many of us — teachers, school leaders, parents — are asking, “What can we do?” How can we reject discrimination and protect children who feel targeted for their religion, ethnicity, gender, or even political beliefs? How can we welcome diverse perspectives and hard conversations?
With One and All, we’re facing these challenges in education — by sharing resources and welcoming your ideas, experiences, and perspectives. We'll be updating regularly with new strategies and stories of inspiration. Please join us. Follow on Facebook and Twitter, using #OneAllHGSE. Send your own strategies to uknow@gse.harvard.edu, and we’ll excerpt and share as many as we can. Read more about the One and All project.
“Your Values Must Be Clear”
A system leader’s views on ending bullying and harassment and nurturing a district-wide culture of respect.
Talking Race in the Suburbs
How to plan for an authentic, inclusive conversation about race in classrooms where white students outnumber students of color.
– Natalie Hampton, the 16-year-old founder of an anti-bullying app called Sit With Us.
Listen to our interview.
Race, Controversy, and Trauma
How to open space for reflection and conversation amid traumatic or anxiety-provoking current events.
Treating Each Other with Respect
How we can teach students to find common ground, for the common good.
Raising Kind Children
Small steps that make a difference:
- Talk about real ethical dilemmas you face, and ask kids what they'd do.
- Think together about how it feels to be the new kid, the kid who's teased, or the kid whose race or religion is different.
- Let kids see your kindness.
Teaching in Complex Times
In our latest podcast, frank talk about how to handle political controversies, ethical challenges, and divisive rhetoric in the classroom.
Caring for the Whole Child
A middle school drama teacher describes how she makes her classroom a safe harbor.
How Bullying Looks to Teens
Why does school-based bullying happen? We asked students themselves for insight.
Encouraging Classroom Debate
A high school teacher shares advice on guiding conversations about controversial issues.
Schoolwide SEL to Prevent Bullying
Developing a school culture that prioritizes the social-emotional wellbeing of every student.
Talking About Race in Mostly White Schools
Bridging the divide by helping young people gain awareness of the painful realities of race.
“Challenge Ideas, Not People”
Navigating the competing rights of free speech and freedom from discrimination.
Responding to Bias at School
For teachers and school leaders, vetted resources to help you prepare for unsettling incidents
“Modeling Takes Practice"
A head of school on how role-playing helps teachers manage tough classroom moments.
11 Ways to Help
The Anti-Defamation League has a useful summary of 11 key steps schools can take to help students feel safe, including:
- Clarity of policy and purpose
- Willingness to self-assess
- Being intentionally inclusive
- Encouraging students to report
Optimism Stronger than Fear
A teacher’s perspective on the resilience of immigrant and refugee students — and five ideas to support them.
From “Consequence” to “Prevention”
Rethinking the definition of bullying to better understand and prevent it.
“Before the Big Times Roll In”
An ELA teacher in Springfield, MA, on how she builds trust by getting real, from the start.
Easing Difference by Exploring It
What can teachers do, and what do they need, to support English-language learners?
Staging Change
Theater is all about taking the perspective of other people — so it's a natural tool for building community and social justice at school.
The Work of Teaching Tolerance
“We used to get criticized because 'tolerance' didn’t go far enough. And it seems like now, it’s too much for some folks."
“If there isn’t a level of intimacy or comfort in the classroom, students won’t put themselves out there.”
– Molly Dill, government and economics teacher,
Springfield Renaissance School
