November 20, 2020
5:00 - 7:00PM
Virtual Event
The inequitable treatment of people of color during the COVID-19 pandemic and protests of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many more have called for us to evaluate our values and engage in political activism. The complexity of racism in America made its way into schools across the country, bringing to mind Paulo Freire's description of teaching as a political act. In Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Freire writes, “Washing one's hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” In this panel we will discuss what it means to teach as a political act during these uncertain times. We will explore the lessons and values central to the Art of Teaching and Child Development programs and how they translate to the classroom - helping to bring forth another Freirean value, hope.
This virtual event is a panel discussion of Sarah Lawrence College Art of Teaching and Child Development Graduate Students and Alumni, moderated by Patricia Virella.
About the Moderator
Patricia Virella, M.S. Ed., Sarah Lawrence College. An urban educator who has worked in the urban intensive setting for nearly a decade, she has worked as a teacher, literacy coach, and most recently as a principal. Patricia has recently presented at the 2016 National Girls School Conference on implementation of Interdisciplinary Framework in STEM and participated in AERA 2017 as a discussant and peer reviewer. Her work in charter schools has led to increased outcomes for students as well as to teacher retention. Patricia has instructed the Educating for Diversity course for five years.