Survival Guide for BIPOC Educators

Malik continues Season 9 with a frank discussion of how BIPOC educators can survive burn-out and thrive in what is still a predominantly white environment in Oregon schools. Malik’s guest is Gregory Dunkin, a culinary arts teacher for twenty years in the Eugene 4J school district, who shares his wisdom with new educators and with the administrators who would like to retain them. He strongly advises BIPOC educators to find their community outside the school environment, in places where their feelings can be understood and validated.

Within the school environment, Gregory and Malik discuss the frustrating expectation that educators of color will be spokespeople for their culture. Gregory offers suggestions for finding spaces without an imposed agenda. And he upholds this priority in his role as mentor and teacher, letting young people grow their own mindsets, develop critical thinking skills, and form their own connections with each other. Community and recognition of culture is key for educators and students, both within and outside of the classroom.  

Resources - 

OEA Members Speak Out About Equity Issues

Finding Community - Affinity Spaces and Equity SPARKS Retreat

OEA Fall Professional Learning Catalog

OEA Grow is a proud member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network