Change-makers

We are excited to support the work of Leslie Means, English Lead Teacher at Melrose Middle School, with a Betty Allen-MASCD Anti-Racist Mini-Grant. Leslie will use the grant to purchase class sets of the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism & You, by Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, as well as three copies of the audio book, which is narrated by Jason Reynolds. The book is written for young people, and explores the history of racism in the US and features the work of antiracists. The goal Leslie and her colleagues have for the unit is for their eighth graders to better understand the inequities in our society today, and how we got here. We particularly appreciated the Essential Question for the unit built around the book: How will you locate yourself in this work of antiracism discussed in this book? Leslie really spoke to our vision for the grant when she explained, “Our hope is that this unit, crafted with care, can inspire students to be the change-makers we need them to be.” We can’t wait to hear from Leslie at the end of the school year about the students’ experiences during this unit. ​