Books have the power to introduce us to new places, cultures, and perspectives. But right now students across the country are facing empty bookshelves in their classrooms and school libraries, as books that fairly address issues of race, gender, and culture in age-appropriate ways are at risk of being banned from classroom and library shelves by state or local officials.

This week, we're joined by Dr. Heather Harding, Executive Director of Campaign for a Shared Future (https://www.campaignsharedfuture.org/), to discuss what we can do in our local communities to ensure that all children have the opportunity to access inclusive content.

Censorship in Schools

Our panel of school principals joins us again to reflect on what they've learned since our last conversation, when they were preparing to reopen their schools for the 2020-21 school year. Amidst shifting regulations and rising COVID-19 numbers, principals have not just been tasked with maintaining safe, socially distant environments, but have entered into a cycle of reopening and closing their schools, all while being responsive to their communities. What lessons have they learned during this unique time? 

SPECIAL GUESTS: Ryan Goble — Benton Harbor, Michigan; Candace Hugee — Brooklyn, New York; Tamala Boyd Shaw — Greenwood, Mississippi

Teaching Today

The New Normal, Revisited: Principals Reflect on Reopening Schools

Teaching Today is brought to you by The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University.

In conversation with teachers, researchers, and school leaders, we’re dedicated to breaking down the problems, policies, and promising practices that define teaching. Uniting theory and practice, CPET promotes rigorous and relevant scholarship, and is committed to making excellent education accessible worldwide.

The New Normal, Revisited: Principals Reflect on Reopening Schools

Teaching Today

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