Education Justice
Bookmarked 5 times

Every child in the United States has a right to an equitable (fair and just) public education. Public schools play a crucial role in our democracy, providing the literacy, critical thinking skills and common-good values essential for participation in the democratic process. Education is not only an individual endeavor for career or economic gain but also a collective effort for community and national progress. Understanding current critical issues in education justice — including the possibilities and threats to public schools — can help us envision affirmative models that benefit all and counter efforts to undermine public education in favor of privatization and undemocratic practices for the financial gain of a few. Join us in demanding education justice and inclusive public schools that foster excellence and equity.

“Education is our most important national investment. … Every citizen has a vital, personal stake in this investment. Our ability to advance both economically and technologically, our country's entire intellectual and cultural life depend on the success of our great educational enterprise.”

— President Jimmy Carter

Creating School Culture That Nurtures Young People

This resource builds on an understanding of holistic child development and offers strategies for fostering family-school-community partnerships and being intentional about building classroom relationships.

What Is Social Justice Education?

Scholar and educator Lee Anne Bell explains social justice education and highlights its role in actively countering injustice and helping to build an inclusive democracy for the benefit of all.

Inclusive Classroom Facilitation Model

This classroom facilitation model seeks to reframe “classroom management” through practices that are responsive and student-centered, with the goal of ensuring learning and well-being.

Why Public Schools Matter

Public schools are an ideal and vital mechanism for achieving a thriving democracy.

Understanding How Schools are Labeled

What goes into the process of labeling schools, and how reliable are those labels — especially when a school is labeled as “failing”?

School Vouchers and the Efforts to Undermine Public Education

Vouchers are part of a broader effort to dismantle public schools, moving public taxpayer funds into private for-profit institutions.

Understanding and Responding to Trauma

Strategies to help educators recognize the signs of trauma, better understand the causes of trauma, and take steps to establish social and emotional safety.

Supporting Students From Immigrant Families

A resource page to learn more about immigrant students’ rights, public schools’ obligations to immigrant students, and information for families.

Handle With Care

During crisis events, these recommendations and resources can help guide conversations with children and manage potential actions and reactions.

The Role and Responsibilities of the Department of Education

This in-depth examination of the department can help understand the key responsibilities and the consequences of dismantling this vital federal agency.

Advocating for Public Education

Every child in the United States has a right to a quality public education. Join us in advocating for public education that fosters excellence and equity.

What Is the School-to-Prison Pipeline, and How Do We Dismantle It?

Urgent change is needed to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. This resource page can help.
Teaching-Hard-History_LFJ-Hero 2.jpg

Teaching Hard History Podcast Series

From Learning for Justice and host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., the Teaching Hard History podcast series brings us the crucial history we should have learned through the voices of leading scholars and educators. Join us as we relaunch this podcast series. Each week, we will highlight an episode from the series and include a resource page with key points from the conversation, resources and connections for building learning experiences.

Resisting Hate in Education hero

Related Series

Resisting Hate in Education

The media in today’s political environment is filled with divisive messages, especially from public figures who perpetuate hate along with disinformation. We all have a responsibility to resist hate in our society and to foster safer learning spaces for young people — especially those being targeted by hate and discrimination. Cultivating dialogue, engaging with facts and protecting students’ right to learn are essential components in strategies for prevention, intervention and response to hate and bias. 

Learn more

Growing Together: For Children and Families

A series for educators, parents and caregivers, with learning journeys, stories and book recommendations for children and families to cultivate the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).

Learn more