Alison Yoshimoto-Towery: Leading with Equity

Defining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter.  In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Alison Yoshimoto-Towery. Alison is the Chief Academic Officer for the Los Angeles Unified School District and one of the experts from the Defining US film. They discuss a variety of issues related to equity and how the pandemic is changing schools.  

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

1:37 – finding ways to build back social emotional learning and mental health 
3:00 – healing is needed following so much loss  
5:49 – the importance of relationships in teaching and teaching from the heart 

6:35 – during the pandemic schools were doing so much more than online classes 
9:01 – “Inequities worsened under the pandemic…” and the LAUSD Black Student Achievement Plan 
10:10 – schools using restorative processes promoting equity 
10:48 – community partnerships  
12:00 – connection between leadership and using data well to meet student needs 

12:50 – higher education partnerships  
14:48 – the change process that is happening right now 
17:49 – educators and students must be at the forefront of the dialog to bring about solving today’s problems  

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
How does this topic connect with my current context? 
What are the implications to my practice? 

How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems? 
How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

LAUSD Office of the Chief Academic Officer 
Alison Yoshimoto-Towery on Twitter 
Alison Yoshimoto-Towery guest blog at Defining US 

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