“What inspires me is the culture of everybody. It doesn’t matter how your voice sounds or how you look. Just say something. What matters is you.”
For several years, Latin’s Lower School has implemented a thematic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion campaign known as Aspire to Be…. “The word ‘aspire’ is intentional, as we recognize that these campaigns may not always be fully realized in the current school year,” Lower School DEI coordinator Avery Teichman candidly explains, “but that as a community, we are committed to trying.”
This year’s “Aspire to be Heard” campaign complements the 2021–22 Aspire to be Seen campaign. With research and expertise, we know our youngest learners have the emotional intelligence and technical skills to participate. These skills empower our children to prosper in the 21st-century real world.
Aspire to be Heard identifies Peter Reynolds’ children's book, Say Something, as a mentor text. Reynolds writes that everyone has a voice and that with that voice, words can inspire, heal, or transform.
To kickstart this year’s campaign, Lower School teachers read Reynolds’ book in class; then, each created a brief video showcasing something that inspires them — from courage to music to gardening. Lead and Assistant Teachers shared videos with the Lower School community in thoughtful and interactive ways, including photos, speech bubbles, and QR code links to their video.
“I am inspired by gardening because it changes; it gives beauty and nourishment to my heart and my family,” said Mrs. Flett. Lower School librarians expanded the lesson by selecting complementary texts to teachers' inspirations and linked them via QR codes on bookmarks. Students take the books home to read, watch the video, and learn more about all Lower School teachers, not just their own.
“We want to emphasize that Lower School teachers are ALL of the students’ teachers. Through the videos, kids can watch siblings' teachers, teachers they once had, teachers they've never met, and those they hope to have,” Avery continues. “Teachers AND the students have gotten to know each other and make impactful connections through viewing and responding to the videos.”
Aspire to Be… is just one example of connecting learning to the real world, instilling a culture of intellectual and human curiosity centering upon choice and voice, and developing future-ready students.
