On March 18, Jesse Hagopian, Teaching for Black Lives co-editor and Rethinking Schools editor, facilitated an informational session for over 90 educators interested in forming a study group for the 2024–2025 school year.
The Zinn Education Project supports at least 100 Teaching for Black Lives study groups each school year. This is a free professional learning opportunity. Each group receives:
- Teaching for Black Lives book for each participant (up to 20), study questions, and a meeting facilitation guide
- Rethinking Schools magazine subscription for each participant (up to 20)
- Introductory workshop featuring one or more editors of Teaching for Black Lives
- Access to several invitation-only webinars and workshops (panel discussions on current events, curriculum workshops, campaign planning)
- Closing event featuring one or more special guests
- Access to a network of other study groups and social justice educators across the United States
- Dedicated administrative support for study group coordinators
Event Recording
Recording of the full session, except for the breakout rooms.
Resources
Below are the resources we reviewed during the session:
- General information about study groups and three-minute video
- Slide deck
- Facilitation and Month-to-Month Guide
- Teaching for Black Lives Introduction and Table of Contents
- Study group snapshots, including stories about the groups in Florida and Brooklyn
FAQ
- Is it possible for each person in the group to take turns leading the discussion?
Yes! We encourage you to rotate roles and you can find more facilitation strategies in our guide.
- Do study groups need to read the book cover to cover?
No. The month-to-month study guide demonstrates how you can focus on a different section each meeting by selecting a few readings.
- Any advice for interested educators who aren’t people of color?
We recommend starting with these resources:
- “Tips for White Trainers Leading Multi-Racial Groups” by Training for Change.
- “Dangerous Discussions: Voice and Power in My Classroom” by Ursula Wolfe-Rocca.
- Caucus and Affinity Groups resources by Racial Equity Tools.
- Building Antiracist White Educators (BARWE)
Participants said: