Alyson Grant Tarek’s Post

At a recent Advocates for Young Men meeting, Ashanti shared the importance of recognizing when young men emotionally check out—especially in school settings. He emphasized the value of identifying patterns like disengagement or incomplete work, not by assuming the reasons, but by openly acknowledging what’s being observed. This approach encourages young men to reflect and share their experiences in their own words, creating space for personal growth and accountability. The goal? To equip families, educators, and mentors with tools that help young men feel seen, understood, and supported—without creating dependency on outside intervention. ➡️ Join the Advocates for Young Men community today and gain the tools, insights, and support you need to help the young men in your life grow into their full potential. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gcdFqFzc #YoungMenMatter #MentorshipMatters #EmpowerOurYouth #PositiveRoleModels #CommunitySupport #AdvocatesForYoungMen #YouthLeadership #EmotionalGrowth

Thank you, Jesuit Schools Network of North America and Kristin Ross Cully for a fun conversation (and my first podcast). https://lnkd.in/gkv4AVkX De Smet Jesuit High School’s Inclusive Education Program with Kevin Poelker and Sarah Patton. In August of 2023, De Smet Jesuit became the first Catholic high school in St. Louis to launch an inclusive education program for young men with intellectual disabilities within a typical setting. This program – the first of its kind that we’re aware of within the Jesuit Schools Network – prepares students for future jobs and independent living as adults. Students in the inclusive education program at De Smet will graduate with a modified diploma that mirrors the course requirements of their fellow De Smet brothers, with the addition of a yearly life skills curriculum to prepare them for adult life. De Smet Jesuit students play a significant role in achieving this mission, serving as peer mentors for inclusion program students. In this conversation, we welcome Kevin Poelker, Principal of De Smet Jesuit and Sarah Patton, Director of Inclusive Education at De Smet to talk about this remarkable, mission-centered program.

Disruption. Equity. Inclusion. 💪 Just before half term, Chatsworth Schools held our latest DEI day at Great Tew hosted by our Head of DEI, Joanna Leach in front of another packed house 🙌🏻 Chatsworth Schools was delighted to welcome DEI expert Penny Rabiger, PhD candidate with the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED) at Leeds Beckett University, a coach on the Anti-Racist School Award (All Chatsworth Schools are working towards it) and content developer for CRED professional learning programmes. There was a thorough examination of some core elements of DEI and specifically anti-racism with some in-depth activities and reflections 👌🏻: 🔎 An overview of The Public Sector Equality Duty for Schools 🔎 Why race in particular & intersections with the other 8 characteristics 🔎 What is race? What is racism? 🔎 What might anti-racism look like? 🔎 Where does racism dwell - the six areas of the Anti-Racism School Award 🔎 Examples of ways of tackling racism and embedding anti-racist practice, and gathering evidence for the award One of the biggest takeaways was that if leaders, schools and school groups are serious about 'disrupting' education, it is impossible to achieve genuine disruption without ensuring every member of your community feels safe, accepted and that they belong 💜 As a global schools family we are totally committed to disrupting the norm in every aspect of education for the benefit of every child and staff member. We have an international platform to disrupt the way school groups approach DEI and we fully intend to be positive DEI disrupters in education through deliberate actions and the evolution of our bespoke Chatsworth Schools DEI Charter 🙌🏾 They are all our children. If we need to disrupt to make sure they all belong, then bring it on! #disrupters #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #belonging #globalschoolsfamily

Disruption. Equity. Inclusion. 💪 Just before half term, Chatsworth Schools held our latest DEI day at Great Tew hosted by our Head of DEI, Joanna Leach in front of another packed house 🙌🏻 Chatsworth Schools was delighted to welcome DEI expert Penny Rabiger, PhD candidate with the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED) at Leeds Beckett University, a coach on the Anti-Racist School Award (All Chatsworth Schools are working towards it) and content developer for CRED professional learning programmes. There was a thorough examination of some core elements of DEI and specifically anti-racism with some in-depth activities and reflections 👌🏻: 🔎 An overview of The Public Sector Equality Duty for Schools 🔎 Why race in particular & intersections with the other 8 characteristics 🔎 What is race? What is racism? 🔎 What might anti-racism look like? 🔎 Where does racism dwell - the six areas of the Anti-Racism School Award 🔎 Examples of ways of tackling racism and embedding anti-racist practice, and gathering evidence for the award One of the biggest takeaways was that if leaders, schools and school groups are serious about 'disrupting' education, it is impossible to achieve genuine disruption without ensuring every member of your community feels safe, accepted and that they belong 💜 As a global schools family we are totally committed to disrupting the norm in every aspect of education for the benefit of every child and staff member. We have an international platform to disrupt the way school groups approach DEI and we fully intend to be positive DEI disrupters in education through deliberate actions and the evolution of our bespoke Chatsworth Schools DEI Charter 🙌🏾 They are all our children. If we need to disrupt to make sure they all belong, then bring it on! #disrupters #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #belonging #globalschoolsfamily

SINV 2201: Introduction to Social Innovation James McAra Chosen Ashoka Fellow: Camesha Cox As a black male living in Canada, I have chosen Camesha Cox as the Ashoka Fellow I would like to have dinner with, because her story is inspirational in the idea that she really wanted to make a difference in the black community and did. I found this story intriguing, because I also want to make the same impact in the black community. Through her company, The Reading Partnership (TRP), Cox addresses systemic impediments in education on behalf of the Black community in social innovation. Through culturally inclusive, research-based literacy programs that include parents and caregivers in their children's education, she empowers Black and colored families, which highlights the idea that she values families and their needs. This inspires me as well, as someone who appreciates the significance of families and the impact they have on children. Camesha defies conventional educational methods and promotes long-term parental involvement by concentrating on community-driven, family-centered solutions. This leads to lasting change and improves literacy outcomes for underprivileged populations. All in all, Cox emphasizes on normalizing a sense of education in the black community to an extent. I find this fascinating and would like to learn more about what made her determined to achieve this, as I strive to make a similar impact in our community. #ashokafellowdinner #MountRoyalUniversity, #changemaking, #socialinnovation.

Disruption. Equity. Inclusion. 💪 Just before half term, Chatsworth Schools held our latest DEI day at Great Tew hosted by our Head of DEI, Joanna Leach in front of another packed house 🙌🏻 Chatsworth Schools was delighted to welcome DEI expert Penny Rabiger, PhD candidate with the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED) at Leeds Beckett University, a coach on the Anti-Racist School Award (All Chatsworth Schools are working towards it) and content developer for CRED professional learning programmes. There was a thorough examination of some core elements of DEI and specifically anti-racism with some in-depth activities and reflections 👌🏻: 🔎 An overview of The Public Sector Equality Duty for Schools 🔎 Why race in particular & intersections with the other 8 characteristics 🔎 What is race? What is racism? 🔎 What might anti-racism look like? 🔎 Where does racism dwell - the six areas of the Anti-Racism School Award 🔎 Examples of ways of tackling racism and embedding anti-racist practice, and gathering evidence for the award One of the biggest takeaways was that if leaders, schools and school groups are serious about 'disrupting' education, it is impossible to achieve genuine disruption without ensuring every member of your community feels safe, accepted and that they belong 💜 As a global schools family we are totally committed to disrupting the norm in every aspect of education for the benefit of every child and staff member. We have an international platform to disrupt the way school groups approach DEI and we fully intend to be positive DEI disrupters in education through deliberate actions and the evolution of our bespoke Chatsworth Schools DEI Charter 🙌🏾 They are all our children. If we need to disrupt to make sure they all belong, then bring it on! #disrupters #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #belonging #globalschoolsfamily

Disruption. Equity. Inclusion. 💪 Just before half term, Chatsworth Schools held our latest DEI day at Great Tew hosted by our Head of DEI, Joanna Leach in front of another packed house 🙌🏻 Chatsworth Schools was delighted to welcome DEI expert Penny Rabiger, PhD candidate with the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED) at Leeds Beckett University, a coach on the Anti-Racist School Award (All Chatsworth Schools are working towards it) and content developer for CRED professional learning programmes. There was a thorough examination of some core elements of DEI and specifically anti-racism with some in-depth activities and reflections 👌🏻: 🔎 An overview of The Public Sector Equality Duty for Schools 🔎 Why race in particular & intersections with the other 8 characteristics 🔎 What is race? What is racism? 🔎 What might anti-racism look like? 🔎 Where does racism dwell - the six areas of the Anti-Racism School Award 🔎 Examples of ways of tackling racism and embedding anti-racist practice, and gathering evidence for the award One of the biggest takeaways was that if leaders, schools and school groups are serious about 'disrupting' education, it is impossible to achieve genuine disruption without ensuring every member of your community feels safe, accepted and that they belong 💜 As a global schools family we are totally committed to disrupting the norm in every aspect of education for the benefit of every child and staff member. We have an international platform to disrupt the way school groups approach DEI and we fully intend to be positive DEI disrupters in education through deliberate actions and the evolution of our bespoke Chatsworth Schools DEI Charter 🙌🏾 They are all our children. If we need to disrupt to make sure they all belong, then bring it on! #disrupters #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #belonging #globalschoolsfamily

What a Week for American Education! This week, we’re calling on everyone—teachers, parents, students, and community leaders—to come together for the future of our youth. 📚✨ Let’s ask ourselves: • Are we truly listening to what students need? • Are we observing without judgment? • Are we advocating for better resources and support? The school-to-prison pipeline is a harsh reality, steering too many children toward incarceration instead of providing them with the safety, development, and opportunities they deserve. This is an injustice we must address. Mr. Delmont Player, a dedicated advocate for schools and youth communities, exemplifies how we can make a difference. With his expertise in interrupting gang and group influence, and as a father, he understands the power of presence and collaboration. He reminds us that partnerships with schools lead to healthier, more meaningful experiences for our kids. More relatable individuals that can appeal to Generation Z the more likely education can be received at their level of understanding. As we celebrate American Education Week (November 18-22, 2024), let’s remember: education is the foundation of change. Let’s raise awareness, stay connected, and support one another. Thank you to BPCS schools Connexions, Reginald F Lewis, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Ladies, Success Academy, Yo Baltimore and BCPS Engagement Office for assisting and teaming up with NsNs to bridge education gaps and community reentry and youth empowerment care! Together, we can empower our youth and create pathways to success, not prison. #AmericanEducationWeek #EmpowerYouth #SupportEducation #breakthepipeline

What a Week for American Education! This week, we’re calling on everyone—teachers, parents, students, and community leaders—to come together for the future of our youth. 📚✨ Let’s ask ourselves: • Are we truly listening to what students need? • Are we observing without judgment? • Are we advocating for better resources and support? The school-to-prison pipeline is a harsh reality, steering too many children toward incarceration instead of providing them with the safety, development, and opportunities they deserve. This is an injustice we must address. Mr. Delmont Player, a dedicated advocate for schools and youth communities, exemplifies how we can make a difference. With his expertise in interrupting gang and group influence, and as a father, he understands the power of presence and collaboration. He reminds us that partnerships with schools lead to healthier, more meaningful experiences for our kids. More relatable individuals that can appeal to Generation Z the more likely education can be received at their level of understanding. As we celebrate American Education Week (November 18-22, 2024), let’s remember: education is the foundation of change. Let’s raise awareness, stay connected, and support one another. Thank you to BPCS schools Connexions, Reginald F Lewis, Baltimore Leadership School for Young Ladies, Success Academy, Yo Baltimore and BCPS Engagement Office for assisting and teaming up with NsNs to bridge education gaps and community reentry and youth empowerment care! Together, we can empower our youth and create pathways to success, not prison. #AmericanEducationWeek #EmpowerYouth #SupportEducation #breakthepipeline

📢 Tackling Racism in Schools: A Safeguarding Issue I'm incredibly grateful to have contributed to the research stages of this vital report by the Black Equity Organisation (BEO) Black Equity Organisation @blackequityorg and Mission 44 Mission 44 , which was released yesterday. This ground-breaking report highlights the systemic inequities that hinder the success and wellbeing of Black pupils, parents, and teachers in the UK. It sends a powerful message: racism in schools is not just an educational issue—it’s a safeguarding issue. For too long, these injustices have gone unchallenged, leaving a devastating impact on young lives and communities. The report calls for urgent action from Government, local authorities, OFSTED, and schools to address these inequities and ensure that education is a space where every child can thrive. Being part of the research process was a humbling experience. I am proud to have contributed to this work, which I believe has the potential to drive meaningful and lasting change. 💡 Change begins when we listen, act, and hold institutions accountable. Let’s work together to create a future where no child is held back by systemic racism. . . . . . #BlackEquity #Mission44 #Safeguarding #EndRacismInSchools #EquityForAll #EducationMatters