When last we left Rebecca, she had just had a heck of a Tuesday. She had a confrontation with a colleague, Ted, and then looked for in vain for support from her administrator, Rick.
Read MoreCheck back here for twice-monthly updates from AEC! We will provide you with content about current events, tips and resources, and new strategies to try in your districts, schools, and classrooms. To view ongoing and past blog series, click on the links below.
Two weeks ago, I asked you to mull about times when you heard women described as “hysterical” or “overly emotional” and to examine the effect of those words on the person being labeled. Thank you to those who reached out with examples. This week, I bring you one of these examples. Obviously, identifying details have been changed to protect the innocent – and the not so innocent.
Read MoreCalling women hysterical or overly emotional is a story as old as time, as evidenced even by the use of the word hysterical. Hysterical has the same Greek root as the word hysterectomy and actually means “uterus”. While it can seem like a cultural norm, calling women crazy or hysterical (or any variation) is a way of silencing women.
Read MoreThe argument that women just aren’t suited for leadership positions is not often stated explicitly but instead undergirds a lot of the biases against women in leadership and so it is essential to address it. We often see it embedded in coded language, like the language I discussed in my last blog, which implies or directly states that women can’t handle the pressure of leadership.
Read MoreMentorship of the next generation of leaders is essential and yet women are often left out of these structures, often because of a belief that younger women will not be able to lead, will struggle with conflict, or will be perceived as weaker because of their age and experience.
Read MoreSince the inception of Aequitas Educational Consulting, friends and co-workers have asked a million questions, which we love. Commonly, they ask why this work is important. We’ve got lots of answers for that! Sometimes, we hear arguments against the work; individuals contest that it isn’t needed or it isn’t really what schools should be doing right now. These discussions can be tough to have—but they are essential.
Read More