May LM 2024_1

Why is it so important for you to create opportunities for students to see reflections of themselves and observe differences in the world? It is extremely important that our students are exposed to both “Mirror and Window” experiences. Students should see themselves reflected in the books and educational materials and spaces they have access to. We must empower and position students as storytellers, leaders, co-creators, organizers and partners who advocate for student-driven solutions to educational inequities. This creates a deep sense of belonging as well as what is possible without feeling there are limits and barriers to their success. Not seeing themselves or being excluded can lead to them feeling devalued and not being part of the school or larger community. That is a powerful lesson that can have devastating effects or create irreparable harm to their self-esteem. It saddens me deeply because all too often children of color spend the majority of their time looking out windows sometimes feeling disconnected from the world around them. This often forces them to assimilate and abandon their identity to fit in. Window experiences help students be more empathetic, patient and understanding, moving them toward more nuanced perceptions of the world they are navigating. It also allows them to see and embrace diversity. Something I believe will help create a safer and more inclusive world. One that allows us all to thrive and reach our full human potential.

You were hired as superintendent of Elementary School District 159 in 2022. What have you enjoyed most about serving as superintendent? Since becoming the proud superintendent of Elementary School District 159, I have enjoyed engaging in listening deeply through various means and understanding our staff, students and community needs. This allowed me to learn and tap into the various talents and gifts of our staff, which has fostered deep connections. This has also allowed us to co-create an organization that is built on relational trust, high expectations and accountability but is also compassionate and joyful. With this information and data, we have been laser focused on improving our organizational working conditions and learning conditions to ensure everyone has an amazing place to work and learn. Utilizing our Strategic Plan, coupled with our work using the BELE (Building Equitable Learning Environments) Essential Actions, has helped us transform our students’ learning experiences to create equitable educational environments that allow all our young people to thrive. We have also strengthened our family and community partnerships due to my unwavering belief that strong, healthy communities create strong, healthy children. I’m so proud of all of the work we have accomplished so far. With all this work we have begun tackling and improving both the empathy gap and decreasing the opportunity gap. This is driven by my belief that every child deserves a quality school in their neighborhood and shouldn’t be forced to seek a school outside their community because their school is insufficient. I’m excited for what the future holds for our district. Watch us #ThriveIn159.

To connect with Dr. Brunson and to order a copy of ‘Centering Our Voices’, she can be reached via email at tbrunson@dist159.com or to order your copy of the book at https://mymco.my.canva.site/drtiffanysbrunson

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LM May 2024