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Pizza Hut and First Book provide educators with practical guidance and actionable steps for creating equity in the classroom
Pizza Hut and First Book has announced the launch of Empowering Educators – a collection of resources developed to provide educators with guidance and actionable steps to create equitable learning environments and navigate conversations about race and racism.
They unveiled the initiative during a virtual event, “Empowering Educators: A Convening on Racial Equity in Education,” hosted by American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center. The timely launch of these resources comes as the nation seeks to address issues of systemic racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented additional unprecedented challenges this school year.
These resources were created in response to a 2019 survey by First Book Research & Insights where 66 per cent of educators indicated they wanted to proactively talk about race with students but didn’t feel comfortable doing so.
In a follow-up poll to assess whether conducting conversations about race with students was more, less or equally as important as it was six months ago, educators indicated conversations about race and racism have always been important but are now getting the appropriate prioritisation.
“From the neighbourhood to the national level, America is on a critical journey: from identifying racism to deeper understanding – and finally to dismantling systemic racism,” said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO and co-founder of First Book.
“To support this journey, First Book is honoured to partner with Pizza Hut to launch an unprecedented effort to empower educators – and the children they serve. These resources, and the important conversations they enable, will inspire and enlighten all of us as we work together with our educators to elevate equal opportunities for all of our children.”
Empowering Educators includes an introductory guidebook on antiracist pedagogy, an instructional video series, and other forthcoming educational resources. Developed for K-12 educators, the collection includes suggested books and activities to use with children at various ages and features guidance on conversation modelling as well as answers to some of the most asked questions received in First Book’s 2019 survey.
Empowering Educators resources can also be used by organisations, community action agencies, and families looking to build their understanding and awareness around creating equity in education. The guidebook and video series are free and available for anyone to access on their website.
The unveiling of this year-long project comes as Pizza Hut recently appointed its first Chief Equity Officer, Chequan Lewis.
“Pizza Hut is introducing a new chapter in our long-standing commitment to literacy – focused on the intersection of equity and education,” said Lewis. “When we launched the BOOK IT! 36 years ago, we set out to equip educators with relevant resources that would inspire their students. Pizza Hut is continuing this legacy today, but we’re taking it a step further – providing resources that help us chase equity by celebrating diversity, teaching empathy, and creating a safe space for everyone to learn whilst feeling comfortable as their authentic selves.”
Pizza Hut and First Book engaged renowned subject matter experts to develop Empowering Educators, including Christine Platt, Managing Director, Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University, Britt Hawthorne, Anti-Bias Antiracist Educator and Consultant Tiffany Jewell, NYT Best Selling Author and Antiracist Anti-Bias Educator and Consultant
Liz Kleinrock, Award-Winning Educator and Founder, Teach & Transform Catherine Wigginton Greene, Executive Director of Content & Engagement, Point Made Learning
Cornelius Minor, Author and Anti-Bias Antiracist Educator Julye Williams, Senior Advisor, First Book.
“Contributing to the resources that make up the Empowering Educators series has been without a doubt the most phenomenal project I’ve had the honour of working on over the past year,” said Christine Platt. “In the midst of our turbulent social and political climate, people are demanding more than statements of solidarity. Individuals and organisations are understanding the importance and need for racial equity education and awareness, and these resources will be instrumental in furthering their important work.”
As a companion to the Empowering Educators Collection, Pizza Hut and First Book have selected five of the most popular diverse titles on the First Book Marketplace and re-issued them in first-ever, affordable paperback editions. They will distribute 75,000 copies of these special-edition paperbacks, which are warm, affirming picture books that explore meaningful elements of identity that will be relatable to all readers.
The food company selected several titles from First Book’s Stories for All Project, which curates new, relevant, high-quality books representing diverse characters, voices, and life circumstances and makes them available and affordable to educators who support kids in need. Books that feature characters from diverse cultures and backgrounds provide kids with rich insights and opportunities to learn more about themselves and others.
They also provide teachers with valuable tools for communication and open avenues for dialogue and increased understanding by students. First Book’s 2019 survey of registered members showed that 86% of educators need funding to purchase books and resources that support their efforts to create more inclusive classrooms.
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