Blog #10 Abolitionist Teaching 

(Connections) 

“We need confidence in the knowledge of who we are”

I find this quote very powerful as it reflects the importance of cultural identity, which is so relevant in

this diverse country. Being a minority myself, I feel privileged enough to have been able to experience

my culture to the fullest in order to achieve confidence in who I am, and to learned how to value it and let

it shape who I am today.

I strongly believe that cultural identity nurtures confidence in self, it provides a sense of belonging,

sense of security, sense of self realization, sense of direction and allows you (in the right healthy

and inclusive environment) to make significant contributions personally and professionally. 

“Abolitionist Teaching is to fight injustice within their schools and communities. To be an abolitionist

teacher is the idea that we are going to dismantle together, injustices. Abolitionist teaching is not just

for black children. Anti- racist education is not just for black and white children, this is about our

humanity, it’s about all of us. Abolitionist Teaching promotes justice, healing, joy, and liberation for

all Black, Brown, and Indigenous folx, inclusive of all intersecting identities.” B. Love.  

Abolitionist Teaching by Bettina L. Love 

All these words and ideas resonated with me, considering that I work for a Charter School whose

population is mainly composed of minorities, with roughly 82% of students. What is most compelling

is the fact that it is led by the Principal, who is an advocate for justice and equality, a passionate

for bilingual and high academic achievement education, an ally for cultural diversity, a well educated

white woman who acts as a co-conspirator for the  minorities of our community and who uses her

privilege when she needs it in order to achieve a greater common good. I have an admiration for her

because she puts forth every effort and attempts to provide all the possible resources in order to serve each

student in the best possible way, and to support staff in a way that would transcend cultural relevant

pedagogies, multilingual approach, community approach, inclusiveness, anti-racist education and

abolitionist teaching to our students. 

The following video is a glimpse of how my school honors and respects student’s cultural diversity

and the value that it represents for the school leaders and staff members. ICS Website