How to Build a Justice-Centered Classroom

What is a justice centered classroom?

A space built on the radical notion that what is good for our most neglected and marginalized children is good for all children. There is a quote that says we rise by lifting others. It’s a common misconception that meeting the needs of marginalized learners means ignoring the needs of others. I ask you, how can needs be met when the entire system has been built for a tiny portion of our children to thrive? I argue this is the core of our failing education system.  Completely flipping the way we’ve educated learners is a drastic, albeit necessary, approach. 

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Why is it necessary?

Helping marginalized learners succeed creates a ripple effect, lifting all of those involved. This collective uplifting creates a culture of mutual respect, care, and selflessness. The classroom becomes a miniature model of what society can be. Individuals in these circumstances have the space and freedom to safely learn how to be a good steward of their communities.

How to cultivate a culture of justice? Where do you start?

So what does this look like? In theory this sounds fantastic, but what does it look like practically, on a day to day basis? For starters, there is significantly more rest and grace in the interactions between class members. Our collective humanity comes first; our physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Brit Hawthorne, a brilliant anti-racist and anti-bias educator, taught me to examine my class routines with this question in mind. In what ways can I give choice back to my students? In what ways are their needs being prioritized? In what ways do our class norms and procedures center humanity rather than control and convenience? This is a great starting point. We dive more deeply into this topic in The Bloom Educator’s "Cultivate Culture" course. 

How do I fit social justice in daily?

Completely changing your class routines can sound daunting and honestly can seem impossible. Trust me, I’ve been there. It felt like I was going uphill in mud at times trying to figure this out on my own. Once I found a group of like-minded educators to brainstorm with, things became so much more conceivable. That’s the goal of our Bloom Educator’s group. There you’ll find community and educators walking alongside you on your journey to build a justice-centered classroom. Other teachers with a similar goal are your greatest wealth of knowledge. Lean on one another! Need a new way to do water breaks or more humane bathroom procedures? Have reservations  like, “What do I do if my lessons are scripted?” or, “What do I do if my schedule isn’t flexible?”, are just a few questions that so many of us have to consider. Ask a fellow Bloom educator, or a safe person in your building. Community is key!

It's not easy. But easy things are rarely worthwhile. Small tweaks compound to make complete culture shifts in your classroom. We do not rise to our good intentions but rather fall to the level of our systems. Systems are the foundation of any successfully run classroom. Classroom communities are where our world is built. The only question that remains is what world are we helping build?