Equity in Action & Mental Health for Educators

Annotated Bibliography Assignment Instructions
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents; a summary/evaluation of reference sources.  Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited and to provide researchers with a concise list or resources summarized for future use. For this assignment, each candidate will choose two of the topics (one must be the equity topic) from the suggested list or present a suitable topic related to current issues in education specifically related to P-12 schools.  Each candidate will summarize 15 25 articles using educational periodicals, journal, or books for future research.  Candidates annotation must summarize the source including but not limited to the following:  What are the main arguments? What is the point of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say? Each entry should be at least page and the entire assignment should be 8 20 pages in length. 
Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, and (d) explain how this work illuminates your topic.  Finally summarize the article, book or document thoroughly.

Topic

Equity in Action
Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” We know what the data say about inequities in educationnow we need to do better. But how do educators actually change their practices to be more equitable? Unpack how biases and legacy policies can shape everything from pedagogy to curriculum to assessments to relationships and expectationsand offer real and practical ways to take action at the school and classroom level. A central focus of your research will be on identifying strategic steps to improving learning opportunities and support for all students

Mental Health for Educators
In light of the current pandemic, it is important to focus on the mental health of students, but we must also consider the mental health of educators.  The majority of U.S. teachers report that their work is “always” or “often” stressful. Many are also vulnerable to secondhand trauma and compassion fatigue. Recognizing these as urgent issues in K12 education, what ideas do you have and are there programs for promoting teacher well-being and mental health in your schools or districts?  Explore ways schools can provide better supports to help stave off burnout, depression, and anxiety. Educator mental health need not be the “elephant in the classroom” any longer.