Affinity spaces for educators of color provide a supportive community where individuals can share experiences, resources, and strategies for navigating the education system as a person of color. These spaces also serve as a platform for advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools and promoting professional development opportunities tailored to the unique needs of Black educators.
Erin Jones and Angie Mason often lead workshops and discussions on racial equity, sharing the need for affinity spaces that support BIPOC educators. These affinity spaces provide a safe and empowering environment for educators to share their experiences in a profession that can be isolating and challenging. Jones and Mason work hard to make sure the spaces are psychologically safe for BIPOC educators to connect with one another and feel validated in their unique perspectives and struggles.
The result of desegregating education pushed out Black educators, leading to a significant decrease in diversity within the profession, ultimately perpetuating systemic inequalities. As more Blacks and people of color enter the education profession, it is crucial to provide them with support and resources to ensure their success and retention in the field.
On a recent visit to Spokane to meet with educators of color, Jones expressed that BIPOC educators need to be in community with each other, which is essential for building a network of support and empowerment. She shares the experience of being “the only Black educator” in educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of representation and solidarity within the BIPOC community. The majority of BIPOC people in education are support staff. There are not a lot of Black teachers in the field, which is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Educational institutions that want BIPOC educators in their buildings must be willing to do the work around hiring, retention, and making sure the space is inclusive, welcoming, and supportive for all individuals. Angie stated, “Black people who have experienced their own trauma as students are less likely to want to work in educational institutions.”
Representation with lived experience matters in education. Erin expressed, “Not to denigrate or diminish the experiences of support staff, but it sends a clear message to kids about where they belong.” As support staff, BIPOC educators are called upon to provide additional support and representation for students who may not see themselves reflected in their teachers. They understand the importance of being a role model and advocate for all students, but they are left feeling exhausted, being called upon to navigate issues that their white colleagues may not fully understand, be equipped to handle, or simply want to avoid. This can lead to feelings of isolation and burnout among BIPOC educators, ultimately hindering their ability to effectively support students.
Jones emphasized the importance of providing ongoing support and resources for BIPOC educators to thrive in their roles within educational institutions. She also highlighted the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration between educators and school leaders to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals. The next iteration for Jones and Mason is to continue doing the work alongside white leaders, creating systemic change with suggestions like cohort hiring, shifting from intent to implementation.
The true benefit of affinity spaces for educators of color is realized when diverse perspectives are represented and valued within educational settings, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
This is the work: dismantling systemic barriers and creating a more just educational system for future generations.
Erin Jones has worked in and around schools in different capacities for over 30 years. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her work in education and equity. Since 2017, Erin has spoken to over 500,000 students and provided trainings and keynotes to a similar number of adults. She has three TEDx Talks and recently published a book, “Bridges to Heal US: Stories and Strategies for Racial Healing.”
Angie Mason-Smith serves as Program Director for Career Pathways at Washington STEM where she designs and implements innovative and scalable programs to advance STEM education in Washington state. Her work focuses on excellent, equitable, and engaging K-12 STEM learning, STEM career and college pathways, and STEM literacy.