Resources
Looking for helpful tools, guides, and insights? You've come to the right place.
This page is a curated collection of valuable resources designed to support you—whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your expertise. From book suggestions to honest answers to difficult questions, everything here is created or hand-picked to help you get real results.
We’ll update this page regularly, so be sure to check back often. If there's something specific you're looking for and don’t see here, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help.
Recent Readings
Key Takeaways:
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Data must be in services to students, not in services to compliance
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Data is humanizing information
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Reinforced my current philosophy:
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Talking about race or culture is NOT the same as being racist!
Define Educational Equity
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"Educational equity in classrooms means that teachers distribute resources, opportunities, and treatment in a manner that results in comparable outcomes regardless of identity. "
Knips, Andrew, et al. Equity in Data: A Framework for What Counts in Schools. ASCD, 2023.
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"Educational equity means that every child receives whatever she/he/they need to develop her/his/their full academic and social potential and to thrive, every day."
Aguilar, E. (2020) Coaching for equity: Conversations that change practice. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass.
My Philosophy
Pause & Get Curious!
Before I get offended, I Pause and Get Curious!
Before I get to work, I Pause and am Curious!
First, seek to understand before being understood.
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Questions from the Field
This question was sent in from a Massachusetts public school classroom teacher in 2025.
Hello Kalise,
I've loved the perspective on cultural proficiency you have brought to our campus. I am a science teacher and it occurred to me last week during a class discussion that I feel a little stuck about language choice. I like to talk about hard topics head on and feel perfectly comfortable talking about female scientists who have been overlooked; for example how Rosalind Franklin still does not get the credit for discovering DNA.
However, when it came up in discussion last week that Tracy Chapman did not win a grammy for Fast Car but the southern, white guy did, I realized that as a white woman I am still a little uncomfortable addressing this subject with the most identity-affirming language. I know that African American, Black and people of color are not necessarily interchangeable but I feel uncomfortable not knowing which is the most inclusive and respective term to use. I want to get it right no matter what the races are in front of me.
Can you please guide me as to what language to use in these types of situations?
Thank you so much,
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My Thinking was recorded on a Voice message. Cut and paste the link to listen.
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Question From the Field?
Some of my students have been negatively impacted by ICE Raids.
How do I help?
Public School teacher in MA
My Thinking:
The first step is to ensure you have support. Identify your support system and lean on it as needed. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
As educators, we understand that students cannot learn if they don’t feel psychologically safe. When students are under stress or in distress, their brains aren’t physiologically able to relax enough to allow the hippocampus—the part responsible for memory and learning—to function effectively.
So here’s the truth: it’s not about which side of an issue you stand on. What matters most is that you, as the adult and the educator in the room, are creating a space where every student feels safe enough to learn.
It’s important to remember that educators alone cannot solve all the inequities that exist in society. That’s not our role, nor is it possible. Focus on your sphere of control and influence—your classroom, your school building. While students are in your care, do everything you can to make sure they feel seen, heard, and treated with fairness and respect.
Be a consistent source of support—a listening ear and a safe space where they can ask questions, process emotions, and explore their identities.
You may not be able to guarantee they’ll be treated equitably outside the school walls, but while they’re with you, you can ensure they experience the humanity and dignity they deserve.
Other resources:
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LUCEMASS.org
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Kids in Need of Defense (KIND): Offers free legal representation to unaccompanied and separated children facing immigration proceedings.
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Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Provides resources and education on immigration law, including "Red Cards" informing immigrants of their rights during encounters with ICE.
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Emergency Planning Guide for Families: The Massachusetts Office of Attorney General offers a guide to help families prepare for potential separation due to immigration enforcement, including legal options for child care and custody.
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