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Photos from TSJ's 13th Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair 2014

December 10, 2014 0 comments


(photo credit: Ervin Lopez)
On Saturday, November 22, 2014, Teachers for Social Justice (TSJ) hosted their 13th Annual Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair. TSJ is an organization of educators who is committed to education for social justice. The fair brings together educators and supporters from across the county to educate and share ideas about how schools can empower students.

(photo credit: Ervin Lopez)
This year's fair focused on 'Democratize Education! Democratize Chicago!' This year, TSJ was honored to host two educators who have dedicated their lives for a just educated. Kali Akuno from Malcom X Grassroots Movement and Jackson from the Chicago Teachers Union were the keynote speakers. In addition, 15 workshops were held on issues, a few included discussing using education to resist neoliberalism, strategizing for economic and political democracy, resisting standardize tests, cop watching, among others. Also, over 60 excellent exhibitors and organizations presented their resources and curriculum to share with attendees. This year's curriculum fair attracted over 800 people. The fair  was held at North Grand High School in the North West side of Chicago.


(photo credit: Ervin Lopez)
(photo credit: Ervin Lopez)

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Democratize Education! Democratize Chicago!

November 14, 2014 0 comments

13th Teaching For Social Justice Curriculum Fair: 
Democratize Education!
Democratize Chicago! 

Nov. 22   10 am to 4 pm
North Grand HS
4338 W. Wabansia St., Chicago
ALL ARE WELCOME!
[don't forget to register here and don't forget your water bottle!!!!]

TSJ Curriculum Fair KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: 

 
Kali Akuno-an organizer, educator, and writer for human rights and social justice. He is an organizer for the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (www.mxgm.org) and former Co-Director of the US Human Rights Network (www.ushrnetwork.org). Kali also served as the Executive Director of the Peoples' Hurricane Relief Fund based in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. And he was a co-founder of the School of Social Justice and Community Development, a public school serving the academic needs of low-income African American and Latino communities in Oakland, CA. Kali has authored many articles and pamphlets on how government counterinsurgency, state violence, the drug war, mass incarceration and neoliberalism impact Black communities. Two of his most recent works include, Operation Ghetto Storm: Every 28 Hours and Let Your Motto Be Resistance: A Handbook on Organizing New Afrikan and Oppressed Communities for Self-Defense.

Kali recently served as the Coordinator of Special Projects and External Funding in Jackson, MS in the administration of the late Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. He is also a co-founder and coordinator of Cooperation Jackson, an emerging network of worker and consumer cooperatives in Jackson (www.CooperationJackson.org).


Jackson Potter is a Chicago Public Schools graduate. He was a high school
activist who led a walk-out at Whitney Young HS in 1995 to push for equitable funding for schools in Illinois. After college he worked at Englewood High School and was the union delegate there and joined a rank-and-file group of teachers to form the Renaissance 2010 committee within the Chicago Teachers Union. He and Al Ramírez formed CORE in May of 2008 and joined with community organizations in the Grassroots Education Movement. In June of 2010, CORE won the general election for the leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union, the third largest teachers local in the country. Jackson currently serves the CTU as the staff coordinator.

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Exciting, provocative CF Workshops:

SESSION 1, 12:00 - 1:15

 
1. Continuing the Conversation: Dialogue on Strategy for Economic and Political Democracy. (Kali Akuno and Teachers for Social Justice).

2. Community Will in Action; Sustainable Community Schools and the Fight for Dyett High School (Coalition to Revitalize Dyett High School).

3. African and Mexican Cultural Materials for STEM Classrooms (Beatrice Lumpkin, Patricia Flagg Poole).

4. This Is Not a Test: New Narratives on Race, Class, and Teaching in the City. (José Vilson, Jen Johnson, Mayra Almáraz-DeSantiago, Greg Michie)

5.Tobacco Timeline (David Bender, American Indian Center)

6. Talking With Youth About the Police: Activities & Resources. (Mariame Kaba, Project NIA). 

7. Señor Presidente Le Vengo a Decir/ Mr. President I'm Here To Tell You: Using Traditional Community Music As a Catalyst for Cultural Justice in The Barrio. (Maya Fernandez, Stephanie Rodriguez, Jackie Rodriguez, Camilo Rincon, Alexee Castro, Rafael Rincon, Gina Gamboa, Raul Fernandez, & Laura Cambron).


8. A Practical Toolkit for Test Resistance (More Than A Score coalition including Chicago Teachers Union—Kim Goldbaum and Sarah Chambers [CTU], Sherise McDaniel [CPS parent], Emmanuel Murillo [Curie HS student]).

SESSION 2, 1:45 - 3:00

9. (special organizing workshop) Democratize Education, Democratize Chicago!-Next Steps. (Teachers for Social Justice and other members of the Grassroots Education Movement [GEM] and Communities Organized for Democracy in Education [CODE]).

10. Where's the Money?  Understanding CPS budgets and Fighting for Revenue (Matthew Luskin, Chicago Teachers Union)

11. Resisting Teach For America (Katie Osgood, CPS)

12. Know Your Rights and Cop Watch Training for Educators and School Staff. (Sharlyn Grace and Monica Trinidad, We Charge Genocide and Community Activism Law Alliance)

13. Building Critical Curriculum on Chicago's Schooling and Education (grades 7-16). (Asif Wilson, Dave Stovall, Isaura Pulido, Ann Aviles de Bradley, Anton Miglietta, Cecily Relucio Hensler, Gabe Cortez, Chicago Grassroots Curriculum Task Force)

14. Equip Students with Social Justice Vocabulary: Identity Webs, The Sneetches & More!   (Genevieve Erker Caffrey, 4th-6th grade teacher).

15. From Chicago to Ayotzinapa: Education as a Site for the Fight Against Neoliberalism and State Repression. (Laura Ramírez, Rosemarie Domínguez, Jesus Chávez, Jennifer Juárez). 
 
AND DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER...HERE!!!



Parking Info for Curriculum Fair

Saturday, Nov 22, 2014
10 AM - 4 PM
North Grand HS
4338 W. Wabansia St., Chicago
ALL ARE WELCOME!

[don't forget to register here and don't forget your water bottle!!!!]
logo

Parking is available in the school parking lot AND across Kostner Avenue in the Cook Brothers parking lot, in the EAST side of the lot, nearest to Kostner and the HS. 

The picture below shows it...

See you tomorrow!

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CumbiaSazo! Dance Party + TSJ After-Party #TSJCF14

November 13, 2014 0 comments

CumbiaSazo is a cumbia dance party that celebrates music, visual arts & culture and donates to different community causes each event. On November 22, CumbiaSazo teams with Teachers for Social Justice to throw an after-party for the TSJ curriculum fair at Wicker Park's amazing Double Door, where Bomba Con Buya and Texas' DJ Chorizo Funk will perform in addition to over 10 local DJs on 2 floors for a full night of dance & de-stress.

The party also will have food, a live arts stage, and a visual arts market featuring over 20 artists/vendors where you can no doubt find something to enjoy or perhaps gifts for the holiday season.

The CumbiaSazo crew has long-been involved in throwing the after-party for TSJ and we couldn't be more excited to both donate to TSJ and facilitate some dance floor liberation. Be on the lookout for a “teachers lounge” room at the party (lower level) with TSJ merch and a social justice art gallery!

Details:
Saturday, November 22 | 8pm-3am
Double Door
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. | Chicago, IL
21+ | Gender-neutral bathroom & coat check available | Main floor is accessible 

$8 entry w/ RSVP at do312.com/cumbiasazo or by mentioning 'TSJ' at the door. Otherwise it's $15 cover the day of.

For more info and the full music & arts market lineup, visit www.cumbiasazo.com.

http://do312.com/cumbiasazo



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Pre-register NOW for the TSJ Curriculum Fair to avoid the line...

November 11, 2014 0 comments

Click here to register for the 13th annual TSJ Curriculum Fair- November 22 at North-Grand HS, Chicago
When you pre-register you'll be able to enter right away and avoid the lines. You'll also be supplying us with valuable information that will help us plan for your individual needs at the fair. 
Questions? E-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com  

Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair Poster - Design by Ellen Gradman
Poster design by Ellen Gradman @sparkyourart  


If you are not familiar with the CF, please read this now! And you can see video from past CFs here and here

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TSJ SUPPORTS BYRON SIGCHO

November 5, 2014 0 comments

Teachers for Social Justice supports Byron Sigcho for city council in the 25th ward.


We are proud to say that Byron is a longtime active member of TSJ. He is an adult
education teacher with a deep commitment to the families and communities where
he teaches. He has also been a fierce advocate for parents and students against
bullying and racism in schools. Byron is a fighter for high quality public schools in
every neighborhood and against school privatization. His research exposed the UNO
charter school network’s corrupt business practices and their dangerous debt and
financial schemes that are putting children’s education at risk.  As an immigrant to
the U.S. from Ecuador, Byron has a deep understanding of the challenges facing
other immigrants and a deep commitment to immigrant rights and justice.  We need
democracy in Chicago Public Schools, in our neighborhoods, and in the city. We need
living wages, quality affordable housing in our communities, and healthy living
conditions. We know that when Byron is elected he will fight for these things for all
the people in his ward. Go Byron! We are with you. Visit the campaign website at http://teamsigcho.org/ Read the Full Story

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TSJ Meeting: Nov 8, Help Plan the Curriculum Fair!

October 30, 2014 0 comments

TSJ Meeting: Nov 8, Help Plan the Curriculum Fair!

Saturday, Nov 8th, 2014
11AM - 1 PM
UIC College of Education
1040 W. Harrison St.
Room 3233
ALL ARE WELCOME!


logoCome to the LAST MEETING before the TSJ Curriculum Fair (which will be Nov 22) and help plan/build for the 13th 
Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair!! 

Help make this CF be the biggest and most powerful ever, with workshops, curriculum exhibits, resource tables, keynote presentations, food, TSJ t-shirts, books for sale, culture, camaraderie, hundreds of like-minded people, and more!!!

We will break into committees and work-there is plenty to do, and you do not need to have already been involved-Anyone can attend and chip in!

Refreshments will be served! (well, ok, self-service :)


And DON'T Forget to ADVANCE REGISTER! It will help us all!
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Karen Jennings Lewis—Warrior for Justice

October 16, 2014 0 comments

This is our moment! The power of grassroots organizing and a revitalized Chicago Teachers Union has put education justice on the front burner in Chicago. There is broad-based disgust with the dictates of mayor 1% and the corporate and financial elites who are remaking the city in their interests while working class people and people of color are struggling and pushed to the margins.
Every great social movement produces its leaders—women and men, teachers, workers, students, parents who rise to the moment and become the spokespeople, visionaries, and courageous champions of struggles for justice against all odds. Karen Jennings Lewis, teacher and a founder of the Caucus of Rank and File Educators, rose up to lead the Chicago Teachers Union as a social movement union, to dare to challenge Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the historic 2012 Chicago teachers strike, and was poised to contend with some of the most powerful economic and political forces in the U.S. for the mayor of Chicago. Karen has lead the fight against education privatization and Chicago’s racist apartheid education system. Even more, Karen Lewis has stepped to the forefront of a growing movement for justice in our schools, our communities, and our workplaces.


Karen has been an unwavering friend of TSJ since we began working together in 2008. Karen, we are with you in heart and sprit as you battle to regain your health. With humility, we pledge to redouble our efforts to win an elected representative school board for Chicago as a strategic step to increase democracy. This is something we can all unite around. And we pledge to continue to work together with parents, teachers, students, unions, and community members to fight for the schools and the city we deserve.  Karen, we love you!   Keep fighting!
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Sorry, the deadline has passed to exhibit curriculum, have a resource table or present a workshop.

October 10, 2014 0 comments

Thanks for your interest, but time has run out to apply to exhibit curriculum, have a resource table, or present a workshop.

Plan to apply for the 2015 Curriculum Fair. 

We're leaving the rest of this post up here for folks who want to plan for the 2015 Curriculum Fair. 

E-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com for more info!
logo
Do you want to exhibit your curriculum at the TSJ CF?
Click here to apply.

What does it mean to "exhibit" curriculum at the CF?
Each teacher/exhibitor gets a table at the Fair to set up her/his materials. Many teachers exhibit curriculum by bringing a tri-fold board (like those science fair boards) and bring lesson or unit plans, student work, assignments, artifacts, video, whatever, to share their curriculum ideas. Many bring their students along who sit at the table and explain the work with their teachers. The CF is set up so that we can browse the "exhibits," talk with each other, and share lessons. Questions? E-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com 

Do you want to present a workshop? Click here to apply.

What are the workshops?
Although the main focus of the CF is person-to-person contact through the exhibitors at their tables, we also have a limited number of workshops. These range from curricular innovations about social justice pedagogy to, for example, using multicultural children's literature to organizing for educational justice. These provide more in-depth, interactive ways for teachers and students to share what they've been learning and doing in their classrooms, and for activists/organizers to create dialogue and spaces for learning and for all of us to bring democracy to education and Chicago. These are our schools! Questions? E-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com 
Do you want to have a resource table? Click here

What's the difference between an "exhibit" and a "resource table?"
Exhibitors are usually teachers who have taught a lesson, unit, or project, or who have some developed ideas to teach. We really encourage classroom teachers who are doing this work. Resource tables are usually for organizations that produce curriculum and resources for teachers and want to share them w/ others. Questions? E-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com 

Don't want to exhibit or do a workshop? You can click here to register to attend the 13th annual TSJ Curriculum Fair-Saturday, November 22, 2014, 10:00 - 4:00 PM, at North-Grand HS, Chicago
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Help us promote the TSJ Curriculum Fair with these fantastic flyers!

September 22, 2014 0 comments

TSJ thanks Ellen Gradman @sparkyourart for donating her design services to create this amazing poster! 

Any questions about the fair? Please e-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com 
Download, print, copy, and distribute everywhere! 



    
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Register now to attend the 13th Annual TSJ Curriculum Fair!

September 19, 2014 0 comments

TSJ Curriculum Fair Registration-NOW OPEN!

Click here to register for the 13th annual TSJ Curriculum Fair-Saturday, November 22, 2014, 10:00 - 4:00 PM, at North-Grand HS, Chicago
Questions? E-mail us at tsjfair14@gmail.com  
If you're interested in presenting a workshop, exhibiting curriculum or displaying resources click here

Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair Poster - Design by Ellen Gradman
Poster design by Ellen Gradman @sparkyourart  


If you are not familiar with the CF, please read this now! And you can see video from past CFs here and here

If you want to get involved in planning and volunteering at the CF come to our Sept. 27 meeting... for more info click here.
 


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Calling Educators and Organizations for TSJ Curriculum Fair 2014!

September 15, 2014 0 comments



The deadline to apply for the 2014 CF has passed... please plan to apply for the 2015 CF. 

TSJ Curriculum Fair 2014 Is Back!

1. Exhibit Curriculum, or
2. Have a Resource Table, or
3. Present a Workshop!

Applications Available Below!

 
logo
Do you want to exhibit your curriculum at the TSJ CF?
Click here to apply.

What does it mean to "exhibit" curriculum at the CF?
Each teacher/exhibitor gets a table at the Fair to set up her/his materials. Many teachers exhibit curriculum by bringing a tri-fold board (like those science fair boards) and bring lesson or unit plans, student work, assignments, artifacts, video, whatever, to share their curriculum ideas. Many bring their students along who sit at the table and explain the work with their teachers. The CF is set up so that we can browse the "exhibits," talk with each other, and share lessons.
Do you want to present a workshop? Click here to apply.

What are the workshops?
Although the main focus of the CF is person-to-person contact through the exhibitors at their tables, we also have a limited number of workshops. These range from curricular innovations about social justice pedagogy to, for example, using multicultural children's literature to organizing for educational justice. These provide more in-depth, interactive ways for teachers and students to share what they've been learning and doing in their classrooms, and for activists/organizers to create dialogue and spaces for learning and for all of us to bring democracy to education and Chicago. These are our schools!
Do you want to have a resource table? Click here

What's the difference between an "exhibit" and a "resource table?"
Exhibitors are usually teachers who have taught a lesson, unit, or project, or who have some developed ideas to teach. We really encourage classroom teachers who are doing this work. Resource tables are usually for organizations that produce curriculum and resources for teachers and want to share them w/ others.
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TSJ Fall Meeting - Help plan the 13th annual Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair - Sat Sept 27th at 11:00am

September 13, 2014 0 comments

TSJ Fall Meeting
Saturday, Sept 27
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Get involved in creating the 13th annual Teaching for Social Justice Curriculum Fair!


UIC College of Education
1040 W. Harrison Street
Room 3233 (Commons, 3rd Floor) 
ALL ARE WELCOME!


 
logo
AGENDA:
1. Discussion: Democratize Education, Democratize Chicago!
Elected, Representative School Board campaign and the elections
2. Planning the Curriculum Fair
(Learn more and get involved!)

If you are not familiar with the CF, please read this now! It will explain what the CF is. And you can see video from past CFs here and here

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Below is a list of committees-can you help?

Every year, the CF is put on by over 100 volunteers, and you can be one of them! People help out the day of the CF, and many help out before. Right now we are recruiting people to help on the following committees (full committee descriptions and contact info here). Each committee will be holding its own committee meetings, so contact them now to get involved! To volunteer for any committee, click here!

2014 Committees:
Registration Tables 
Outreach/PR
Food
Setup/Cleanup
Healing
Exhibitors & Resource Tables 
Arts and Culture/Merchandise 
Media/Documentation 
Translation/ Accessibility 
Volunteer Coordination 

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UWM & City of Milwaukee: End Charter Enrollment Bribes!

September 12, 2014 0 comments

Please sign this petition from the Milwaukee Teacher Education Association to end the practice of paying parents and community members to enroll or refer students to privately run charter schools in Wisconsin!

Paying parents to sign up for charter schools in Wisconsin

It has come to light this week that several Wisconsin privately-run charter schools have been using $100, $200, and gift cards to bribe parents and community members to refer and enroll children. The schools even specify that to receive a payment, the child referred must be present on Sept. 19. Attendance on this date determines the level of state funding that each school receives.
This bribery scheme to increase enrollment spits in the face of schools that are working hard to increase enrollment the old fashioned way, by providing a quality education. If you think schools shouldn't be able to artificially inflate enrollment through bribes then please sign this petition.

Please share this petition widely!
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/uwm-city-of-milwaukee-end-charter-enrollment-bribes?source=direct_link&


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Talking with Students about Ferguson

September 10, 2014 0 comments


Chicago State University's
Center for Urban Research and Education (CURE)

Presents...

2014-15 Lecture Series
September Event*

Talking with Students about Ferguson
Meaningful Classroom Dialogue about What Happened in Ferguson & What it Means

Panel/Discussion with CSU Faculty, Area Administrators and Teachers

Wednesday, September 17, 2014
5:00-7:45 p.m.

CSU Library Auditorium (4th Floor) 
9501 S. King Drive 

3 CPDUs, Sandwich Bar & Dessert Reception,and Parking $22     

*Co-sponsored with JBV  
Register at:  jbvgradschool.us
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Neighborhood Schools Picnic Saturday, May 24, 10-2

May 12, 2014 0 comments

Neighborhood Schools Picnic
Saturday, May 24, 10-2

McKinley Park Fieldhouse
2210 W. Pershing Rd (39th St)
Celebrate Chicago's NEIGHBORHOOD schools! This event brought to you by Chicago neighborhood schools' parents Download flyer here!!!
  
 


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