Conversations with Coach LA

Empowering Equity: Intersectionality in Education Leadership with Craig Aarons-Martin

Episode Summary

🌟 Ready to be inspired? 🎧 Don't miss this special episode of Conversations with Coach LA featuring Craig Aarons-Martin, an award-winning educator and school leader with over 20 years of experience in urban education! 🏫 Tune in to discover how Craig's bold and joyful solutions are amplifying equity and belonging in schools. 🌈 Listen now to gain insights from a National Distinguished Principal and Elementary Principal of the Year! More about this episode's guest: Craig Aarons-Martin is an award-winning teacher & school leader with 20+ years of experience in urban education serving as a mentor, instructional coach, teacher developer, and professional learning facilitator. Martin also works with groups, individuals, and organizations to create bold and joyful solutions that amplify equity and belonging. Craig is also the co-host of SELinEDU, The Podcast. Craig was named the 2018 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the 2018 Elementary Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators Association. In 2009, Boston Public Schools awarded Craig the Educator of the Year award. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Dillard University in his native New Orleans, Louisiana, and his Master of Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Site: https://linktr.ee/craigcmartin

Episode Notes

Introduction:

In today's episode,  Therapist_Coach LA has the pleasure of inviting  Craig Aarons-Martin to her virtual couch, the visionary Founder of CCM Education Group. With a rich history in educational leadership and a passion for transformative change, Craig leads initiatives that address critical issues in K-12 education. Today, we'll delve into how CCM Education Group champions belonging and inclusion in schools, confronts anti-blackness, supports the social-emotional wellbeing of youth and educators (with a focus on those identifying as LGBTQ+), and tackles the complex issue of body dysmorphia.

 About Craig Aarons-Martin:

• Founder and driving force behind CCM Education Group Consulting LLC.
• Boston Educator of the Year, Massachusetts Elementary Principal of the Year, and Nationally Distinguished Principal
• Champion for Inclusive Leadership, Belonging, and excellence in culturally & linguistically prosperous school communities.

Today's Discussion Highlights:

1.  Cultivating Belonging and Inclusion in Schools:

• The strategies CCM Education Group employs to create environments where every student, particularly those from marginalized communities, feels seen and valued.
• The importance of integrating culturally responsive teaching methods to combat anti-blackness and promote a more inclusive curriculum.
•   Success stories from schools that have effectively implemented these practices.

2.  Addressing Anti-Blackness:

• The critical work to identify, address, and dismantle anti-blackness within school cultures, curriculums, and policies.
• The role of educators and leaders in recognizing and challenging systemic racism and its impact on students and communities.

3.  Supporting Social-Emotional Wellbeing at the Intersections of Race & Sexuality:

• The initiatives aimed at enhancing the social-emotional health of both students and educators, with particular attention to the needs of those who identify as LGBTQ+.
• Approaches to create safe, supportive spaces that affirm diverse identities and foster mental and emotional wellbeing.

4.  Confronting Body Dysmorphia:

• Understanding the importance of addressing body dysmorphia and its impact on students' self-esteem and performance.
•  Strategies for schools to provide support, resources, and education to help students navigate these challenges.

Call to Action:

1.  Foster Inclusive Environments:  Educators and school leaders are called to actively engage in professional development and training to better create and maintain inclusive, anti-racist learning environments.

2.  Champion Social-Emotional Wellbeing:  We encourage schools and educational communities to prioritize mental health resources and support systems, especially for marginalized and LGBTQ+ youth.

3.  Holistic Care & Education On Our Bodies, Identity, and Sexuality:  Schools are urged to implement programs and resources to address and support issues related to body dysmorphia, ensuring students have access to the care and understanding they need.

Conclusion:

Craig Aarons-Martin's leadership through CCM Education Group is making strides in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing today's educational landscape. By prioritizing inclusion, confronting anti-blackness, and supporting the holistic wellbeing of our youth, CCM is paving the way for a more equitable and compassionate future in education.

 Contact Information:

To learn more about CCM Education Group and how to contribute to these critical initiatives, visit us here: https://ccmeducationgroup.org

Stay connected with Craig Aarons-Martin and CCM Education Group on social media for the latest updates and insights: https://linktr.ee/craigcmartin.