Educating Young Children Volume 1 - Summer 2025 | Page 55

› What opportunities exist to elevate the voices of all educators, including educators of color, in decision-making processes?

› How can you foster a collaborative environment where educators of color feel supported in sharing their unique experiences and challenges?

For educators

› How can you advocate for a more inclusive work environment?

› What readings, media, or professional development experiences would you like to explore related to cultural competence and equity? How could you apply them when working with colleagues?

› What can you do to contribute a sense of community among your colleagues?

Jason Downer, PhD, is a clinical community psychologist, director of the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, and professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia.

Xiangyu Olivia Zhao, MS, is a PhD candidate in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia whose research focuses on the quality of early care and education environments and teachers’ social-emotional competence and well-being.

Paula Muente is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Virginia, majoring in economics and minoring in global studies of education.

Xavier Elzie, MA, MEd, is a third-year doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology program at the University of Virginia.

Sasha Miller-Marshall, MEd, MSEd, is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology program at the University of Virginia.

Thomas Weiss, MEd, is a second-year doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology program at the University of Virginia.

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