Episode 27: Tough questions about Private Schools with NAIS President, Donna Orem

Episode 27: Tough Questions About Private Schools with NAIS President, Donna Orem

What are the tools for teachers and schools, trying to navigate a new era when many parents and students are looking for more equity, and other parents are resisting change to the status quo?

This week Collette and Lisa ask Donna Orem, what, exactly, the organization is doing to help schools truly invest in equity, historically accurate curriculum and teacher training. Orem says the National Association of Independent Schools exists to lead and support a very diverse membership of independent schools. We ask her about the tools, the promises, and what schools and parents can do now to shift campus culture.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

  • Where is DEI in the NAIS Mission and Vision?

  • How did NAIS help schools confronted with Black@ feedback?

  • How systems of help and harm get examined at independent schools

  • What are boards for? Fundraising or supporting school purpose?

  • How diversity of NAIS membership means different approaches for different schools in advancing DEI initiatives

SHOW NOTES

Learn more about the NAIS

Donna's Bio: https://www.nais.org/about/about-the-president/

And NAIS’ efforts to Cultivate Diverse and Inclusive School Communities:

Learn how Private School Village (PSV) builds community by providing programs, sharing resources, and organizing events for Black families in private schools. In partnership with schools and parents, PSV centers this work around increasing racial socialization, racial literacy, representation, and related research.

The Private School Axis provides services and community for families of color on their independent school journey, from admissions through graduation.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and connect with us on Instagram!

Intro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Next
Next

Episode 26: “Wokeness”at Your Child’s Private School w/Brian Platzer from The Atlantic