Leading the Charge: Dr. Tauheedah Baker-Jones on Equity Work and Breaking Barriers in Education

More Than a Test

In today's episode, host Laura Glaab is joined by a true education trailblazer, Dr. Tauheedah Baker-Jones. As the Chief Equity and Social Justice Officer for Atlanta Public Schools, Tauheeda

h shares her remarkable journey, from her initial desire to become a principal to her love for teaching and commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students and families. She leads with grace, compassion, and a deep understanding of the challenges in education,

Baker-Jones navigates the complex world of emotions and polarizing politics, advocating for what is best for children and fostering constructive conversations. Join us as we delve into the incredible work of the Center for Equity and Social Justice, the power of leadership development programs, and the vision for the South to become a national model in education equity. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened by Dr. Tauheedah Baker-Jones' dedication to illuminating minds and opening doors to a brighter future.

Timestamps

[00:01:50] Baker-Jones on being the first female equity officer in Atlanta Public Schools; ambiguity, hesitation, anticipation, resistance, responsibilities.

[00:04:49] Addressing controversy by understanding concerns, and offering remedies.

[00:08:47] Understanding, advocating, and modeling for parents.

[00:16:54] Navigating uncomfortable leadership roles, risking reputation.

[00:24:04] Focus on underserved students to improve outcomes.

[00:26:37] Growing up in the crack epidemic era in NJ led to a passion for education.

[00:31:54] Former student of Baker-Jones becomes Harvard history professor.

[00:37:36] Atlanta Public Schools honored for equity work, hosting Polish delegation to learn from them.

[00:39:44] Teachers have the power to address inequities.

[00:44:33] Computers and phones push the education paradigm shift.

[00:45:30] "See the invisible, do the impossible."

Connect with Dr. Tauheedah Baker-Jones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tauheedahbaker/

Website: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

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Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

She thinks everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD