The Antiracist English Language Arts Classroom

Book excerpt: How can you incorporate antiracist practices into specific subject areas? This practical guide answers that question and provides a road map for introducing antiracism into the English language arts (ELA) classroom with teacher-friendly tools and strategies. Drawing on foundational and cutting-edge knowledge of antiracism, expert Keisha Rembert responds to the following questions: What does antiracism look like in the English language arts classroom, given the unique responsibilities of the ELA educator; why is it vital to implement antiracist practices that are relevant to your classroom and school; and how can you enact antiracist pedagogies that foster critical engagement and stimulate a culture of antiracism? Aligned with National Council of Teachers of English standards, this accessible resource is replete with hands-on antiracist activities, teacher insights and interviews, questions to spark reflection and action and lesson plans and is essential reading for all ELA teachers. From building an antiracist foundation to evaluating the effect of antiracist practice on students and reflecting on your own lived experience, this book is a truly comprehensive guide for educators who want to empower all students. Rembert demonstrates how to find motivation in progress and joy in the process, pushing past confusion and discomfort in a continued effort to create an equitable, inclusive and antiracist ELA classroom.