Resources for Educators supporting DREAMers

*This page will be updated as new information / resources become available.

 

Be present and available to observe and listen

There is a lot of fear and anxiety for students amidst the Administration’s deliberations that DACA might end.  Students may be impacted directly or might be concerned about family members or friends. Be present during school transitions. Ask students how they are feeling. Tell your students they can come to you, that they are safe with you, that you will stand up for them! One way to show support is to get familiar with the unique mental health issues facing youth in immigrant communities and learn some of the tips and tools for wellness.

 

 

Stay informed

By staying up to date on the rapidly changing immigration policy landscape impacting DREAMers you will be aware of what your students are bringing into school every day and can be a better informed ally to #DefendDACA. With so much uncertainty accessing quality information and resources is essential. The NEA Office of General Counsel compiled this guidance to lay out what the end of DACA could mean for legal status and employment.

 

 

Connect these current events to your classroom

Engaging our students by accurately teaching about immigration, we offer a space to hold constructive dialogue. Deepen your students’ understanding of the contributions immigrants have and still make and find strategies for serving immigrant students and families. Educators are also developing thematic units where students have the opportunity to share their own stories and experiences.

 

 

Step into the community

Educators bring the unique skills of having a deep connection to their students and are considered trusted voices by the community. Reach out to a local immigrant rights group and see how you can help. It may be by securing some public space like at the local library and hosting a Know Your Rights presentation and sharing resources like this Deportation Defense Card.

 

 

Address acts of racism and hate

Rhetoric and policy out of the Trump Administration appears to be driving an escalation in incidents of hate and bias and bullying based in perceived national origin in our schools.

Before a Crisis Occurs: How can you and other school leaders assess your school’s climate with an eye toward defusing tension, preventing escalation and avoiding problems? Click here

When There’s a Crisis. What are the key points to consider when responding to a crisis that has been triggered by a bias incident at your school? Click here

After the Worst is Over. How can you address long-term planning and capacity building for the future, including development of social emotional skills?  Click here

For more resources on addressing hate and bias.

 

 

Stand united

No matter what happens we will not stop fighting for our immigrant students and communities. Please take a moment and add your voice.

 

  • Freedom to Read

    Censoring books written by mostly Black, brown, and LGBTQ authors denies students the ability to see themselves and understand our similarities and our differences. We’re joining together to make sure every student has to look no further than the shelves of their own school libraries to find age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected.

  • Honesty in Education

    Together, we can demand that our schools have the resources to meet every child’s needs with well-trained and supported teachers and a curriculum that helps them reckon with and shape our future.

  • COVID-19 & Our Communities

    The systemic inequities that are laid bare by COVID-19 increase the stressors on our students, our families and the most vulnerable in our communities. As we organize together for a better tomorrow, we are sharing ways that educators and allies are addressing the challenges and keeping us connected and caring for each other.

  • Racial Justice is Education Justice

    Our education system is intended to uphold equal opportunity, but too often it also entrenches racial disparities by its design. We are engaging educators, students and allies to foster real dialogue around issues of racial justice in education and to mobilize and take action for education justice.

  • Support Ethnic Studies Programs

    From campaigns to require schools to offer ethnic studies courses, to efforts to change the names of schools honoring Confederate leaders, students and educators are mobilizing to include voices of the diverse ethnicities that have contributed to the history and culture of the United States.

  • Black Lives Matter @ School

    The goal of Black Lives Matter @ School is to spark an ongoing movement of critical reflection and honest conversation in school communities for people of all ages to engage with issues of racial justice.

  • Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline

    Zero tolerance and other exclusionary school discipline policies are pushing kids out of the classroom and into the criminal justice system at unprecedented rates. Learn how educators, students and families are building relationships and community to address and prevent conflict.

  • Families Belong Together

    Immigration issues are complicated. But some things are simple. We should not punish children for decisions they didn’t make. We should not separate families. And we should provide a trusted path to citizenship for immigrant Dreamers. Read how educators are taking action on these issues.

  • Dreamers

    Dreamers are young, aspiring Americans – part of our communities. They are students who deserve every opportunity to learn, educators who inspire children each day, members of the military, our neighbors and friends. These are their stories. This is their voice.

  • School Safe Zones

    All students should have the opportunity to learn without the fear and distress that results from harsh immigration enforcement. Many school districts are making their campuses “safe zones” for immigrant students and communities. You can be part of this movement.

  • Protecting Our Students' Civil Rights

    In the face of federal civil rights rollbacks and threats, educators, parents and students are organizing to adopt school board policies that strengthen student protections. Find model policies and strategies that will empower you to ensure all students’ right to a safe and affirming school.

  • Supporting LGBTQ Youth

    LGTBQ students face unique challenges in our schools. They are more likely to face bullying and harassment leading to poor grades, higher dropout rates and homelessness. Safe and affirming schools are a core element of student success.

  • Educational Equity for Women and Girls

    All students deserve equal access to educational opportunities. However, girls and women often face structural barriers that threaten their success in school and beyond. Girls of color are more likely than white girls to face unfair discipline. And sexual harassment and violence in school are problems that confront most all girls. Learn how educators, students and allies are mobilizing to support the needs of all students — regardless of gender.

  • Facing Hate and Bias at School

    All students have a right to a public education in a safe learning environment. But right now, many of our students are scared, anxious, and feeling threatened. Students and educators around the country are reporting hostile and hateful environments in their schools and communities. When students feel that they are not welcome, their ability to learn and thrive is diminished.