Staff Affinity Groups
BIPOC
Staff of Color in NPS represent a small percentage of the overall school population. This may present challenges of isolation, exclusion and lack of community. The hope is that providing affinity spaces will offer a place for support and safety which will positively impact experiences in NPS. With support from Newton Schools Foundation, we have launched district-wide affinity groups for all NPS staff who identify as BIPOC.
Staff will meet bi-monthly with their grade cohorts, as well as invited to district-wide events held at the beginning and end of each school year.
Planning will prioritize needs and feedback from BIPOC staff with these objectives in mind:
- Offer safe spaces to meet other staff of color with similar responsibilities and challenges
- Create opportunities for staff of color to discuss and support daily challenges of microaggressions and racism
- Learn and share strategies to implement in support of inclusion, diverse curriculum and school-based activities
- Develop networking and mentorship opportunities to support career advancement