Inclusive Excellence

Message from the Dean

Dear RCOE Community,

I am struggling, I say that because I know words are inadequate right now, but I also know that silence is not an option, and I care about each of you. To our Black faculty, staff, students, and community friends and partners, I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing. Your college is here to stand with you and support you.

I want to acknowledge the grief and pain that is being felt across our country and in our local communities. The recent killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and most recently George Floyd - these are examples of the systemic racial injustice that plagues our country. The news/media venues and headlines are full of stories and words sharing the pain and the anger. It is heartbreaking and overwhelming, but we cannot be silent in word, or deed.

Our collective work as educators, as a college, becomes even more important now. We must work to commit to not only acknowledging the problematic histories and practices that have perpetuated racial injustice, but we must commit to supporting educational opportunities for individuals and communities that are impacted by these legacies of racism.

As a college of education with a commitment to socially just practices, we have a responsibility to ask – what can we do, what must we do? Even more, we must lead in sharing our voices condemning systemic racial injustice.

I am grateful for each of you. I am optimistic in our future as we focus together on our commitment to educational justice and equity and for the humanity of every person. I continue to work through my role as a leader in this. I know words are not enough. If you need support in a particular way during this time, or into the future please let me know.

My Best,

Melba Spooner, Dean

Reich College of Education Inclusive Excellence Team

Dr. Tempestt Adams, Department of Curriculum and Instruction Liaison
Dr. Elizabeth Bellows, Inclusive Excellence Coordinator, RCOE Faculty Fellow
Dr. Kristen Benson, Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling Liaison
Dr. Brandy Bryson, Inclusive Excellence Director
Dr. Dionne Busio, Department of Family and Child Studies Liaison
Tammie Gelderman, Staff Liaison
Dr. Susan Hedges, Department of Reading Education and Special Education Liaison
Dr. Greg McClure, Inclusive Excellence Coordinator
Dr. Alicia Muhammad, James Center for Student Success and Advising Liaison
Dr. Patrick O’Shea, Department of Leadership and Educational Studies Liaison
Dr. Matthew Thomas-Reid, Inclusive Excellence Coordinator

Reich College of Education’s Anti-racist Framework

As faculty and staff in the Reich College of Education, we are keenly interested and invested in doing the work of anti-racism as it applies to all work we do in the college.

The IE Team invites you to sign the RCOE Anti-Racist Framework.

Events and Workshops

Courageous Conversation Series

The RCOE Office of the Dean and the RCOE Inclusive Excellence Team present the Courageous Conversation Series. To continue our Inclusive Excellence efforts in the RCOE, we will introduce the use of affinity groups for this conversation. We will use this “6 R” framework to guide our small group breakout sessions. It is not necessary that you attended the previous sessions before this one.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Online (Sign-up to receive the Zoom link)

NABSE presents Mobilizing and Organizing in Our Communities Town Hall Forum

Join us! Change begins within by speaking out! These series of Virtual Town Hall Forums seek to disrupt racial inequities by engaging school leaders and teachers to become bold, courageous, passionate and willing to do whatever it takes to change systems and structures in dealing with racism. Educators must step out of positions of complacency and do what is necessary to erase racism, injustice and inequity. These virtual sessions will be held throughout the year to achieve equitable solutions to challenges faced daily.

RCOE graduate students Karen L. Anderson and Samuel D. McMillian are featured speakers for the event.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2020
Time: 7::00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Virtual

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/NABSESoutheast_TownHall2

Sponsored by the North Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators and NABSE Southeast Region
For more information, visit the website: ncnabseaffiliates.org.

Courageous Conversations: A Discussion with James Ford and E(race)ing Inequities in NC Public Schools

The James Center for Student Success and Advising and the Reich College of Education (RCOE) Inclusive Excellence Liaisons Team present Courageous Conversations: A Discussion with James Ford and E(race)ing Inequities in NC Public Schools.

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Online (Sign-up to receive the Zoom link)

For disability accommodation, visit odr.appstate.edu.

Netflix and Representation Discussion Group

Facilitated by Dr. Damiana Pyles, Media Studies, Curriculum and Instruction

On the first Thursday of every month, we will gather together in Zoom to discuss popular Netflix shows to examine race, ethnicity, and sexualities. All are welcome to the discussions.

Dates: October 8, November 5, December 3, February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual

For more information and Zoom links, click here.