Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors: Supporting Diversity and Inclusion with Storybooks
WORKSHOP CONTENT STRAND
Literacy & Social Justice
Session Description
Let's take a closer look at the books on our shelves. Are they reflective of the wonderful diverse communities all around us? Do the children we work with see themselves and their families, friends and neighbors represented? Using Dr. Rudine Bishop's "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" Framework, we will discuss key features to look for while building your classroom library. We will discuss and share a few examples of favorite inclusive titles and demonstrate concrete strategies that uplift diversity while sharing books with young children.
Speaker(s)
Maya Gutierrez
Director of Programs
Partners in Early Learning
With a passion for supporting social justice work in early childhood environments, Maya has worked in the Early Childhood and Family Support fields for over 15 years. She has experience in providing training and consulting in anti-bias education for early childhood providers. Additionally, Maya previously served as director for Aspiranet’s Contra Costa Early Childhood Programs, managing the Welcome Home Baby home visiting program, First 5 Family Resource Centers and the Partners in Pregnancy African American Fatherhood program. She holds a Masters in Human Development from Columbia University and is fluent in English and Spanish.
Maya is also a mom to two daughters, ages 6 and 3, and a 7-year-old pup. Currently, Maya's favorite children's books are, Your Name is a Song, and One. One of Maya's passions is admiring nature, so she tries to get outside as much as she can!
Cecilia Valdez
Curriculum Specialist
Partners in Early Learning
Cecilia Valdez holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education from CSU East Bay and has over 15 years of experience in the field as an educator and administrator. She brings expertise in designing and implementing curriculum that helps educators, parents, and nonprofit staff deepen their understanding of early literacy, social-emotional learning, math, trauma-informed practices, and more. Cecilia is currently a Curriculum Specialist at Tandem where she is thrilled to work in her native Bay Area partnering with children, families, educators and the community to promote early learning.