The following blog is the final of 11 dedicated to providing an overview of the No-Nonsense Nurturer leader behaviors in anticipation of CT3’s summer leadership workshops which started last week. We support all leaders with behaviors essential for every organization.
The No-Nonsense Nurturer® Leader:
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- Models humility
- Sets high expectations
- Creates a culture of coaching
- Builds collective efficacy
- Recognizes and develops growth mindsets, always striving to be asset based
- Solicits voice and perspective
- Innovates
- Generates culture (and systems) of accountability
- Builds trusting relationships
- Commits to being an anti-racist
In this series, we shared blogs from several CT3 associates. The series noted personal stories, practices, and examples of how you can commit to each of the No-Nonsense Nurturer leader behaviors. In this final blog, we revisit the 10th behavior — committing to being an anti-racist.
Public schools were originally created to support middle class, white students. In order to survive, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC ) students are forced to assimilate or adopt the practices of the white culture. As leaders, it is up to us to question racist policies and make choices on implementing policies that ensure assimilation is no longer an expectation and all youth are included, represented, and heard in the educational space.
But how can I contribute as a leader in my school/district?
Commit to being action oriented to fight oppressive structures that limit opportunities for the students you serve. Below I list ten actions/moves to implement in your daily practice.
- Take a position against microaggressions, hate, and exclusive behaviors. Silence = agreement. If something doesn’t seem right, speak up.
- Think before you speak. Words can hurt whether you mean them to or not. Invite those you trust and respect to give you feedback if you (unknowingly) make an offensive statement. Commit that when they give you feedback, you will not be defensive, and you will listen and learn.
- Explore the unfamiliar. Put yourself in situations where you are in the visible minority.
- Be proactive. Talk to your team, students, and your community candidly about race.
- Eliminate stereotypical jokes from your environment.
- Be a role model and help educate others regarding your own experiences. Ask and listen to others about their experiences.
- Don’t make assumptions. Ask questions.
- Consider how race and racism impact your life and those around you. Discuss this with your team, your students, your friends, and family members.
- Don’t let others get away with biased language or behavior. Support their anti-racist journey by giving them feedback.
- Learn about other people and their cultures. Read about the real American history.
While this list is certainly not exhaustive, the possibilities you can explore in your anti-racist journey are. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Understand your privilege and how you can use that privilege to support the community you have committed to serving every day.
By Kristyn Klei Borrero, Ed.D., CT3 co-founder and former CEO
Check out CT3 Education programs such as No-Nonsense Nurturer, Real Time Teacher Coaching, and Real Time Leadership Coaching to find out more about Professional Development for Teachers and Leaders, classroom management strategies, and building relationships with students and their families, and properly addressing important issues in the classroom and school.
Category: Anti-Racism, Leadership, Education
The No-Nonsense Nurturer Leader Is Committed to Being an Anti-Racist — Part 1
