S7E3: Dr. Andrea Kane on Racism, Education, and Hope

Naked Conversations: Race, Culture, & Beyond

We are joined today by none other than THE Dr. Andrea M Kane, one of the most courageous & bold women we know, working tirelessly to transform the public education system. Wow, you are in for a treat.

Listen to hear us talk about:

- What is educational equity?

- Savior complex in teaching environments is a disservice: the fine line between coddling and supporting.

- Why teachers must unpack their own biases if they want to truly support their students

- Sustainability in activist work: how to stay grounded and motivated, how to support other people to stay in the game

- Why the public education system is an aspirational endeavor

- Dr Kane’s own experience of backlash & negativity in response to speaking out against racial injustice

About Dr. Andrea M. Kane:

Dr. Kane is a Professor of Practice in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. She took on this role after serving as the the first African American Superintendent for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, where she set professional and personal goals focused on implementing equitable practices across all areas of the organization including improving black, brown, and poor students’ access to advanced learning opportunities, offering the first African American Studies course in district history, building a diverse workforce, promoting student voice, and providing cultural proficiency/educational equity professional development to all employees.

Dr. Kane’s visionary leadership proved to be effective in large suburban, urban, and small rural districts with the following as some of her achievements:

- recognition for the first fully virtual learning program for public elementary and middle school students in Maryland,

- achieving Green School certification in 100% of schools in Queen Anne's County Public Schools (QACPS) in 2020 and 2021,

- first National Blue Ribbon School in QACPS history (2020-21)

- a grant award for one million dollars for an innovative outdoor environmental education and STEAM summer program in 2021,

- and induction into the prestigious Baltimore City College High School Hall of Fame (2018)

What Dr. Andrea Kane is currently hooked on:

Ozark & the new Jurassic Park movie

Links and Resources Mentioned:

New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/10/us/politics/maryland-superintendent-racism-black-lives-matter.html

Dr Andrea Kane’s Co-Authored Book: Coaching Champions: How to Understand the Players Before Giving the Plays - A Guide to Improvement and Success (May 2019).

Connect with us and learn more about our work:

Sage: Speaking, leadership development & coaching, team building, and group facilitation www.sagebhobbs.com

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagebhobbs/

Erica: Executive coaching and organizational strategy at Flying Colors LLC:

https://www.flyingcolorsllc.com/flying-colors-about-us-

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