The DEI Practitioner's Handbook

The work of advancing and embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts within school systems requires a roadmap for success. This book provides step-by-step advice for any educator who is serving in the capacity of a DEI-related role, from a teacher or director to an assistant superintendent. Author Erica Buchanan-Rivera takes you through the complexities and controversies of the work, the commonly shared roles and responsibilities of DEI practitioners, and pitfalls to avoid. She shows you how to create an inclusive institutional culture, which involves the work of building capacity and a common language for DEI, normalizing critical conversations, creating coalitions, and honoring human and civil rights. In addition, she helps you tackle challenging aspects of DEI roles such as dealing with resistance and pushback, responding to political and oppositional movements, plugging families into systems work, and protecting your wellness and peace. Through detailed accounts that uplift experiences of DEI practitioners across the country, this resource will help you understand how to thrive and navigate your crucial school and community role.