MTI Education Justice Center

Building Solidarity and Advocating for What Our Students Need

A Message from MTI Executive Director Jeff Knight (excerpt)

As MTI’s new Executive Director, I am proud to be part of the journey toward a fully inclusive Union that not only works to dismantle systemic racism in our school community, but that takes a critical look inward to address lingering bias and racism within our Union.   The MTI Board of Directors, along with many MTI members, called for racial and social justice to be centered in our Union’s mission. We are acutely aware of, and committed to, the ongoing necessary work ahead AND we want our members to be aware of the work in progress right now within OUR Union.  In continuing to put words to deeds, we encourage each and every MTI member to push into this learning, to challenge your own assumptions and to intentionally seek out the feedback and input from staff of color to inform our Union’s actions. SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE

 June BLM Principles Center:

 Black Families, Black Women, Black, Globalism, and Diversity

MAY/JUNE Principles & Activity Pages

Lesson Planning Resources

#SayHerName Day:Principle: Black Women

June 5, Breonna Taylor’s Birthday–Call for justice for Breonna and uplift the #SayHerName movement

• LFJ Don’t Say Nothing

• Roots Connected: Resources To Support Conversations With Students: Justice For Breonna Taylor

Education for Liberation Day

Principles: Black Families and Diversity

Juneteenth: Education for Liberation day–A day to celebrate the struggle that brought down slavery and reflect on what must be done to win Black liberation 

• Teaching Juneteenth

• Happy Juneteenth

• The Emancipation Proclamation

• Black History in 2 Minutes

  • Teaching guide

  • Black Feminist Organizations

“Teachers are the number one in-school influence on student achievement.”

 LPI Teacher Turn Over: Why it Matters and What We Can Do About It, 2017.

” Being part of this series has impacted my instruction in an amazing way. I have deeper relationships with students and families. My classroom is more inclusive and I have the same high standards for all kids. Students are sharing more. Learning is increasing and school is more fun for me and my students. It is a ton of work. And I am validated with every positive parent message, student hug, thank you note, and when they cheer as they achieve a new academic hurdle. I am making a difference with myself and a lot of people who have felt less acknowledged in other environments.”

What is MTI Education Justice Center?

• At MTI, we recognize our pivotal role as a support for our members as employees, as well as professionals. The project offers ongoing support for members and attempts to increase teacher retention by addressing teacher satisfaction, efficacy, and success. MTI Education Justice Center ( formerly MTI CENTRS) is funded through an NEA grant funding.

What are the goals?

• Developing teacher-centered induction programs – MTI Education Justice Center offers a series of professional development opportunities to strengthen teachers’ abilities to deliver instruction through a racially equitable lens.

• In 2021-22 SY MTI  will continue to support MTI CENTRS’ Black Lives Matter Year of Action  by providing socially and racially just lesson planning resources centering on the13 principles of the Black Lives Matter Movement.

• Also in 2021-22 SY,  through an MMSD Big Idea Grant, will collaborate with our community partners at Nehemiah to support fall and winter cohort participation in the Justified Anger: Black History for a New Day Course.

• In  winter of 2022 MTI has initiated a community outreach effort to build  and participate in a community-based Education Justice Coalition