Grammatically, inclusion is a noun, but it’s really an action. As our recent Leadership Frederick County Education Day taught me, inclusion in an academic environment demands flexibility, humility, and an open heart. Frederick County’s educational organizations are devoted to the journey, as every step matters along the way. Here are my top takeaways from Education Day:
- Virtual learning is so difficult.
While far from a revelation, this much is true; just ask any middle schooler struggling to grasp geometry from a two-dimensional screen. Making material come alive to learners of different styles requires a teacher to learn first, teach second. Whether it’s music, props, or round-robin discussions, great teachers immerse themselves in the scene, searching for sparks of engagement. For their part, tools like Google Jamboard and Kahoot help students sketch out ideas and engage in a learning space reminiscent of a gaming environment. Achievement in this space is a three-way partnership between student, teacher, and guardian for sure.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives aren’t fads; they’re fundamental priorities.
Honest conversations about race, gender, class, religion, and culture help us reshape existing structures to reflect our realities. Again, this is a two-way partnership that requires real listening and active engagement. Locally, DEI initiatives are transforming the ways we teach and learn, from early childhood education through higher ed. Frederick County Public Schools, Hood College, Mount St. Mary’s, and Frederick Community College are reframing their learning (and living) environments around diversity, making it a first priority instead of a footnote. Whether they’re creating resource connections, Student Success Offices, establishing harassment protocols, or hosting “Courageous Conversations,” our educational institutions are taking the lead—and I’m excited.
- We are all teachers.
Whether we’re childless or have a minivan packed with little ones, we are all teachers. Our interactions—as coaches, volunteers, churchgoers, and neighbors—leave lasting impressions, so let’s take our shared commitment to heart. Responding with empathy, calm, and resourcefulness teaches kids to follow suit.
As a K-12 Frederick County alum and a local, I left Education Day wanting to help. The collective acknowledgment that we don’t know all the answers, but that we’re seeking them together, affirmed my commitment to this extraordinary community.
Ellen Buchanan is a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2021-2022 Cohort. She is a marketing professional with a passion for growing communities and enriching lives through digital storytelling. As a Communications Specialist at Platinum PR, her responsibilities include developing and implementing multi-channel advertising and marketing strategies, conducting media outreach, creating social media, website and blog content, assisting clients to reach their communication goals, and conducting virtual meetings and events. Given the opportunity, Ellen also goes behind the lens of her camera to highlight communities through photography.
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