"Create more inclusive and positive spaces for Black girls to ensure that they are not just present at school but thriving with boundless opportunities. Hawkins melds her experiences in education as a student and teacher with context on the history, present struggles, and best practices for teaching Black Girls. Though the strategies in the manuscript could serve students of many identities, especially other historically marginalized students, Hawkins focuses on Black Girls; students, Hawkins explains, who "sit at the intersection of racism and sexism.""-- Provided by publisher.
Take your opportunity to help her soar.
During the critical developmental period of the middle school years, Black girls—who sit at the intersections of racism and sexism—often face unique challenges that can hinder their academic and personal growth. Revealing the systemic barriers Black girls experience, Black Girl in the Middle equips teachers with research-backed practices to foster meaningful connections, address biases, and advocate for their students' holistic development.
Drawing on research and years of experience as an award-winning educator, author Melody Hawkins introduces five core practices that have been shown to catapult middle school students toward greater confidence and success. This guide enables middle school educators to:
- Foster inclusive classrooms and genuine empathy rooted in an understanding of Black girls as whole individuals
- Define goals, apply evidence-based practices, and measure impact using the BELIEF Framework
- Advocate for the unique needs of Black girls while building their confidence and leadership skills
Whether you’re a middle school teacher, mentor, counselor, or community advocate, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to ensure Black girls are fully seen, celebrated, and supported to thrive.
Arvustused
"If you know, teach, or influence the education of any black girls, you should read this book! It starts with real reflections and thoughtful activities to help you check your own biases and then take real steps to help those black girls you impact." -- Denise Neal
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Navigating Black Girl in the Middle
INTRODUCTION
WHY IS SHE SITTING ALONE?
WHY FOCUS ON MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS?
FIVE PRACTICES FOR ENHANCING LEARNING FOR BLACK GIRLS
USING THIS BOOK
PART 1: REFLECT ON BELIEFS AND BIASES
Chapter 1: Its Not My Fault; It is My Problem
Black Girls Educational Equity
Claiming the Path Forward
Chapter 2: Practice OneIdentify Your Beliefs
UNPACKING EXPERIENCES: THE RESEARCH ON BLACK GIRLS AND THE IMPACT OF
SOCIETAL BIAS
Study 1
Study 2
PART 2: BUILD COMPASSIONATE AND SUPPORTIVE CONNECTIONS
Chapter 3: Practice TwoPlant the S.E.A.D
IMAGINE THIS
SEAD IS THE SEED
SEAD: A WHOLE CHILD APPROACH TO STUDENT SUCCESS
SEADS ROLE IN SUPPORTING BLACK GIRLS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SEAD
THE EDUCATORS ROLE IN ADVANCING SEAD FOR BLACK MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
COMMUNITY EDUCATORS AND PARTNERS: EXTENDING SEAD BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Chapter 4: Practice ThreeListen with Compassion
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE
HONORING THE VOICES OF BLACK GIRLS
COMPASSIONATE LISTENING PROMPTS TO BUILD TRUST AND SAFETY
THE IMPACT OF COMPASSIONATE LISTENING
THE POWER OF COMPASSIONATE LISTENING
PART 3: ADVOCATE FOR HER DEVELOPMENT AND CHILDHOOD
Chapter 5: Practice FourEncourage Positive Self-Talk
WHAT IS SELF-TALK?
POSITIVE SELF-TALK IN LEARNING SPACES
MIAHS STORY
LAYLAS STORY
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING POSITIVE SELF-TALK
Chapter 6: Practice FiveAdvocate for Their Girlhood
STAND UP FOR BLACK GIRLS
THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER . . . RIGHT?
THE ADULTIFICATION OF BLACK GIRLS
WHERE TO BEGIN: DISMANTLING ADULTIFICATION BIAS
UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPING MIND
NEURODIVERGENCE AND THE DEVELOPING MIND OF BLACK MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
WHERE TO BEGIN: RE-DRESSING EXPECTATIONS
Chapter 7: PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIE
THE NECESSITY OF SYSTEMIC CHANGE
SCALING THE BELIEF FRAMEWORK
PARTNERING WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES: EXPANDING HER SUPPORT NETWORK
BUILDING A CULTURE OF COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Conclusion: Transforming Learning for Black Girls
THE JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
A CALL TO ACTION
Index
Dr. Melody Hawkins is an award-winning educator, author, and visionary leader dedicated to transforming education for students in historically underserved communities. A passionate advocate for equity in urban education, Melody has spent her career ensuring that all studentsparticularly those from ethnically and culturally diverse backgroundshave access to inclusive, high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for lifelong success.
A former eighth-grade science teacher, Melody infused her instruction with culturally relevant pedagogy and social-emotional learning, inspiring students to see themselves as scientists, innovators, and changemakers. She later transitioned into educational leadership as a high school administrator, where she continues to champion equitable opportunities for students while mentoring educators in fostering meaningful, identity-affirming learning environments. In addition to her school work, Melody collaborates with community-based organizations, helping them maximize the impact of their programs and initiatives to better serve and empower the youth in their communities.
Melodys journey in education began after earning a Bachelors degree in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee. Her commitment to service led her to AmeriCorps, where she worked with the American Red Cross in New Orleans, LA. After a successful career in diagnostic laboratory science, she recognized the urgent need for more representation of scientists of color and pivoted to educationchanneling her expertise into science instruction. She earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, followed by a second masters degree in Educational Leadership, through a Tennessee Department of Education Administrator Development Program. She completed her doctorate in Organizational Innovation at National University.
A nationally recognized leader in education, Melody has served on state and district-level curriculum teams, assessment committees, and educator fellowships. Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including 2021 National University Teacher of the Year, Knox County Schools Middle School Science Teacher of the Year, and recognition as one of Knoxvilles 40 Under 40 Most Influential People. In a moment of national recognition, she was surprised with the 2021 National University Teacher of the Year Award on The Drew Barrymore Show, a testament to her impact and dedication as an educator. She has also been honored by the Tennessee General Assembly and the City of Jackson, TN, for her work in education.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melody is a devoted wife to Jericho, a fellow University of Tennessee alum, and a proud mother to their two daughters, Madison and Miah. She resides in East Tennessee, where she continues to inspire educators, empower students, and support organizations committed to creating lasting, positive change for youth.
Lisainfo e-raamatute kohta