Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Expedition School is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI.) The TES Strategic Goals for 2020-2025 prioritize diversifying our faculty/staff, as well as continuing to increase the racial, ethnic and socio-economic diversity of TES to better reflect the area’s communities. To this end, the TES Board voted in 2020 to instate a weighted lottery for TES.
The TES Staff DEI Team
The school administration and staff work diligently within the Staff Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team, comprised of experienced TES teachers, administrators and support staff with expertise and licensure in teaching, learning, curriculum, and professional development. The Staff Diversity and Equity Team leads the school in increasing the racial diversity of TES and in maintaining a school climate centered on inclusivity and equity. This includes ensuring TES’s curriculum is culturally responsive, as well as planning special projects and events to further highlight and empower minoritized people and voices. The TES StaffDiversity and Equity Team’s current priorities are to:
- Recruit and retain more students and staff members of color
- Assess and enhance our curriculum and include race equity goals
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- Read about one example of this goal in action as 8th grade students at TES embarked on an interdisciplinary journey into learning about, elevating and celebrating Hillsborough’s local Black history in this article from the Daily Tar Heel: 'From Slavery to Freedom: The Power of Music' explores the emotions of Black history
- Provide advanced race equity training for staff members on-going
The TES Board of Directors Diversity Committee | DiversityCommittee@TheExpeditionSchool.com
The Board of Directors DEI Committee is comprised of Board members, school administrators, outside experts, and rotating community members with various skill sets. Committee members share a commitment to collaboration to help the Board and administration:
- Create and distribute marketing materials and communications that position TES as a top choice for all families.
- Identify and develop thoughtful and sustainable relationships with community organizations, daycares, churches, etc. to ensure widespread knowledge of TES and its lottery application process.
- Attend & host community events to encourage currently under-represented populations to apply to TES.
- Help ensure transportation does not pose a significant burden to any family choosing to attend TES.
- Explore various tools and policies for further cultivating diversity at TES.
TES is currently working with equity consultant Dr. Rodney Trice on a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion review, analysis and comprehensive DEI plan. Read more about Dr. Trice’s work and philosophies in this Teaching Tolerance article.
Click here to read The Expedition’s School’s 2020 statement regarding racism and racialized violence.