IDEA

📚 Are you a white educator or connected with white educators in the education field? Take a powerful step towards changing education with our Antiracism Course. This 12-session program equips you to be a catalyst for transformation in your school and community.

Apply today and share this opportunity with other educators!

Fall 2024 Antiracism Course for White Educators A 12-session online course that provides white educators with tools, practices, and collective accountability to support them in identifying and staying true to their values in the face of racist rhetoric and policies.

TOMORROW, we present Journey 4 Justice and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago Mayor's Office will convene the National Racial Equity Summit in , preceding the !

With grassroots organizations and partners nationwide, we’ll urge delegates to recognize our platform.

The platform addresses equity in education, affordable housing, community safety, economics, environmental justice, food production, healthcare, immigrant rights and youth issues.

You can check out the platform here: https://www.standing4equity.org/coming-soon-02

Sunday’s events are co-sponsored with the Equity or Else Coalition, the African American Mayors Association, the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, NEA Today, the AFT, SEIU Local 1, SEIU Healthcare IL & IN and Chicago Teachers Union.

🦋Happy Birthday ALAS: Educational Access for Immigrant & Court-Involved Youth and to your most wonderful founder Lisa Maria Rhodes!! Enjoy your day and here’s our wishes for many more🦋

Calling All White Educators: IDEA's Antiracism Course for White Educators is now accepting applications for our Fall 2024 cohort.

Priority Deadline to Apply is August 22, 2024.

This 12-session online course provides you with tools, practices, and collective accountability to support you in identifying and staying true to your values in the face of racist rhetoric and policies. You will grow your skills and courage needed to act as a co-conspirator in your educational spaces and work settings.

Learn more and apply via the link below.

Fall 2024 Antiracism Course for White Educators A 12-session online course that provides white educators with tools, practices, and collective accountability to support them in identifying and staying true to their values in the face of racist rhetoric and policies.

IDEA is profoundly grateful to receive recognition in the form of the 2024 Equity Partner Award from The NEA Foundation, honoring our commitment to fostering equity and justice within education. We join an esteemed group of past recipients, such as Linda Darling-Hammond, Bill Clinton, and the iconic Sesame Street, among others.

The NEA Foundation will honor IDEA with the 2024 Equity Partner Award at its annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on May 3. The Equity Partner Award recognizes those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advancing equity in education and American society.

This accolade underscores our dedication to continuing Mississippi’s rich tradition of educational and civil rights advocacy through IDEA’s comprehensive local and national initiatives and programs. As Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of The NEA Foundation, articulates, “IDEA is continuing the legacy of a long line of education and civil rights advocacy efforts in Mississippi through its wide ranging initiatives and programs. For IDEA, advancing equity is not just a mission, but an imperative for fostering a future where opportunity knows no bounds.”

Feel free to click below to explore the full press release from The NEA Foundation.

IDEA to be Honored with the 2024 Equity Partner Award by The NEA Foundation - IDEA This accolade underscores our dedication to continuing Mississippi’s rich tradition of educational and civil rights advocacy through IDEA’s comprehensive local and national initiatives and programs.

This past February, 2024, IDEA’s Executive Director, Albert Sykes joined host Sara Sneed on the The NEA Foundation's Up Close Podcast. In short, we are completely honored to have been selected to join so many other amazing individuals and efforts that have been centered on the NEA Foundation’s Ideas & Voices showcase.

Click below for the whole story + a link to the podcast.

Here's a snippet from the NEA Foundation blog:
In the latest episode of the Up Close Podcast with Sara Sneed, Albert Sykes, executive director of the Institute for Democratic Education in America, discussed how being introduced to activism at a young age helped set him on a path of lifelong advocacy for civil rights and education justice.

The conversation begins with Albert recounting the day that he learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks in his kindergarten class. When he excitedly told his grandmother what he had learned—that these were Black people who had changed the nation because of what they stood for—she told him that his home in Jackson, Miss., was only one street away from the home of another famous civil rights activist.

*Click below to continue reading this story.

Organizing for Education Equity in Mississippi and Beyond with Albert Sykes on the Up Close Podcast - IDEA IDEA's Executive Director, Albert Sykes joins host Sara Sneed on the NEA Foundation's Up Close Podcast where they discuss the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity in America.

IDEA Executive Director, Albert Sykes, recently joined Sara Sneed on The NEA Foundation's Up Close Podcast.

Listen to the full episode below + preview the text snippet Up Close published on their original post:

Season Two of the Up Close Podcast with Sara Sneed continues with Albert Sykes!

Sykes is a community organizer, education and civil rights advocate, and mentee of civil rights leader Bob Moses, who founded the Algebra Project.

In this episode, Albert talks about inequalities within public education in Mississippi and the role of community advocacy in improving conditions in public schools.

‎Up Close Podcast with Sara Sneed: Organizing For Education Equity in Mississippi and Beyond on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Up Close Podcast with Sara Sneed, Ep Organizing For Education Equity in Mississippi and Beyond - Feb 21, 2024

The SNCC Legacy Project Invites Your Support of Dorie Ladner (IDEA is sharing this message and request from our brothers, sisters, and family at SNCC Legacy Project):

Dorie Ladner is at a critical time of her life and is in urgent need of home healthcare assistance. She suffered a stroke and was struck with cancer and underwent a mastectomy. She is also suffering from debilitating back problems such as arthritis and spinal stenosis (surgery in October 2023) and is still in recovery. She wants to stay in her home to recover and needs your help.

Dorie’s brothers and sisters from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the 1960s Freedom Movement are reaching out to each other to support her financially. Dorie Ladner joined the Movement in Mississippi as a teenager, and has been working for human and civil rights in this country for over 60 years. America is a much more democratic society because of the sacrifices made by Dorie to end racial segregation. Millions of African Americans throughout the South are now able to vote and participate in determining the direction of America because of her contributions.

Please find it in your heart to support her financially. Please give as much as you can. A GoFundMe account has been set up at https://gofund.me/17f69cf0. Thank you in advance for your support.

The links below provide information on the work of Dorie Ladner:
- SNCC Legacy Project (https://sncclegacyproject.org/dorie-ladner-remembers-the-march-on-washington/)
- Civil Rights Movement Archive (https://www.crmvet.org/vet/ladnerd.htm)
- SNCC Digital Gateway (https://snccdigital.org/people/dorie-ladner/)
- Zinn Education Project (https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/ladner-dorie/)
- Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorie_Ladner)

Medical Assistance for Dorie Ladner, organized by Yodit Churnet My name is Yodit Churnet, daughter of civil rights icon, Dorie Ladner. Dorie Ladner… Yodit Churnet needs your support for Medical Assistance for Dorie Ladner

JPS high schools will host FAFSA Day on Parent Teacher Conference Day, Monday, February 12. Parents will be able to get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—the first step to free money for college for your graduating senior.

Journey 4 Justice Live Press Conference in DC

Join us on a transformative journey towards antiracism. This 12-session course is for white educators looking to make a difference in your schools and communities. Open to K-12 educators, higher ed, summer camp, and youth workers. Apply today and be part of the change!
*Deadline extended - apply by January 23.

Spring 2024 Antiracism Course for White Educators A 12-session discussion and action-based course white educators ready to go beyond conversations about white privilege

Are you a white educator or connected with white educators in the education field? Take a powerful step towards changing education with our "Learning and UnLearning: A Journey Towards Antiracism" course! This 12-session program equips you to be a catalyst for transformation in your school and community. Apply today and share this opportunity with other educators!

More info and apply here: https://democraticeducation.org/spring-2024-antiracism-course-for-white-educators/

We are currently accepting applications for Cohort V of IDEA’s Parent Leadership Institute. Cohort V will convene over the course of February – May, 2024.

Apply today and pass it on!

Parent Leadership Institute - IDEA The IDEA Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) of Jackson seeks to inspire parent and community leadership from all who are raising future generations of leaders. The Institute is designed to build key skills in everyday people who have a passion for advocating for all children.

This holiday season we are celebrating The Gift of Education in Jackson, Mississippi! Whether your greatest lessons came from a classroom, at home, or while out with your peers, we want to celebrate Jacksonians, and the gift that keeps on giving: The Gift of Education!

For today's post we asked Miriam Gray (an educator and the founder of Servant Leaders Institute) how The Gift of Education has impacted her life, and she said: "The Gift of Education opened my eyes to the value of a human rights-centered education and a world beyond mine while empowering me to build and stay connected to community. Oftentimes, this looks like learning more about the lives and experiences of my partners in education and students while sharing restorative practices to heal, strengthen, and better support our collective educational experiences." Your perspective and approach is truly beautiful, Miriam. Your contribution in and alongside your community is nothing short of amazing... Thank you for all that you do!

Every day we are inspired by Jacksonians and their commitment to one another, the city, and to giving back. It's an honor to showcase the outstanding people who make Jackson the wonderful city that it is! Be sure to follow along, share out these The Gift of Education posts, and help celebrate the people who make Jackson so great!

Are you a Jacksonian who wants to participate in the The Gift of Education campaign? Great - everyone is welcome! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/TheGiftofEducationJackson) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

Are you a white educator looking to build your antiracist practice? This course is a unique opportunity to explore topics that matter to you, reflect on your own experiences, form new relationships with like-minded peers, and take action to make a positive change in your life and the world.

IDEA's Antiracism Course for White Educators is now accepting applications for the spring 2024 cohort.

Apply by January 16, 2024.

Spring 2024 Antiracism Course for White Educators A 12-session discussion and action-based course white educators ready to go beyond conversations about white privilege

This holiday season we are celebrating The Gift of Education in Jackson, Mississippi! Whether your greatest lessons came from a classroom, at home, or while out with your peers, we want to celebrate Jacksonians, and the gift that keeps on giving: The Gift of Education!

For today's post we asked Brooke Floyd (she is a parent and currently works with People's Advocacy Institute) how The Gift of Education has impacted her life, and she said: "The Gift of Education has afforded me every opportunity. From being an educator, to gaining invaluable knowledge, discovering my passions, meeting amazing individuals, traveling, and having a successful career. I am blessed to have had the Gift of Education instilled at home and carried on by wonderful teachers in our public school system and throughout my college studies. So many teachers and professors went above and beyond, making my educational journey one that left a lasting impression. It is because of those teachers and my mother, grandparents, and aunts (all of whom were teachers), that I was able to be a successful teacher and have the ability and confidence to pursue different career paths. Ensuring that all our children and young people receive the same "Gift" is what motivates me to do the work that I do." Your motivation is beautiful, Brooke. The world is truly a better place because of the teachers, parents, grandparents, and communities that support us to be the best versions of ourselves. Thank you for all that you do!

Every day we are inspired by Jacksonians and their commitment to one another, the city, and to giving back. It's an honor to showcase the outstanding people who make Jackson the wonderful city that it is! Be sure to follow along, share out these The Gift of Education posts, and help celebrate the people who make Jackson so great!

Are you a Jacksonian who wants to participate in the The Gift of Education campaign? Great - everyone is welcome! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/TheGiftofEducationJackson) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

This holiday season we are celebrating The Gift of Education in Jackson, Mississippi! Whether your greatest lessons came from a classroom, at home, or while out with your peers, we want to celebrate Jacksonians, and the gift that keeps on giving: The Gift of Education!

For today's post we asked Shonnie Cooley (Parent of three Jackson Public Schools (Callaway High School) graduates, a community member, and an education advocate in Jackson, Mississippi) how The Gift of Education has impacted her life, and she said: "The Gift of Education gave me the opportunity to bond with people I probably would not have normally been in contact with, the support to continue my education, and the passion to instill in not only my children but others the importance to be a forever learner." What a beautiful thing, Shonnie, that you are able to share your heart and passion in such wonderful ways. Thank you for all that you do!

Every day we are inspired by Jacksonians and their commitment to one another, the city, and to giving back. It's an honor to showcase the outstanding people who make Jackson the wonderful city that it is! Be sure to follow along, share out these The Gift of Education posts, and help celebrate the people who make Jackson so great!

Are you a Jacksonian who wants to participate in the The Gift of Education campaign? Great - everyone is welcome! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/TheGiftofEducationJackson) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

This holiday season we are celebrating The Gift of Education in Jackson, Mississippi! Whether your greatest lessons came from a classroom, at home, or while out with your peers, we want to celebrate Jacksonians, and the gift that keeps on giving: The Gift of Education!

To kick off The Gift of Education social media campaign, we asked Mitiza Appleberry (Teacher at Jim Hill High School, 2003 Graduate of Provine High School, 2009 Graduate of Thee I Love (Jackson State University), and Business Owner of AppleBerry Graphix) how The Gift of Education has impacted her life, and she said: "The Gift of Education allowed me to touch many lives of children in my community. There is no greater gift than knowing that you have positively impacted a student's life. I am forever thankful for my current and past students who gave me my "Why" for being an effective educator." It's wonderful that not only you, Mitiza, have experienced the gifts of education, but that you took it upon yourself to extend that gift to others by becoming an educator. Thank you for all that you do!

Every day we are inspired by Jacksonians and their commitment to one another, the city, and to giving back. It's an honor to showcase the outstanding people who make Jackson the wonderful city that it is! Be sure to follow along, share out these The Gift of Education posts, and help celebrate the people who make Jackson so great!

Are you a Jacksonian who wants to participate in the The Gift of Education campaign? Great - everyone is welcome! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/TheGiftofEducationJackson) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

What a beautiful thing to celebrate 8 generative years full of impact, vision, determination, action, and Love. Felicitaciones VAMOS Puerto Rico in all that you have accomplished in such a short time.

Cuente con nosotros para seguir caminando con y junto a ustedes, y VAMOS por el Puerto Rico que VA a ser!

In the words of our friends, family, and partners at Nuestra Escuela (translated from below):

"Today we celebrate the 8th anniversary of the VAMOS Puerto Rico organization, to which we are united by the loving mission of achieving a sustainable, prosperous and happy future for [the] people in Puerto Rico. ⭐🇵🇷"

¡Celebramos hoy el 8vo aniversario de la organización VAMOS Puerto Rico, a la cual nos une la amorosa misión de lograr un futuro sostenible, próspero y feliz para nuestra gente en Puerto Rico. ⭐🇵🇷

𝗩𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗦 se dedica a educar, organizar y movilizar para el bienestar social de nuestras comunidades, para llegar a ese 𝗣𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗩𝗮 𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿. VAMOS ha acompañado a Nuestra Escuela a lo largo de estos años en proyectos más allá de nuestras costas, como el Encuentro de Nuestra América.

Justo Méndez Arámburu, co-fundador de Nuestra Escuela, es también fundador de VAMOS. Celebramos este proyecto vital y les deseamos éxito en grande porque con sus logros se acerca el Puerto Rico que Va a Ser. Vamos hacia ese futuro anhelado. ¡𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀! 🎉

For people living in poverty, a guaranteed income can mean finally having the space to dream of a comfortable life. Sharing the stories of single moms who participated in a first-of-its-kind program that offered them $1,000 per month with no strings attached, poverty disrupter Aisha Nyandoro (Springboard To Opportunities) calls for us to redefine what it means to be wealthy — putting aside lavish vacations and fancy cars in favor of paid bills and a well-fed family — and to listen when people tell us what they need.

What an amazing accomplishment Jackson Public Schools!! We LOVE to see it!! Team JPS is on the move and not slowing down anytime soon!!

We're thrilled to announce that Jackson Public Schools has demonstrated significant academic progress for the second consecutive year. We achieved an impressive accountability rating of 598 in the Mississippi Accountability Results, coming just one point shy of attaining a "B" grade!

READ MORE: https://tinyurl.com/px8e7zte

JPS Educators, Faculty, Students, & Families are the reason JPS is the best! You're back for another school year, and we want to celebrate your return!

We're getting well into the Fall 2023 school year and see no reason to stop celebrating the amazing JPS Community! Today we're excited to keep the Jackson Public Schools "I'm Back Because" social media campaign alive and kicking! I'm Back Because showcases and celebrates the people who haven't left; the people who keep coming back; the people who make JPS the most amazing place to be!!

For today's post, we asked Shilaura Atkins-Burse (Callaway High School, 10th-12th Grade Algebra 2 Teacher & Softball Coach) what keeps her coming back to JPS, and she said: "I am back for my 5th year teaching for JPS because I absolutely love my scholars. The relationships that we as teachers have with our students and parents are priceless and make a huge impact on their lives when they leave JPS! Teachers serve our communities in so many ways and JPS is no exception to having great teachers doing great things. As a JPS teacher and parent I am excited to continue to educate and motivate scholars as well as my own scholars getting a great education." The whole world loves to see it, Shilaura! Way to give back in ways that truly keep the JPS spirit alive and running!

We are constantly inspired by the everyday heroes of the JPS community, and honored to showcase such amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the I'm Back Because campaign. Be sure to follow along, share out these I'm Back Because posts, and help celebrate the people who make JPS so great!

Are you a JPS educator, faculty, student, and/or parent who wants to participate in the JPS I'm Back Because campaign? Great! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/JPSImBackBecause) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

JPS Educators, Faculty, Students, & Families are the reason JPS is the best! You're back for another school year, and we want to celebrate your return!

As the Fall 2023 school year continues to roll out, we want to help keep the energy high! Today we're excited to keep the Jackson Public Schools "I'm Back Because" social media campaign alive and kicking! I'm Back Because showcases and celebrates the people who haven't left; the people who keep coming back; the people who make JPS the most amazing place to be!!

For today's post, we asked Barquita Stanton (Johnson Elementary School, 4th Grade ELA Teacher) what keeps her coming back to JPS, and she said: "I am back for my 6th year in JPS because of the scholars and parents in the community. I enjoy the positive relationships that I have with scholars to enhance their motivation to learn. Each year I am preparing the next generation for success. The longer I am with team JPS, the more scholars will be ready to conquer the world with their bright minds!" The whole world loves to see it, Barquita! Way to keep the JPS spirit alive and running!

We are constantly inspired by the everyday heroes of the JPS community, and honored to showcase such amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the I'm Back Because campaign. Be sure to follow along, share out these I'm Back Because posts, and help celebrate the people who make JPS so great!

Are you a JPS educator, faculty, student, and/or parent who wants to participate in the JPS I'm Back Because campaign? Great! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/JPSImBackBecause) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

JPS Educators, Faculty, Students, & Families are the reason JPS is the best! You're back for another school year, and we want to celebrate your return!

As the Fall 2023 school year continues to roll out, we want to help keep the energy high! Today we're excited to keep the Jackson Public Schools "I'm Back Because" social media campaign alive and kicking! I'm Back Because showcases and celebrates the people who haven't left; the people who keep coming back; the people who make JPS the most amazing place to be!!

For today's post, we asked Ryan Johnson (Johnson Elementary School & Pecan Park Elementary School, 4th Grade Science Teacher) what keeps him coming back to JPS, and he said: "I'm back at JPS because I believe the youth in my city need someone who relates to them. As a former JPS student and a native of Jackson, I have an insight of the challenges many of our students face on a daily basis. My purpose of teaching is to lead and guide our students to success by encouraging them to be model citizens in their community. I believe every child is capable of success by giving them the opportunity and support they deserve." The whole world loves to see it, Ryan! Way to give back in ways that truly keep the JPS spirit alive and running!

We are constantly inspired by the everyday heroes of the JPS community, and honored to showcase such amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the I'm Back Because campaign. Be sure to follow along, share out these I'm Back Because posts, and help celebrate the people who make JPS so great!

Are you a JPS educator, faculty, student, and/or parent who wants to participate in the JPS I'm Back Because campaign? Great! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/JPSImBackBecause) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

JPS Educators, Faculty, Students, & Families are the reason JPS is the best! You're coming back for another school year, and we want to celebrate your return!

The Fall 2023 school year is just getting underway, and we want to help keep the energy high! Today we're excited to keep the Jackson Public Schools "I'm Back Because" social media campaign alive and kicking! I'm Back Because showcases and celebrates the people who haven't left; the people who keep coming back; the people who make JPS the most amazing place to be!!

For today's post, we asked Lee Bernard (Lanier High School (Jackson, Mississippi), Guest Teacher and Alum) what keeps him coming back to JPS, and he said: "I love the City of Jackson, Mississippi and Lanier Junior/Senior High School." The whole world loves to see it, Mr Bernard! Way to keep the JPS spirit alive and running!

We are constantly inspired by the everyday heroes of the JPS community, and honored to showcase such amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the I'm Back Because campaign. Be sure to follow along, share out these I'm Back Because posts, and help celebrate the people who make JPS so great!

Are you a JPS educator, faculty, student, and/or parent who wants to participate in the JPS I'm Back Because campaign? Great! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/JPSImBackBecause) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

JPS Educators, Faculty, Students, & Families are the reason JPS is the best! You're back for another school year, and we want to celebrate your return!

The Fall 2023 school year is finding its groove and we want to help keep the energy high! Today we're lifting up some more Jackson Public Schools "I'm Back Because" love! I'm Back Because showcases and celebrates the people who haven't left; the people who keep coming back; the people who make JPS the most amazing place to be!!

For today's post, we asked Shannon Proby (Jim Hill High School, Special Education / Compensatory Reading) what keeps her coming back to JPS, and she said: "JPS has a culture that is unmatched and breathtaking! Everyone I have encountered has a unique and sincere spirit when impacting scholars and assists them in conquering academic excellence." The whole world loves to see it, Shannon! Way to keep the JPS spirit alive and running!

We are constantly inspired by the everyday heroes of the JPS community, and honored to showcase such amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the I'm Back Because campaign. Be sure to follow along, share out these I'm Back Because posts, and help celebrate the people who make JPS so great!

Are you a JPS educator, faculty, student, and/or parent who wants to participate in the JPS I'm Back Because campaign? Great! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/JPSImBackBecause) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.

JPS Educators, Faculty, Students, & Families are the reason JPS is the best! You're back for another school year, and we want to celebrate your return!

Today we're raising the roof one more time before the weekend with another Jackson Public Schools "I'm Back Because" post! The I'm Back Because campaign showcases and celebrates the people who haven't left; the people who keep coming back; the people who make JPS the most amazing place to be!!

For today's post, we asked Anna Alderman (Johnson Elementary School, School Interventionist) what keeps her coming back to JPS, and she said: "I’m back with JPS for my 4th year because the scholars of my district deserve educators who are dedicated and want only the best for them. JPS is full of our future leaders— from future Presidents to future teachers— each child counts! At Johnson, I’m part of educating our future, and it’s looking so bright!" The whole world loves to see it, Anna! Way to keep the JPS spirit up and alive!

We are constantly inspired by the everyday heroes of the JPS community, and honored to showcase such amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the I'm Back Because campaign. Be sure to follow along, share out these I'm Back Because posts, and help celebrate the people who make JPS so great!

Are you a JPS educator, faculty, student, and/or parent who wants to participate in the JPS I'm Back Because campaign? Great! Please fill out this form (https://bit.ly/JPSImBackBecause) or reach out directly to [email protected] and we'll make sure you're all set to participate.