The pen is mightier than the sword and all that jazz. Words are the key to victory. Assessment and mutual understanding lead to connection. Dialogue leads to treaties. Oversimplified, but you get the idea. In the grand scheme of language, the term “Latinx” is brand new. It is a new iteration of a long and […]

by Nina Sanchez “The problem isn’t that we tell poor kids they can make it. The problem is we haven’t made a world for them where that’s true.” -Linda Lutton Education Reporter, WBEZ The View from Room 204 We know none of us can single-handedly create a world where all kids succeed. Instead, we create pockets […]

The bell rings. The doors open. Little faces exhibiting curiosity, anguish, joy and uncertainly enter the school building. Colorful clothing, rumbling footsteps, uncontrollable laugher, and at times inaudible conversations about life permeate the stairway as children disappear into classrooms. These students whether in black leather “church” shoes or Jordan Retro 12’s venture into these spaces […]

The intended outcomes of the American public educational system have drastically evolved over the last 400 years. Originally, public schools were designed to prepare poor white students for the labor force. Native Americans, Africans and other immigrants were not considered citizens and as a result were not factored into the construct of the public education […]

I went to law school with the hope of helping people. My grand vision of justice includes using the knowledge and privilege I gained in law school to give a voice to those who are never heard in spaces of influence. Education law yields that space for me. As a civil rights attorney focusing on […]

Our passion for servant leadership brought us here. Our innate desire to make a positive impact on the next generation of leaders guides our path. As helping professionals (therapists, educators, social workers, etc.), we live the duality of working daily with our students while simultaneously grinding behind the scenes to make substantive changes to reform […]

Years ago, I was at a community meeting in Washington D.C. I was working for the school system, and we were discussing a plan to consolidate two elementary schools. The plan included new academic supports for the combined school, teacher professional development, and some serious renovations to the newly enlarged building. There was a problem, […]

Authentic leadership is an essential theme these days.  It’s an inspiring concept because it requires you to know yourself, embrace your strengths and determine how best to apply them. I’ve learned that one of my strengths is the ability to empathize with others and assume positive intent, particularly in crisis. On one occasion, I was […]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air and The Surge Institute is officially on the map!  Today I received news from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that they are investing in the launch of Surge!  That amazing investment, coupled with funds from the Walton Family Foundation and Schusterman Family Foundation plus early start-up/business […]