Spring Convening: DCAESJ Educators Unite for Advocacy and Action

DCAESJ Working Group Meeting - All Groups

April 5, 2025

Working group members at our April convening

Saturday, April 5, 2025, the D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice (DCAESJ) working group educators came together for a Spring Convening centered on advocacy.

Our teacher facilitators, Makai and Sara,  took the floor and began the day with a warm welcome and icebreaker activity, Story Fortunes — designed to build connection and set the tone for the convening. The group then participated in art therapy as a grounding activity, led by Elementary Working Group teacher facilitator Raphael Bonhomme, that helped center shared values, followed by an introduction to the work of the Department of Education and its relevance for teachers. 

Educators then reflected on advocacy in their classrooms and communities. Through focused breakout prompts, they shared how they’ve been showing up for students and families, the challenges they’re navigating, and what support they need from Teaching for Change and DCAESJ. 

The DCAESJ team also shared past and current advocacy priorities: our public letter to NAIS, continued support of Montgomery County teachers, and our plans to participate in the #TeachTruth Day of Action 2025.

Teaching for Change Staff and working group members at the Hands Off! March D.C.

We closed the session by creating signs for the Hands Off! March D.C., where educators joined community members in the streets to defend truth-telling in education and uplift the voices of those most impacted by unjust policies.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined, facilitated, and showed up with intention.