Truth & Chisme Podcast
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Ethnic Studies 4 Middle School
This innovative and inclusive curriculum centers the stories of people of color & other marginalized groups in the U.S. using a social justice lens.
In addition, ESTE workshops offer opportunities for educators to receive the support they need to implement the curriculum and create a space of learning and student voice.
ES4MS Units
These units are included in ESTE's Ethnic Studies for Middle School Curriculum. Please note, ES4MS curriculum will be refined and improved during the summer of 2023 based on educator and student feedback. Exact titles and available units may vary. Final versions expected by August 1st, 2023.
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Download Sample Unit Plan
Work in Progress
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Unit 1: How can we create a safe and brave community?
Unit 2: Why do we need Ethnic Studies?
Unit 3: Who am I and who are we?
Unit 4: What is the root of so much racial division?
FAQ
Coming Soon
OURstory Social Studies Curriculum
Curriculum Options
These courses include 10-11 Investigation Units, in digital & print, designed for ages 11 & up. Includes an Orientation Workshop.
Ethnic Studies 4 Middle School
Early United States History
Studies of U.S. history with a critical social justice lens; focusing on the stories of Brown & Black people of the global majority & otherwise marginalized groups, building essential skills, knowledge, & student agency.
OURstory in the "Middle Ages"
Studying global belief systems with a focus on indigenous voices and an end goal of building cross cultural appreciation and a deeper understanding of the modern world.
Workshops
Workshops are especially designed for middle school educators,
but can be adjusted for educators in any grade level!
Featured Workshop
Ethnic Studies 4 Middle School: Explore the long struggle for Ethnic Studies in the U.S., why middle schoolers benefit so immensely, & what it looks like in action.
The Why: A Tale of Two Schools
Comparing student experiences at two very different middle schools reminds us why the work of educational justice is so important.
Safe & Brave Classroom Communities
Creating a safe and brave space where kids can learn can be challenging at the middle school level; we're here to support you!
Beyond Surface Equity
Go beyond surface level equity so that meaningful and lasting changes occur within schools for all students.
Teaching Hard
History
Sensitively teach true history, navigate hard conversations, include diverse viewpoints, and still stand for justice.
Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline
Examine the school to prison pipeline’s history, how it shows up in schools, and ways we can actively disrupt it.
Joy & Justice
Understanding how joy and justice go hand in hand stirs up powerful conversations about building student agency but still letting kids be kids.
Testimonials
I just want to say thank you for bringing me hope every day you make me excited to go to school. Every time I come in to your class I feel welcomed. I love learning about stuff in your class. Not only do I learn ethnic studies I learn new things about people in our class every day. When I become an immigration lawyer and make a change just know you were a big part of that. I am slowly helping to make change I convinced my mom to vote and she voted for the first time I also brought up the LGBTQ community in history thanks to you and I have spoken up. I always thought I had to protest in order to get equality you have taught me that there are many other ways to do it and that by just words I can help make a change.
- 8th grade Ethnic Studies student using ESTE curriculum
Teaching Ethnic Studies for the first time, I was nervous and overwhelmed with where to start! Lucia’s lessons were so student-friendly, it gave me a much better idea of how to tackle really difficult topics with my middle school students. Students were engaged in the topics and discussions, and each lesson had a clear goal for what students were supposed to accomplish by the end of the period, which was helpful to both me and my students. Lucia is also great to work with, as she is so collaborative and open to feedback from both teachers and the students. She truly believes in teachers knowing what is best for their students, and does everything she can to make sure she is meeting our needs, showing a commitment to putting the best curriculum possible out there in our ever-changing world. I would highly recommend her ES4MS curriculum and all of her work in general! On top of all of that, her materials are so cute and well-designed, which is something my busy teacher self definitely doesn’t have time to do, but makes the material that much more engaging for the kids.
- 8th grade Ethnic Studies teacher using ESTE curriculum
ESTE Inc has been an invaluable partner for our school, thanks to Lucia, an equity and social justice-minded expert. We have engaged with ESTE Inc in various ways, and each interaction has been incredibly beneficial for our school community. Lucia has provided invaluable class coaching for our teachers. By working closely with educators, she has helped them develop strategies to foster a more inclusive classroom and address the unique needs of our diverse student population. Lucia's knowledge and collaborative approach have empowered our teachers to become more effective educators in promoting equity and social justice within their classrooms.
Additionally, ESTE Inc has been instrumental in supporting our professional development planning. Lucia works closely with our school to identify specific areas where professional development is needed, ensuring that it aligns with the unique needs of our students and educators. This personalized approach enables us to deliver targeted training sessions that equip our staff with the necessary tools to create a student-focused and inclusive learning environment. Overall, our experience with ESTE Inc and Lucia specifically, has been exceptional. Lucia's down-to-earth demeanor and student-focused approach have resonated well with our school community. Her extensive knowledge and collaborative nature have made a lasting impact on our community, empowering us to embrace equity and social justice principles in all aspects of our educational practices. We highly recommend ESTE Inc and Lucia to any institution seeking to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
- Elementary School Principal using ESTE's Consulting Services and Educator Workshops
