Appreciation for teaching program

To the editor,

I am writing in support of the Teacher in Residence for Diversity and Cultural Competency position in Region 15. This is a position in the school system that is rarely given the appreciation I believe it deserves. The activities and programs performed in this role are researchbased, and partner with the collaborative efforts of volunteers in groups such as, but not limited to, the Region 15 Equity and Inclusion Council, Tribury Reads Together and the LGBTQIA+ Working Group.

These partnerships help Region 15 to strengthen the outstanding academia we are known for! None of these groups and positions work in isolation, rather work under carefully and thoughtfully developed frameworks that have been created to be inclusive of all students. I trust that the application of research from leading experts in the field offer the ability for a co-teaching and coaching model where educational leaders in Region 15 work collaboratively with our classroom educators to make developmentally appropriate decisions across all grade levels.

I understand that some people might not be comfortable with some of these topics. But, the world and our culture has changed a great deal in the last two decades, and our children are aware of the changes. The key is that growth is born out of change. Furthermore, overly academic discourse may transform important educational efforts into alienating agendas. I fully support an inclusive education for the students of Region 15 set forth by the instruction of the Teacher in Residence for Diversity and Cultural Competency. I trust that our Board of Education will continue to demand and facilitate an academic environment where all students and educators feel welcomed. Chris Kelly

Southbury