MEA FIRE (Facing Inequities and Racism in Education)
What is MEA FIRE?
The Minnesota Educator Academy’s member-driven program for Facing Inequities and Racism in Education aims to disrupt systemic racism and racial inequities in Minnesota’s education system. The FIRE program leads Minnesota’s educators in a movement to live equitably and practice recognizing and responding to inequities and injustices.
Program components
Racial Equity Advocate network
Over 130 educators from around the state are currently active in our Racial Equity Advocate (REA) cohort. Our REAs work with Education Minnesota staff to:
- Deliver professional development and facilitate community learning experiences related to racial equity.
- Participate in conflict resolution and restorative justice efforts within school and district communities (these efforts may include colleagues, administrators, local leaders, parents and students).
- Serve as a supportive peer for colleagues who are working to develop an anti-racism mindset.
- Lead equity teams and cohorts working to dismantle systemic racism at the local level.
Professional learning
Professional development
Through your local, you can request any of our racial equity trainings to be brought to your building. The following are also available on MEA Online:
- Culturally Responsive Teaching With a Racial Justice Lens
- Cultural Competency (a four-part equity training that satisfies the cultural competency relicensure requirement)
- Interrupting Whiteness
- LGBTQ+ Training
*this list continues to expand – please check with your local leadership for the full list of equity-based professional development opportunities.
Equity EdCamp
EdCamps are organic, participant-driven professional learning experiences for educators across the country and worldwide. During an EdCamp, organizers set the schedule for the day but participants determine all sessions on the day of the event. Everyone is welcome to propose and lead a session where conversation and collaboration are paramount. You can learn more about how EdCamps work by visiting www.edcamp.org.
Members and staff of Education Minnesota are available to help you host a Race Equity EdCamp in your region.
Organizing equity work
We know that in order to transform public schools into more equitable institutions, we must look at our own local and district. If you are interested in starting (or perhaps restarting) to build a foundation for equity work in your local union, FIRE would be excited to work with you.
Our FIRE team includes staff from several departments – field, public affairs, policy, organizing, legal, the Education Minnesota Foundation, and member benefits. If you are interested in starting (or perhaps re-starting) equity work at the local level, FIRE would be excited to come out to your local and start that work with you.
Questions about MEA FIRE, becoming a Racial Equity Advocate and/or professional learning opportunities? Contact:
