Teach Plus is one of the programs Richardson ISD began after it adopted an equity, diversity and inclusion policy. Teach Plus helps empower RISD teachers to identify a problem of practice at their campus or in their grade level based on an identified inequity.
These teachers – known as Change Agents – apply for the program and receive additional support, resources and coaches to tackle their identified problem through the partnership with Teach Plus.
Click here to view the theories of action of these RISD Change Agents for 2020-21:
- Genevieve Price – Forestridge Elementary, multingual parent-teacher communication
- Lana Lozure – Northwood Hills Elementary, researching equitable practices and developing action plans
- Anna Taylor – Bowie Elementary, deconstructing discipline
- Toni Jackson – Dartmouth Elementary, cultural climate change in an elementary setting
- Maggie Anderson and Salvador Rivas – Lake Highlands Elementary, making LHE home through culturally responsive teaching
- Taylor Roberson and Olivia Latz – MST, equity in social and emotional learning
- Bobbie Weir – Richardson High School, impact young women of color to pursue STEM careers
Maggie Anderson teaches fifth grade science and social studies at Lake Highlands Elementary. She said the Teach Plus program has provided great tools to analyze areas of need on campus and identify the root causes.
“Through the guided SMART goal setting process that Teach Plus shared, our team was equipped with the skills needed to really begin solving problems,” Anderson said. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. “The opportunity to brainstorm with other teachers from around the country helps reframe thinking that needed to change and also validates us on the journey. Teach Plus has an amazing team of coaches that meet with us each month to check in and see how they can support us. It has been a really wonderful opportunity to grow as a teacher leader.”
