Equity & Diversity Video

An Educator Asks, ‘How Do We Define Diversity?’

By Jaclyn Borowski — December 17, 2021 5:05

Joel Sohn, director of the upper school at University Prep in Seattle, finds the concept of diversity misleading, as it tends to focus solely on racial or ethnic diversity, while losing the many other factors – gender, political, religious and geographic – that make a person, and a school population, unique. Here, he outlines the importance of considering those different elements within the lens of a school’s greater surroundings. And of focusing not only on hiring a diverse staff, but of ensuring they feel welcome and included in a school community.

Jaclyn Borowski is the director of photography and videography for Education Week.

Video

School & District Management Video How Federal Cuts Are Affecting School Meals and Local Farmers
Elimination of the $660 million Local Food for Schools grant means less fresh food for students, and a financial hit for local farmers.
A delivery from Turner’s Dairy is dropped off at Yarnick's Farm in Indiana, Pa., on June 4, 2025.
A delivery from Turner’s Dairy is dropped off at Yarnick's Farm in Indiana, Pa., on June 4, 2025.
Nate Smallwood for Education Week
School & District Management Video This District’s Solution to Teacher Burnout? 4-Day School Weeks
A small Ohio district uses a four-day school week to recruit and retain teachers, while improving their work-life balance.
2:38
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Graphic Novels to Enhance Any Subject
By incorporating graphic novels in the classroom, students can see themselves reflected in the characters, while covering timely topics.
2:06
060525 TTT Graphic Novels BS
Courtesy of Tim Smyth
Student Well-Being Video How a School Has Changed Its Menu After Losing USDA Funds for Local Food
The loss of a USDA local food grant has forced menu changes at this rural Tennessee school district, and local farmers have lost business.