Episode 24 | Change the Narrative w/ Henry J. Turner & Kathy Lopes

Henry J. Turner and Kathy Lopes join Roberto to discuss their new book Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist Culture in Your School. In addition, they share about their co-authoring process, their challenge in writing about assessments, and the content that most resonates with them. Henry J. Turner serves as principal at Newton North High School in Newton, Massachusetts. He is most proud of the collaborative community he works within to empower students to fight hate and bigotry in their school. Pointing to his unwavering commitment to equity and a student-centered culture, Henry was named 2020 K–12 Principal of the Year by the industry news site K–12 Dive. A national speaker, Henry shares his experience as an innovative instructional leader, passionate advocate, and committed antiracist. Henry works with educators, leaders, and communities on how to create a culture that commits to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowers students’ voices, and addresses economic and racial disparities. Henry is an instructor at the Educator Leadership Institute (ELI). He serves on the University of Massachusetts Commonwealth Honors College Advisory Board and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association Board. He received  his doctorate in education from Boston College, a master’s in education from Framingham State University, and an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has a biweekly newsletter, Lessons on Social Justice Leadership. Kathy Lopes is a clinical social worker and educator with over twenty years of experience ranging throughout primary, secondary, and postsecondary education. She currently serves as the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Newton Public Schools in Newton, Massachusetts, leading the district’s work in their antiracist leadership practices and principles. Additionally, she holds a long-standing adjunct faculty position at her alma mater, Simmons University School of Social Work. Lopes is known as a local and national public speaker on topics of cultural humility, racial identity, and antiracism in education and mental health organizations. Recognized early in her career by the US Department of Justice with the Justice for Victims of Crime Award, social justice and equity have remained a consistent part of her leadership and strategic planning vision. Follow Henry J. Turner on IG @turner_hj Follow Kathy Lopes on Twitter @kathylopes21 For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com