Because it values diversity in our culture and prioritizes achieving education equity, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) formed its National Task Force on Race and Equity. The task force will advise NAESP on issues related to racial equity in school communities, reveal schools’ common challenges and solutions, and support a peer-to-peer network of support for school leaders.The task force will focus on collecting information related to racial equity in schools, elevating relevant research, and determining how best NAESP can provide support to principals around these issues. In conjunction and collaboration with NAESP staff, the task force will host events for school leaders to share valuable best practices and produce recommendation to advance racial equity in the principal profession and in public schools.Principals—who research says are among the most trusted professionals—are tasked with advancing culturally responsive teaching and learning, which includes not only welcoming diversity in the classroom but also teaching students how to navigate an increasingly racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse society.NAESP firmly believes that principals, as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many community members, can play a central role in leading efforts to improve racial inequities. It is our sincere hope that this task force can elevate the dialogue around these issues and support principals in this work.
Guiding Priorities
Task Force Members
The task force members were selected based on their outstanding leadership to NAESP, in addition to their state, regional, and national colleagues.
Dr. Eveline Huh
Willow Elementary School
California

Dr. Liza Caraballo-Suarez
Magnet School of Architecture, Engineering & Design — P.S. 120
New York

Annette Sanchez
Hampton-Moreno-Dugat Early Childhood Center
Texas

Thomas Payton
Roanoke Avenue Elementary School
New York

Nancy Antoine
Bridgewater Elementary School
Minnesota

Denise Gamble
Illinois

Dr. Cynthia J. Hammond
Westside Elementary
Georgia

Jeremy Patterson
Middle School at Parkside
Michigan

Edward Cosentino
Clemens Crossing Elementary
Maryland

Nicole Moore-Samson
Indian Mills School
New Jersey

Erica McLaughlin
Randolph Elementary School
Vermont

Kimbrelle Barbosa Lewis
Cordova Elementary School
Tennessee