Finding Your Tribe: US Creators Championing Equitable K-12 Education (TikTok, Instagram & Substack)
That “Hello!” instantly signals you’re searching for connection and community – especially around something as vital and complex as making K-12 education truly equitable and accessible for all students. It’s a massive task, but thankfully, you’re not alone. Across TikTok’s quick hits, Instagram’s visual stories, and Substack’s thoughtful deep dives, brilliant US-based creators are diving into the trenches, sharing insights, challenging the status quo, and offering practical guidance. Let’s explore some standout voices across these platforms who are lighting the way.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The conversation around equity in education isn’t new, but its urgency has skyrocketed. We’re navigating the long tail of pandemic learning loss, which hit marginalized communities hardest. Debates rage over curriculum content, book bans, and funding disparities. Families and educators alike are seeking clarity and actionable strategies to ensure every child, regardless of zip code, race, disability, language, or socioeconomic status, gets the high-quality education they deserve. These creators step into that gap, translating policy jargon, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
TikTok: Bite-Sized Advocacy & Practical Tips
TikTok’s strength is its ability to distill complex ideas into engaging, shareable moments. Look for creators who blend expertise with authenticity:
1. @ThinkInclusive (Dr. Julie Causton & Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak): A powerhouse duo focused squarely on inclusion for students with disabilities. Their videos break down practical strategies for general education teachers, debunk myths, and advocate fiercely for belonging in the classroom. Expect quick, actionable tips and powerful reminders of why inclusion matters.
2. @TheJLV (Jorge Valenzuela): Jorge brings energy and expertise around equitable STEM education and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). His content is incredibly practical, often showing real classroom strategies and tech tools, always through an equity lens. He empowers educators to make STEM accessible and culturally relevant.
3. @BlackTeacherProject: While representing an organization, their TikTok channel features diverse Black educators sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It provides crucial perspective on racial equity within schools, celebrating Black educators and offering solidarity and strategies for navigating systemic barriers.
4. @MxMundane (Mx. Emily Mundane): A neurodivergent educator offering sharp, often humorous takes on disability justice, accessibility, and queer inclusivity in schools. They cut through the noise, calling out ableism and offering tangible ways to create safer, more affirming classrooms.
5. @APlusTeaching (Jen from A+ Teaching Resources): Focuses heavily on supporting students with learning differences (especially dyslexia) and effective, evidence-based reading instruction. She shares tons of free, practical resources and strategies teachers can use immediately, emphasizing accessibility in foundational skills.
Instagram: Visual Storytelling & Community Building
Instagram offers a deeper dive through carousels, Reels, and Stories, perfect for sharing resources, personal narratives, and fostering conversation.
1. @TheConsciousKid: An essential follow for anti-bias education and diverse children’s literature. They provide meticulously researched book lists, critical analysis of representation in media, and resources for talking to kids about race, gender, and identity. Their content is foundational for building inclusive libraries and curricula.
2. @ValentinaESL (Valentina Gonzalez): A champion for Multilingual Learners (MLLs)/English Language Learners (ELLs). She shares research-backed strategies, amplifies the assets multilingual students bring, and advocates for equitable programs and teacher training. Her content empowers educators to better serve linguistically diverse classrooms.
3. @CulturallyResponsiveTeaching (Dr. Sharroky Hollie): The official page of the renowned expert on Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching (CLRT). Expect deep dives into the framework, practical classroom applications, professional development insights, and a strong emphasis on validating and affirming students’ cultural identities.
4. @DisabilityVisibility (Alice Wong): While broader than just education, Alice Wong’s project is vital for understanding disability rights and culture. Following this account provides crucial context for educators committed to accessibility and dismantling ableism within school systems. Features diverse disabled voices.
5. @AAPIEducatorsNetwork: Highlights and connects Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) educators, addressing their unique experiences and challenges within the education system. Shares resources on combating anti-Asian hate, incorporating AAPI histories/contributions, and building supportive communities.
Substack: Deep Dives, Policy Analysis, and Sustained Dialogue
For nuanced exploration, critical analysis, and long-form writing, Substack is where many thought leaders are planting their flags.
1. Jennifer Berkshire (The Grade): A veteran education journalist, Jennifer provides sharp, often critical analysis of education policy, politics, and reform efforts, always with an eye towards equity. She connects national trends to local impacts and isn’t afraid to challenge powerful narratives.
2. Valeria Brown (Just Education, LLC – on Substack): Valeria offers profound insights on racial justice in schools. Her writing tackles systemic racism, whiteness in education, and the mental health impacts on students and educators of color. Expect thoughtful, challenging, and essential perspectives for transformative work.
3. Dani Bostick (The Education Daly): Dani writes powerfully about trauma-informed practices, supporting neurodivergent students, and dismantling harmful systems like restraint/seclusion. She blends personal experience (as a parent and educator) with research and advocacy, calling for fundamental shifts towards compassion and accessibility.
4. Chandra Banks (The Equity Journey): Focuses specifically on equity coaching and leadership. Chandra provides practical frameworks, reflection tools, and strategies for school and district leaders committed to driving systemic change towards racial and educational equity. Geared towards actionable steps for those in decision-making roles.
5. Carol Burris (Network for Public Education Substack): As Executive Director of the Network for Public Education, Carol is a fierce advocate for equitable public school funding and resisting privatization efforts (like vouchers and charter expansion that often exacerbate inequities). Her writing is data-driven and focused on protecting and strengthening public education as a common good.
Engaging with Your New Community
Finding these creators is just the first step! Here’s how to make the most of it:
Listen Actively: Approach their content with an open mind, especially perspectives different from your own. Equity work requires deep listening.
Engage Thoughtfully: Comment, ask questions, share resources (respectfully and citing sources!). These platforms thrive on conversation.
Amplify Wisely: Share posts that resonate, especially from creators from marginalized communities. Boost their voices.
Move Beyond the Screen: Use what you learn! Try a strategy in your classroom, discuss an article with colleagues, advocate for a policy change locally. The real work happens offline.
Support Creators: If you value a Substack, consider a paid subscription. Many creators offer free content but rely on subscriptions to sustain their vital work.
The Journey Continues
Building truly equitable and accessible K-12 education is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands continuous learning, unflinching honesty about systemic failures, and persistent action. This incredible cohort of US-based creators across TikTok, Instagram, and Substack provides the knowledge, the inspiration, the practical tools, and the sense of community needed to fuel that long journey. Follow them, engage with them, learn from them, and let their work empower you to be a stronger advocate for every student. You’ve said “Hello!” to a vital community – now dive in, the conversation is waiting.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Finding Your Tribe: US Creators Championing Equitable K-12 Education (TikTok, Instagram & Substack)