Finding Your Tribe: US Creators Championing Equitable K-12 Education (TikTok, Instagram & Substack!)
Feeling like you’re searching for a needle in a haystack when it comes to finding authentic voices talking about real equity and accessibility in K-12 education? You’re not alone. The buzzwords are everywhere, but finding creators who dive deep, challenge assumptions, and offer practical insights or share lived experiences can be tough. Forget the generic advice! Let’s explore some truly impactful US-based creators across TikTok, Instagram, and Substack who are doing the vital work of making education more equitable and accessible, one post, reel, or newsletter at a time.
Why This Focus Matters More Than Ever
Equity isn’t just a box to tick. It’s about recognizing that every child arrives at school with a unique set of circumstances, strengths, and needs. Accessible education means removing the barriers – physical, cognitive, linguistic, socio-economic, systemic – that prevent students from fully engaging and thriving. This work is complex, ongoing, and demands voices from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The creators listed below aren’t just talking; they’re often doing, advocating, and building community.
TikTok: Bite-Sized Advocacy & Actionable Insights
TikTok’s format is perfect for quick hits of inspiration, demystifying complex topics, and sharing powerful stories. Look for creators who move beyond performative allyship:
1. @InclusiveClassroom (Jess): A special education teacher whose videos are a masterclass in practical inclusion strategies. She shows how to modify materials, use assistive tech simply, and foster belonging in real classroom settings. Her focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles is gold for any educator. (InclusiveEd SPEDTeacher UDL)
2. @TheOTButterfly (Laura Petix): An occupational therapist specializing in sensory processing and neurodiversity-affirming practices. She breaks down complex sensory needs into understandable terms for parents and teachers, offering tangible tips to support regulation and accessibility without forcing neurotypical conformity. Essential viewing for understanding behavior through a neurodiverse lens. (SensoryProcessing Neurodiversity OT)
3. @BlackandBrowned (Various Educators): This collaborative account amplifies the voices of Black and Brown educators. They tackle systemic inequities head-on, discuss culturally responsive teaching with nuance, and share the realities (and joys!) of teaching in diverse classrooms. Crucial perspective often missing from mainstream education discourse. (CulturallyResponsiveTeaching TeachersofColor EducationEquity)
4. @DisabilityVisibility (Alice Wong): While broader than just K-12, Alice Wong and featured guests provide indispensable perspectives on disability rights, accessibility, and challenging ableism. Understanding these principles is fundamental to creating truly accessible learning environments from the ground up. (DisabilityRights Ableism Accessibility)
Instagram: Deeper Dives, Community Building & Visual Stories
Instagram allows for longer captions, carousels packed with info, Reels demonstrating strategies, and powerful visual storytelling. Great for building a supportive network:
1. @ValentinaESL (Valentina Gonzalez): A powerhouse advocate for Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and culturally responsive instruction. Her posts offer clear strategies, challenge deficit mindsets about language learners, and emphasize the importance of honoring students’ home languages and cultures. A must-follow for anyone working with MLL populations. (ELL ESL CulturallyResponsiveTeaching)
2. @TheNeurodivergentTeacher (Emily): An autistic educator providing invaluable insight into the neurodivergent experience in schools. She advocates fiercely for neurodiversity-affirming practices, explains sensory challenges in classrooms, and empowers neurodivergent students and educators alike. Her perspective is transformative. (Neurodiversity Autism ActuallyAutistic)
3. @TeachandTransform (Liz Kleinrock): Focused on anti-bias and anti-racist education (ABAR) specifically for elementary settings. Liz provides concrete lesson ideas, book recommendations, and reflections on creating identity-affirming classrooms where all children see themselves represented and valued. Practical ABAR work in action. (AntiBiasEd AntiRacistEd ElementaryTeacher)
4. @InclusionChick (Tim Villegas): Founder of Think Inclusive, Tim uses Instagram to share powerful stories, research snippets, and advocacy points about inclusive education. He highlights schools and districts doing inclusion well and provides motivation for pushing systemic change. Great for the “big picture” perspective. (Inclusion SpecialEducation DisabilityInclusion)
Substack: The Deep Dives & Thought Leadership Hub
For long-form analysis, research discussions, personal essays, and nuanced explorations of equity and accessibility, Substack is where it’s at. Subscribe for thoughtful content delivered to your inbox:
1. Integrated Schools (Andrew & Amy): Hosts of the fantastic Integrated Schools podcast, their Substack delves deeper into conversations about school segregation (yes, it’s still a huge issue), inequitable funding, and the role of privileged parents in either perpetuating or dismantling inequitable systems. Challenging, essential reading. (Focus: Systemic Inequity, Segregation, Parent Advocacy)
2. The Broken Copier (Clint Smith II): While writer, poet, and scholar Clint Smith covers broader social issues, his essays frequently intersect powerfully with education, history, and equity. His writing on how history is taught (or not taught) and its connection to current inequities is particularly salient. Thought-provoking and beautifully written. (Focus: History Education, Racial Justice, Critical Thinking)
3. Cult of Pedagogy (Jennifer Gonzalez): While her excellent podcast and website cover a wide range of teaching strategies, Jennifer’s Substack often highlights issues of equity, accessibility (like her deep dive on UDL), and challenging problematic practices. She curates valuable resources and perspectives. (Focus: Teaching Strategies, UDL, Equity in Practice)
4. The Accessible Classroom (Kendra Wagner): Focused specifically on accessibility within educational technology (EdTech) and digital learning environments. If you’re navigating online platforms, digital assignments, or ensuring tech tools are truly accessible for all learners (including those with disabilities), this newsletter is a vital resource. (Focus: Digital Accessibility, EdTech, Assistive Technology)
5. Disability & Education (Various Contributors – Emerging): Search Substack! Several disabled educators, advocates, and parents are launching Substacks sharing their specific experiences navigating IEPs, accessibility barriers, and advocating for truly inclusive education. Look for voices like Imani Barbarin (@Imani_Barbarin) or search tags like DisabilityEducation.
Finding Your Perfect Fit & Engaging Responsibly
This list is just a starting point! The beauty of these platforms is discovery. Use relevant hashtags (K12Equity, AccessibleEd, InclusiveEducation, CulturallyResponsiveTeaching, DisabilityEd, ELLSupport) to find more creators. Listen to voices from marginalized communities – their lived experiences are invaluable expertise.
When you find creators who resonate:
Engage Thoughtfully: Comment meaningfully, ask respectful questions. Avoid demanding free labor (like personalized advice).
Amplify Responsibly: Share their content, especially when they discuss critical issues or marginalized perspectives. Give credit!
Support If Able: Many creators offer paid Substack subscriptions, Patreon memberships, or resource shops. Supporting their work ensures they can keep creating vital content.
Building a more equitable and accessible education system is a collective effort. By finding, listening to, and supporting these passionate creators, you’re not just getting recommendations; you’re joining a growing community committed to making learning truly work for every child. Dive in, explore, and let these voices challenge and inspire your own practice or advocacy. The path forward starts with listening and learning together.
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