Proposal Title
The Right to DREAM: Educators Supporting Undocumented Students in Boston Public Schools
Abstract
Undocumented youth are among the most vulnerable groups in the United States. Their achievements are many and the obstacles they face sometimes seem unsurmountable. There are a few immigration policies that assist these students, but not nearly enough. Despite the challenges they face (financial, lack of information, institutional, anxiety, increased responsibility) and the invisibility that comes from silence regarding their immigration status, many are indeed able to achieve personal and academic success. Key to that success are the families, teachers, counselors and other adults in their lives. This presentation highlights the work of Unafraid Educators, a committee of the Boston Teachers Union consisting of administrators, teachers, school counselors, community organizations, parents and students. This committee endeavors to support undocumented youth in Boston Public Schools through individual and community connections, group interventions, school-wide initiatives, increased visibility of educator-allies, guidance and activism. In this way, they aim to pave the road that leads to a better life for these students.
Start Date
28-3-2018 3:10 PM
End Date
28-3-2018 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Paper
Disciplines
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
The Right to DREAM: Educators Supporting Undocumented Students in Boston Public Schools
U-Hall 3-100
Undocumented youth are among the most vulnerable groups in the United States. Their achievements are many and the obstacles they face sometimes seem unsurmountable. There are a few immigration policies that assist these students, but not nearly enough. Despite the challenges they face (financial, lack of information, institutional, anxiety, increased responsibility) and the invisibility that comes from silence regarding their immigration status, many are indeed able to achieve personal and academic success. Key to that success are the families, teachers, counselors and other adults in their lives. This presentation highlights the work of Unafraid Educators, a committee of the Boston Teachers Union consisting of administrators, teachers, school counselors, community organizations, parents and students. This committee endeavors to support undocumented youth in Boston Public Schools through individual and community connections, group interventions, school-wide initiatives, increased visibility of educator-allies, guidance and activism. In this way, they aim to pave the road that leads to a better life for these students.
