Celebrating the Joy & Liberation in Black History

In "Teaching is a revolutionary act," Dr. Precious Symonette, high school English teacher for Miami-Dade Public Schools, points to the liberatory power of teaching Black history. She writes, “We show [Black students] they are worthy of learning their true history and developing a knowledge of self which helps to change the trajectory of their lives. They build a confident sense of self-esteem and know that it’s OK for them to be a proud, Black individual. When this happens, a metamorphosis will happen.”

Our Black History Month campaign seeks photos, video, and 100-stories that celebrate the joy and liberation in teaching Black History. 

How to participate

• Submit a 100-word story and a photo that goes with it. Tell us how you highlight joy and liberation in teaching Black History.
• Share a “shelfie”— a photo of you and the books you recommend on this theme.
• Film a short show-and-tell video. We love video and so does our community! If you’ve got a smartphone, you’ve got the tools to create a short video telling how you celebrate and teach Black history. 

*Send your submissions to ct@teach.org with the subject “Black history month submission.”

Compensation

We honor the time, energy, and expertise of our community members. If selected, we will compensate you for your contribution. We pay $50 for 100-word stories with photos and $100 for video submissions. 

How we’ll use your contribution

If we select your story, we will publish it on our web platform and celebrate it on social media during Black History Month      (2/01-2/28). We may share your story on our website, on our social media channels, in email or in other digital outreach. We have campaigns and opportunities for teacher contributions all year long. If we think your story is a fit for another campaign, we’ll let you know!

* Update for School Closures *

Educators are the most innovative, creative and hardworking people we know! With schools closed to slow the spread of coronavirus, how have you rearranged curriculum and projects for at-home learning? We'd love to hear about it! 

About the Campaign

Changing lives isn’t easy, but it’s critical work. Join forces with TEACH Connecticut to share your teaching victories and spread the message—teaching is a profession that shapes lives and communities. 

The Better Work Stories campaign promotes real stories about real teachers making an impact in the classroom. We're collecting videos and stories by Connecticut teachers that highlight the impact of educators.

When We'll Publish Your Story

We’ll feature these stories on our social channels, site or our Better Work Stories page. 

How to Submit

• Grab any device with a camera.
• Record a short video telling about your best teaching win! (It's easy! Here's some advice.)
• Prefer to write it? Jot down your story in 100 words or less and include a photo of yourself.
• Post your video or written story on social and tag @TEACHConnecticut using the #bwsCT hashtag.
• Or email it to us at ct@teach.org.
• Need inspiration? Check out these Better Work Stories.

Calling all #teachercouples and #teacherbesties

Schools really are like extended families. Sometimes, they’re just family families. This Valentine’s Day, we’re here to share the love. 

Let’s hear it for married teachers, partnered teachers, bestie teachers and whole families of teachers. 

How to participate

• Send us your photos at ct@teach.org 
• Tag your favorite #teachercouple, #teacherbesties and #teacherfams

How we'll use your contribution

We'll feature submissions on our social media channels over Valentine's Day!