Bridging Worlds and Balancing Roles: The Impact on Scholar-Parents as Elected Officials in Shaping Education Policy

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Well-informed parents can serve as the strongest and most competent allies for supporting and educating children. In particular, scholar-parents can provide both a personal and professional perspective about the concerns and issues that impact children/students in out PK-12 schooling environments. The goal of high-quality education is the expectation for all children while working collaboratively with school administration and policy makers, yet ensuring that Black and Brown children attain the education they deserve is especially critical given long standing educational disparities. Scholar-parents’ roles as elected officials vary and depend on the specific role that they are attending to in their schools, their communities, and/or in their cities. For example, their role as parent can inevitably assist with shaping education policy based on their natural determination and motivation as a parent. As a parent, it may appear as though there is a self-interest to ensure that their children may have access to the most optimum resources (e.g., highly qualified teachers, rigorous curriculum). More so, as a scholar, it may appear as though there is democratic receptiveness and pragmatic opportunities for a fair and equitable education for all children. This session explores the intersectional dynamics of navigating scholar-parent identities, while serving as elected officials in the education policy realm. Panelists explore how race, gender, ethnicity and other markers of identity, intersect with their roles as policymakers and scholar-parents. They will also address why they chose to run for office the unique perspectives and personal experiences they offer to reshape and improve educational systems. Their narratives regarding their diverse identities will inform how these scholar-parents strive to balance academic integrity, public service, and parental advocacy, ultimately shaping a more holistic and inclusive approach to education policy making.

Sub Unit

• Committee on Scholars and Advocates for Gender Equity in Education

Participants

• David R. Garcia, Arizona State University

• Marvin Lynn, University of Colorado - Denver

• Terah T. Venzant Chambers, Michigan State University

• Catherine C. DiMartino, St. John's University

Moderator

• Detra DeVerne Johnson, University of Houston

• Dawn G. Williams, Howard University