What does it mean to you to be an anti-racist educator in contemporary Australia? Use any of the learningresources to support your reflection

Being an anti-racist educator in contemporary Australia means actively working against racism in all its forms, both in the classroom and in the wider community. It involves acknowledging and challenging the systemic racism that exists in Australia, and striving to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

1. Acknowledging and Understanding Racism: The first step is to understand and acknowledge the existence of racism and its impact. This includes understanding the history of racism in Australia, from the colonization of Indigenous lands to the White Australia policy and beyond. It also means recognizing the ways in which racism is still present today, such as in the over-policing of Indigenous communities or the discrimination faced by immigrants and refugees.

2. Challenging Racism: As an anti-racist educator, it's not enough to simply acknowledge racism – you must also actively work to challenge it. This can involve calling out racist comments or behaviours when you see them, teaching students about the history and impacts of racism, and advocating for policies and practices that promote racial equity.

3. Creating an Inclusive Classroom: An anti-racist educator also strives to create a classroom environment that is inclusive and respectful of all students, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. This can involve using inclusive language, incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum, and ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

4. Continuous Learning and Reflection: Finally, being an anti-racist educator means continually learning and reflecting on your own beliefs and practices. This can involve seeking out professional development opportunities, engaging with anti-racist literature, and reflecting on your own biases and how they may impact your teaching.

In terms of learning resources, the Australian Human Rights Commission provides a wealth of information on racism and how to combat it. The "Racism. It Stops With Me" campaign, for example, offers a range of resources for educators, including lesson plans, fact sheets, and videos. The "Narragunnawali" platform also provides a range of resources to support reconciliation in schools, including curriculum resources, professional learning, and community engagement materials.