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Faculty Book Club Reflections

Hayley Brantley, Middle School History Teacher
Hayley Brantley, Middle School History Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator, reflects upon the books chosen by the K-12 faculty in light of the increasing discussions on race in America.

One of the things I tell my students often in my U.S. History classes is that I’m always hoping to learn more, from them and with them. This summer, as I watched our country grapple with issues of race, systemic racism, and who we’ve been, who we are, and who we are becoming as a nation related to race issues, I found myself returning to this want—and need—to learn more. As I read articles, looked at social media posts, and listened to the words of activists, it was clear to me how little I knew and how much I needed to learn in order to be a better person, mother, and teacher. I also knew that learning and accountability happen best in a community. So I sought out my community at Ensworth, beginning with my friends and colleagues in the Middle School history department. 

Ruby Cortner and Maurice Hopkins (along with new members, but longtime friends, Dean Schneider and Tim Wallace) have embraced and invited a culture in our department of questioning, growth, and learning. As we shared our thoughts and feelings about the events in our country this summer, I asked them if they thought a book club for our larger faculty on the topics of race, racism, and antiracism might be helpful for all of us as we live out our Mission as a school to seek truth, embrace curiosity, and strive to be community-building. With their encouragement, Maurice’s generous offer to co-facilitate with me, and David Braemer’s wholehearted endorsement of the project, we set out to grow and learn together. Over 60 members of the faculty and staff have joined us to learn more about the topics of racism, antiracism, and our role as educators and learners. 

At the core of all of this is how we as faculty and staff can better serve all of our students. With that in mind, we chose three books that we felt might help us in that mission. The first was New Kid, a graphic novel by Jerry Craft that recently won both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King author award. Written with middle-grade readers in mind, it tells the story of Jordan Banks, a black seventh-grade boy who is the new kid at an elite private school. Our second book was Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey. Our final book of the summer was Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. 

Our conversations in these weekly meetings were rich, thought-provoking, and vulnerable. What they show me most is that the faculty and staff at Ensworth care about learning, growth, and, most of all, our students. We’re all being called to listen, learn, and reflect right now, and I’m so thankful for the community at Ensworth that has answered that call through this book club. I’m also incredibly thankful for the work of Maurice Hopkins. His honesty, generosity of time and spirit, and his vulnerability make me better, and I’m proud and honored to work alongside him in the history department and in crafting this book club. 

Reflections from Book Club Members

“With so much uncertainty going on in the world right now, to get a phone call from Hayley with the opportunity to have some open and honest conversation was quite refreshing. Her idea of starting a book club open to Ensworth staff and faculty offered a safe space for us all to react, reflect, and respond to issues concerning race relations within our school community.” 
—Maurice Hopkins, MS History teacher

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues around this important topic. Raising White Kids is such an informative and empowering book. One of the biggest takeaways for me is the importance of engaging with young children about difference and injustice. Older philosophies encouraged color-blindness and celebration of diversity but failed to address the realities of race and injustice. The author provides specific strategies to help adults navigate conversations with children. I feel optimistic about our faculty’s willingness to learn and to work together on behalf of our students.”
—Whitney Earhart, Grade 4 teacher

“As teachers, we are called to lead and facilitate the growth of our students and school community. Self-leadership and personal growth precede this calling, and this book club has provided an opportunity for all of us to examine our individual racial development. The readings and conversation have been transformative, and I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of this work within the Ensworth community from the seeds we are sowing within ourselves.”
—Ross Lyons, HS Science teacher

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with colleagues from all three divisions to discuss this topic that is important to all of us as teachers but also as human beings. By starting an honest dialogue together, we will be better able to support our students of all ages because we can also support each other. Hayley and Maurice have brought us together at a time when we need each other more than ever, and I am excited about the ideas and commitments that will come out of this experience and propel Ensworth forward.”
—Becky Smith, MS Science teacher
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