Dustin Purdy Blog

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. It is also an opportunity to learn about the people and ideas that have helped shape our society. This year’s theme, “Together We are More,” really made me think about how we define a pioneer. When I hear the word pioneer, I usually think about someone who was willing to try something different. Someone who questioned what had always been done and decided to take a different path. Someone who opened a door that others could walk through. There are a lot of pioneers in mathematics and it is important that we help our students recognize that they can be pioneers! Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, which coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days shortly after on September 16 and September 1...

 As educators, we spend a lot of time thinking about how to create classrooms where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. But creating that kind of environment requires more than simply telling students that everyone is welcome. Students need to see and experience that belonging in the everyday life of our schools. That idea was at the heart of an article I recently had the opportunity to co-author with fellow members of the AMLE Teacher Leaders Committee, “Five Ways to Support LGBTQIA+ Students This Pride Month and Beyond.” I was fortunate to write alongside Chad Uyehara and Megan Vosk, and our goal was to provide educators with practical ways to create more inclusive and affirming middle school communities. Read full article here:  “ Five Ways to Support LGBTQIA+ Students This Pride Month and Beyond ,” Why This Conversation Matters Pride Month provides an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities, but supporting LGBTQIA+ students shouldn't be limited to the...