Additional information
by Deonna Smith (Author)
How teachers can unlock the power of inclusivity and joy to transform their classroom and behavior management
In Rooted in Joy: Creating a Classroom Culture of Equity, Belonging, and Care, educational justice advocate and educator Deonna Smith delivers a unique blend of theory, academic frameworks, narrative, and digestible advice on impacting deeply rooted school culture challenges and managing the day-to-day classroom. This research-based book brings a friendly and accessible voice to a complex issue, making the subject matter easy to follow and apply in the real world.
In the book, you'll build your toolbox for cultivating a inclusive and joyful classroom culture throughhumanizing your students and acknowledging the role that culture and race play in the educational system.You'll also:
- Find valuable, downloadable resources that complement and highlight the topics discussed in the book
- Discover resources suited to first-year teachers, as well as educators with decades of experience in the classroom
- Discover ways to improve learning outcomes for all students
An essential and practical resource for teachers, administrators, principals, and other education leaders, Rooted in Joy will also benefit education policymakers, regulators, and other public officials seeking advice on how to shape the next generation of school policy.
Back Jacket
Practical solutions for building your capacity as an ally in the classroom
"Deonna Smith's book, Rooted in Joy, could not have come at a better time. Deonna brings her multifaceted experience as a classroom educator and school administrator to the table, sharing personal stories and professional experiences as teaching tools for readers who are ready and eager to do the work."
--Liz Sohyeon Kleinrock, Author of Start Here, Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community
"When teachers strive to make their classrooms more loving and just places, they typically find resources that are based in practice with no grounding in antiracism or theoretical books with little classroom application. Dr. Smith bridges this gap with her extensive school experience coupled with her deep understanding that education is a vehicle for social justice. Rooted in Joy will be a staple in all of my future teacher education courses."
-- Bree Picower, PhD, Author of Reading, Writing and Racism: Disrupting Whiteness in Teacher Education and the Classroom
Rooted in Joy takes a positive, compassionate look at how we can create peaceful, inclusive classrooms where students can thrive. Through an intentional blend of theory, academic framework, narrative, and teacher-to-teacher advice, all educators, from those in the classroom for the first-time to those with years of experience, can begin to intentionally create joyful classrooms. You'll walk away inspired, knowing that you have the power to combat structural racism and inequity, one day at a time, while effectively managing behavior and connecting with all students.
Author Biography
Deonna Smith is a former teacher, school administrator, and lifelong advocate for educational justice. She works with leaders and teachers across the country to build equitable and joyful school communities. She was featured in Forbes magazine for her diversity, equity, and inclusion work and was named Social Justice Advocate of the Year in 2021.
