News Summary
Elise Carter, a dedicated teacher at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has been awarded the prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her relentless advocacy in education and social equity. Despite facing challenges, including opposition to her proposed social equity course, she established the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE) initiative to promote diversity and inclusion. The program offers workshops and resources aimed at enriching students’ understanding of various histories and social dynamics, showcasing her commitment to fostering equitable educational environments.
Fort Thomas, Kentucky – Elise Carter Receives Prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for Advocacy in Education and Social Equity
Elise Carter, a teacher at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has been awarded the highly regarded Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her outstanding advocacy in education and social equity. This recognition comes as a culmination of her dedication to creating inclusive educational environments even amidst significant challenges.
Elise Carter first drew public attention in spring 2021 during a community meeting where she, along with colleague Trinity Walsh, proposed a social equity course at Highlands High School. However, the initiative faced severe opposition from parents who perceived it as an attempt to indoctrinate students with critical race theory (CRT). Consequently, the proposed course was removed from the high school’s curriculum, illustrating the turbulence surrounding discussions on social equity in education.
Despite the setback with the social equity course, Elise and Trinity did not waver in their commitment to advocacy. They established the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE), a nonprofit initiative dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. NISE provides educational programming aimed at enhancing college and career readiness for students from various backgrounds.
The NISE program offers a comprehensive series of workshops held on Saturdays over the course of a year, with an accessible cost of $50. This initiative includes field trips, history lessons, and presentations by guest speakers, designed to broaden students’ understanding of diverse narratives. A significant focus of the program is on intersectionality, encouraging students to connect their personal experiences with larger societal issues, ultimately fostering a more holistic understanding of social dynamics.
Elise’s curriculum extensively covers underrepresented histories beyond the typical narratives of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Students also learn about influential leaders such as John Lewis, among other important but often overlooked stories from various marginalized groups. The program is designed to encompass a wider spectrum of historical contexts, providing education on Black history, Jewish history, LGBTQ+ history, Native American history, and Latino history.
In addition to receiving the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award, Elise has earned various accolades recognizing her impactful contributions, including the Smith-Wilson Award for Civil and Human Rights in Education, the Innovative Teacher Award for Northern Kentucky, and a finalist position for the Upstander Awards organized by The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center. Since 2012, she has served as a teacher at Highlands High School, where she made history as the first Black educator to join the staff, focusing on business and leadership courses.
While Elise maintains a distinct separation between her role as a teacher and her nonprofit efforts, she is open to engaging students in discussions about critical issues, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed. Her advocacy work is profoundly personal, particularly as a mother of a Black son, reinforcing her determination to be a voice for marginalized communities.
Elise’s advocacy operates against a backdrop of a challenging political climate, particularly concerning legislative actions that seek to restrict discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, through NISE, she successfully marries classroom education with community involvement, offering programming and volunteer opportunities to enhance understanding of diversity and inclusion not only for students but also for adults in the community.
As society continues to navigate complexities surrounding social equity, Elise Carter remains a steadfast advocate, committed to enriching educational experiences and promoting broader societal awareness of diversity and inclusion issues.
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- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Intersectionality
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