7: This Is Not A Test: Educational Equity with Jose Vilson

Welcome back to Guilty Privilege! In this episode, Amber interviews educator, author, speaker, and long-time friend, Jose Vilson, who is about to bring a wealth of experience in education and social justice to today’s conversation. 

As a doctoral student at Columbia University and the executive director of the nonprofit organization EduColor, Jose shares with us the importance of multilingualism in classrooms and its impact on students' connection to their teachers through both language and culture. Amber also takes this chance to dive into all the innovative ways Jose has creatively incorporated math into students' daily lives, demonstrating its relevance and applicability beyond the classroom.

This discussion also extends to educational privilege and equity, with Jose and Amber shedding light on the disparities in resources and opportunities that persist across different communities and backgrounds. Amber and Jose talk more about EduColor's mission which focuses on advocacy for educational equity and justice, as well as the intersection of justice and love, challenging common perceptions around anger and assertiveness in these conversations. Jose and Amber also dive into some stand-out insights from his book "This Is Not a Test," a compelling read that encourages teachers and parents to embrace their roles in education and advocacy. 

Throughout the episode, Jose's passion for empowering educators and students shines, offering a refreshing perspective on education and social change. Tune in to learn more about the pursuit of equity in education with Jose Vilson and Amber Cabral today. 

KEY POINTS:

- The importance of multilingualism in education & classrooms

- How Jose infuses math into everyday life for his students 

- Jose on educational privilege in the US

- EduColor’s mission and the roles we play in advocating for equity in education

- The meaning and pursuit of Justice in Education

- Jose’s book, "This Is Not a Test," and other upcoming projects 

- The one privilege Jose does not feel guilty about 

QUOTABLES:

“But really what became critical for me was that when I went into the classroom, students knew immediately that I was able to connect with them to their language, but not just through their language, but also their culture." - Jose Vilson

“I never assume that students didn't know. I’d rather activate things that they already had within them.” - Jose Vilson

“Justice is often an act of love, it is often fighting for room to be able to love.” - Amber Cabral 

GUEST INFORMATION: 

Jose Vilson

EduColor

IG | @thejosevilson

LinkedIn | @thejosevilson

Facebook | @TheJoseVilson

Twitter | @thejosevilson 

Get your own copy of "This Is Not a Test," a compelling read that encourages teachers and parents to embrace their roles in education and advocacy: 

Amber Cabral 

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral 

Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon! 

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others - 

Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network