As we prepare to welcome Sophia Academy students back into school for the first time since March, our commitment to equity and social justice that we articulated in June remains a defining principle of our work. Leading into the first day of school, we asked Sophia Academy’s faculty to share what “teaching through a social justice lens“ means for their subjects and curriculum:
Eighth Grade Seminar
Our hope and expectation is that our girls will realize they possess the power to change their communities through tackling real-world problems that arise from inequity and marginalization. 8th Grade Seminar supports students in becoming informed and empowered adults and citizens; displaying that empowerment through their active community engagement, level of responsibility, and acts of courage, respect and self-reflection, all of which leads to wisdom.
Sophia Academy Seminar teachers are Dean of Students April Samuels and Mr. Rob T. Jones
Girls Coalition
Girls Coalition is a class in which seventh graders work together to stand together in solidarity with one another as we explore our own identities and express who we are. The themes for the year include identity, feminism and affirming one’s self and others. The heart of this class is the belief that: 1) We can be loyal and compassionate toward one another; 2) We can understand stereotypes and messages that encourage us to undermine each other; and 3) We choose to support one another when given the chance to think critically about the inequities that we face, and to take action against these inequities.
Girls Coalition teachers are Head of School, Maura Farrell, and SophiaCorps member Diamond Rivera.
Language Arts
In Language Arts at Sophia Academy, social justice questions and themes weave through the stories we read—stories that are often focused on strong characters whose journeys, challenges, and triumphs reflect those of our students. Additionally, through upholding rigorous expectations of our students as readers, writers, and thinkers, we give them the tools they will need to recognize and respond to injustice effectively and as leaders in their communities.
Sophia Academy Language Arts Teacher is Dr. Hillary Greene Nolan
Science
A Sophia Academy scientist uses observation and reasoning skills to make conclusions that are grounded in facts and evidence. To this process, she applies the background knowledge of her own unique experiences to build an understanding of the world. Teaching Science through a social justice lens encourages a student to be an informed member of society who applies her science literacy to enact change that she wants to see in her world.
Sophia Academy Science teacher is Ms. Alyssa Wood
Social Studies
In this course, we will be taking an intellectual journey into Social Studies through heuristic writing. The central crux of the humanities is to look at culture and civilization through a critical lens and to this end, this class will be used to foster dialogue between the past and the present. We will examine this through a subaltern lens, listening to marginalized Other voices and exploring the full histories of a wide range of cultures, beyond their intersection with White European history.
Sophia Academy Social Studies teacher is Ms. Nilofar Syed
Math
Sophia Academy’s math curriculum challenges students to think analytically and creatively to evaluate information and design solutions to complex problems. By utilizing a variety of teaching and learning methods to understand algebra, geometry and the foundations of mathematics, we embrace this subject as an opportunity for students to develop their growth mindsets. We also ensure that students see math and science as realistic pathways forward, connecting them to local role models and mentors who have succeeded as women of color in fields related to math and science.
Sophia Academy Math teachers are Director of Middle School Mrs. Melissa Moniz, Mr. Keith Barbera and Ms. Emily Fisher
