Mission Statement

ESJ is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting socially just education in order to attain the success of every teacher and student. We believe that socially just education is a form of activism that enables educators to remove barriers and create inclusive, equitable, and innovative spaces. Our organization empowers educators through resources, events, and a supportive community to aid them in their journey towards creating a more equitable education system.

Our Goals

1

Engage educators in supporting social justice curriculum & practices

2

Build and maintain equity within the education system
​

3

Discuss social justice issues in classrooms, schools & communities

Our Values

Integrity

​Professionalism, dignity, and integrity are central characteristics we as an organizations seek to cultivate in order to create solidarity and authentic collaboration between and among diverse communities while exercising empathy, openness to learning, and mindfulness.

​Equity

Hope

We ​look to remove barriers to ensure fairness and provide under-represented groups and individuals with the resources, support, and assistance that they need to attain the same level of opportunity available to other members of society.

We believe that hope is a catalyst of justice and social change. It is an act and a feeling that can mobilize individuals and groups to challenge systems of oppression and pursue a more just and equitable social order.

Empathy

In order to understand others, it is absolutely critical for us to be open to learning about the experiences of people, including individuals who come from various backgrounds and identity groups, especially when these experiences differ from our own.

Community

Connection is the foundation of any endeavor and this is why we look to bring together groups of people from diverse backgrounds to engage in joint action to create a more just and inclusive civil society.

Board of Directors

Amy Blumenfeld, EdD

​Board Member

Director of Special Education

Tiffany Holman-Besse, EdD
Board Member

Deputy Superintendent,
​Deeper Learning Equity Fellow

Carol Lickenbrock, PhD, NBCT
President

Emergent Bilingual Specialist, EL Lead Teacher, Adjunct Professor

Sheriah Mason, EdD
Secretary

Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity 
​

​Sarah Miller
Vice President
​Treasurer 

Social Studies Teacher, District
​Leader, St. Louis RESULTS,
NEA President

Shanise Terrell, EdD
​ President Emeritus

Director of Special Education, 
Community Advisory Board Member-KETC St. Louis,
​St. Louis Regional Literacy Association Board Vice-President

Holly Hick, PhD
Board Member

Instructional Coach, Adjunct Professor

Jillian Baldwin Kim, PhD​
Board Member

Emergent Bilingual Specialist

Susan Berger
​Board Member

Educator, Curriculum Writer, Facilitator

May Shiaa
​Board Member

Jordan Shelton
​Board Member

Secondary English Educator, Equity Ambassador

Our History

Solidarity Statements