This Isn’t About Numbers. It’s About Justice.

Equality gives everyone the same—but equity gives everyone what they need. This powerful reminder from the PLC at Work Conference challenges us to remove barriers, not just build around them. Our students deserve systems designed for their success.

This past week, I had the privilege of attending the Professional Learning Community( PLC) at Work Conference in St. Louis, Missouri representing not only my school district but every student I serve. From the moment we arrived, it was clear—this wasn’t just about professional development. It was about purpose.

During one of the breakout sessions focused on collaboration, we were asked a powerful question:

“What is your why?”

I paused. Then I responded from the heart:

“I want my students to see themselves reflected through me. I want them to recognize that the possibility of who they can and will become is not only real—it’s obtainable. And I want to help them get there.”

That answer wasn’t just for the room. It was a personal affirmation. Because in education, representation is not optional—it’s justice.

Equality gives everyone the same—but equity gives everyone what they need. This powerful reminder from the PLC at Work Conference challenges us to remove barriers, not just build around them. Our students deserve systems designed for their success.

A graphic shared during the conference captured it perfectly: the difference between equality and equity. True equity removes barriers entirely. And one of the biggest barriers we can eliminate? The invisibility that Black and Brown students often feel in classrooms that don’t reflect them.

That’s why I love this quote from Ed Post:

“This isn’t about numbers; it’s about justice. More Black and Brown teachers means a better world.”

Throughout the week, we laughed, learned, collaborated—and celebrated what’s possible when educators come together with a shared mission. The slides and sessions reminded us that building a healthy school culture means believing in every student’s ability, and then designing systems and policies that reflect that belief.

Inspired by the opportunity to stand with some of the most dedicated educators and leaders in our district. We’re not just attending conferences—we’re shaping the future of education, one student at a time. #LeadershipInAction #StrongerTogether #PLCatWork

Whether we were in sessions, traveling together, or dressing up to embrace the theme of unity and teamwork—this experience was a reminder that school improvement begins with people.

People who care. People who collaborate. People who show up.

As I return home, I’m more committed than ever to building a culture where every student is seen, valued, and equipped to succeed. Because at the end of the day, this work is about more than test scores or lesson plans.

It’s about legacy.

It’s about justice.

It’s about our “why.”