ESSENTIAL CONVERSATIONS

The school’s committee on diversity, equity, and inclusion begins its important work.

“It all has its roots in the school’s mission,” says Lynn Fabian, a middle school English teacher. The “it” she is referring to is the school’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a working group currently composed of eight faculty and staff members. Fabian explains her point about the mission: “To prepare students for lives of leadership and citizenship,” she says, “we need to equip them to thrive in a world that is ever more diverse and with people from an ever wider range of backgrounds and perspectives.”

“We weren’t launched to fix a problem,” adds Dr. Dahra Williams, a consulting psychologist who works with Independence and co-chairs the committee. “Instead, the idea is to expand our thinking about the meaning and value of diversity and to bring greater intention to efforts that have been underway.”

The committee is not a response to race-related issues that have commanded national headlines in recent months (the idea for its inception dates back nearly a year earlier), but those headlines have certainly underscored the relevance of the work ahead.

“The idea began when several faculty and staff members attended an area independent school conference on multiculturalism research,” says Jenny Vrana, director of finance and operations and the other committee co-chair. “We left with the realization that there were some issues we at Independence should be thinking about more deeply.”

This work is in its early stages and is beginning largely with exploration: building a baseline understanding of people’s concerns and perspectives, researching initiatives underway at peer institutions, and thinking about the most effective ways to include parents, alumni, and board members in a conversation that has begun with faculty and staff. “This is very much an exploration,” says Vrana. “We are not experts. We are learners.”

Several events and activities are planned or have already taken place. Committee members have attended professional conferences on diversity-related themes. Together with partners at Archmere Academy, they have invited Rosetta Lee, a nationally noted expert on anti-racism, to visit and speak. And they have planned an in-service activity focused on allyship in the independent school setting—allyship being a social justice-focused practice through which members of various “in” groups recognize the roles they can play in joining forces with those who are in some way marginalized.

In addition, Independence faculty are excited to consider the possibilities for enriching classroom learning by engaging with issues of diversity. “This is fascinating territory to explore,” says Fabian, “and exploring it involves important skills: critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to take part in civil dialogue. We have the chance to help our students learn how to have essential conversations with respect.”

Q& A

WITH BARBARA ANNABLE

Now in her 15th year at Independence, Barbara Annable has taught first grade right from the start and has been a leader in creating the school’s new outdoor classroom. Annable is the recipient of the 2020 Patricia A. Ireland Faculty Award, honoring the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and good nature, exemplified by the school’s retired head. She was also named one of Delaware’s Top Teachers by Delaware Today magazine this September.

YOU’VE NOW TAUGHT FIRST GRADERS FOR A TOTAL OF 26 YEARS. WHAT IS IT YOU LOVE ABOUT STUDENTS AT THAT AGE?

I love everything about them. They learn and grow so much in one year. They come to me as babies, and by the time they leave, they have become so independent and confident. In the first days of school, they want my help with all sorts of things. By the end of the year, their motto is, “I can do it myself.” First graders are eager to learn, they have absolutely no filters, they are hilarious, and they happen to like my jokes.

WHAT KIND OF HUMOR CONNECTS WITH FIRST GRADERS?

I might tell them that we are going to do something incredibly hard that’s actually super easy, or I might make a very serious announcement that snack has been canceled, and, of course, they know it hasn’t been. It doesn’t take much to tickle them.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHANGES YOU’VE SEEN IN 15 YEARS AT INDEPENDENCE?

When I started here, desks tended to be in a row and things in general were more teacherdirected. Now learning is more social, collaborative, and projectbased. Also, technology has grown incredibly. We started with one or two computers in each room, and now we have a one-to-one iPad program.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THAT TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM?

First, it’s highly motivating and engaging. The kids love it. Second, it helps me differentiate learning, providing lessons exactly at the level of each child. It’s like having an extra teacher in my room.

ONE OF THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS OF FIRST GRADE IS LEARNING TO READ. WHAT DO YOU FIND IS THE KEY TO HELPING STUDENTS FIND SUCCESS IN READING?

The biggest thing is just helping the children to see themselves as readers. I help them feel comfortable taking risks and figuring out words by themselves. I give them some tools and plenty of time and praise and watch the magic happen. You see a change in their entire personality when they develop the power to read independently. They beam with confidence and have a whole different smile that stays with them in everything that they do.

CONGRATULATIONS ON RECEIVING THE IRELAND AWARD. WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO THE GOOD NEWS?

Oh my gosh. It was announced over an all-school Zoom meeting for faculty. It was not only a surprise that I received the award, but that it was even announced that day. I started tearing up. Patty Ireland was the person who hired me at Independence, and I have always had the utmost respect for her. I am proud and extremely honored.