Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms with Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka

In 2019, NAEYC released their Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education position statement. This statement describes the vital role of creating equitable learning opportunities to support all children in reaching their full potential. Key to advancing equity is the embodiment of Anti-Bias Education.

In this session, we will engage in conversation with Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka, founder of Equity Research Action Coalition and self-proclaimed Mama bear pushing for racial justice and human rights. Dr. Iruka is also the author of the book “Don’t Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms.” Our conversation will center on the effects of implicit bias on children’s outcomes and the educator’s duty in countering this bias. We will discover ways to recognize and minimize bias in the classroom, and explore strategies to help close the opportunity gap for children from undervalued, underestimated, and oppressed communities.

About Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka

Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph.D., is a research professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a Fellow at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) and the Founding Director of the Equity Research Action Coalition at FPG. Dr. Iruka is engaged in projects and initiatives focused on how evidence-informed policies, systems, and practices in early education can support the optimal development and experiences of children from low-income and ethnic minority households. These policies, systems, and practices include family engagement and support, quality rating and improvement systems, and early care and education systems and programs.