More than 100 educators joined the first episode of a new ACSA web series that aims to unpack power, privilege and resistance through deep reflection, critical analysis and bold storytelling.

The Critically Conscious Classroom debuted March 6 online. Hosts Anthony Robinson (ACSA director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Tracie Noriega (ACSA senior director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Professional Learning) welcomed viewers to the new program, which will air live every two weeks.

“This is not a webinar. This is not a training. This is a show,” Robinson said.

He greeted viewers with “sawubona” — a Zulu phrase that means “hello” but also “I see you.”

“We see you. I see you. We see each other,” Robinson told viewers. “And that’s very important, especially with what we have going on most recently where it feels like oftentimes we are not seen. Or there are efforts to create spaces in which we won’t be seen and our history and our work is erased.”

Guest Margarita Cuizon-Armelino, ACSA deputy executive director, joined the program to talk about the history of ACSA’s equity work. She called on school leaders to contact their legislators to let them know how important equity work is in schools.

Noriega said she hopes the show will be useful to educators, who can use this time “as a form of rest,” enabling them to recharge and keep doing their important work.

“Hopefully the things that we talk about will not only help you awaken and grow your critical consciousness ... but also you get some joy out of it,” she said.

“I think the big thing is, we get to spend this time in community with each other,” Noriega continued, mentioning viewers who were active in the group chat. “These are the folks who are about this work. These are the folks that need this.”

To watch previous episodes and get access to future episodes, visit acsa.org/ccclassroom.