Social justice activism This brings us to our next ATEL element: social justice activism.

Social justice activism asks us to examine not only what we believe, but what we are willing to challenge. It requires us to understand the historical foundations of inequity, interrogate power and privilege, recognize whose voices are centered or silenced, and confront the policies and practices that perpetuate injustice.

It also asks us to consider our own positionality as educational leaders. We hold influence. We make decisions about resources, opportunities, policies, and people. Whether we acknowledge it or not, our leadership can either reinforce existing inequities or help transform the conditions that sustain them.

The question, then, is not simply whether we understand injustice. It is whether we are willing to use our leadership to interrupt it.

Transformative leadership requires us to move from consciousness to courage, from reflection to action, and from individual transformation toward collective liberation. It asks us not only to recognize injustice, but to refuse to normalize it. Our students do not need leaders who simply understand inequity. They need leaders willing to act.

Transformative leaders spotlight Former ACSA President and retired superintendent Parvin Ahmadi, who immigrated from Iran as a college student, has a solid track record of standing up for what is right. I asked her what social justice activism looks like.

“A justice activist sees clearly the interconnection between economic, political, and social injustice and White supremacy, and their impact on people, especially marginalized communities and the environment,” Ahmadi shared. “Once we have clarity around how this plays out in our schools and places of work, I believe it is incumbent upon us to challenge the status quo and take steps to dismantle long-standing practices at all times and not just when it is convenient. A purposeful examination of policies and where we allocate time and funding in our schools is a must. Removing barriers in front of students and families to access the best opportunities and ensuring full access and support must be the priority. This work is not easy, but it is the right thing to do!”

EdTrust West Executive Director Dr. Christopher Nellum gives us more to consider:

“Social justice activism, to me, is the commitment to ensure that every student has a fair opportunity to succeed, regardless of their race or ethnicity, ZIP code, or circumstances,” he said. “It means moving beyond awareness of challenges and taking action to address them. As a leader, it has shaped how I approach decisions, advocacy, and partnerships by keeping students and outcomes at the center. Whether we are working to improve literacy, strengthen educator pipelines, expand college access, or make school funding more responsive to student needs, the question is the same: Are we creating the conditions for more young people to reach their full potential? Social justice activism is ultimately about translating our values into meaningful changes that improve students’ lives.”

ACSA Executive Director, Dr. Edgar Zazueta, sums it up well:

“Social justice activism is about understanding that leadership has consequences. The decisions we make, the voices we listen to, and the issues we choose to act on all matter. Good leadership means listening, understanding the context around us, and being willing to address barriers that get in the way of opportunity and belonging. At ACSA, that means supporting educational leaders, elevating their voices, and making sure the needs of students and the communities they serve are reflected in our advocacy and leadership development. That responsibility has challenged me to keep learning, reflect honestly, and use my role and our collective influence to turn those values into tangible actions that could make a small difference.”

Consider these critical questions:

• How am I using my power, privilege, and influence to challenge inequities rather than unintentionally perpetuate them?
• Whose voices are centered or silenced in our decisions, and how does this impact opportunities for students and communities?
• What inequitable practices have I recognized but not challenged, and what is preventing me from taking action?

Small actions leaders can take:

• Examine a policy or practice. Identify one barrier to equitable access and take a step toward removing it. Use the ACSA Equity Action Tool as a scaffold.
• Interrogate your decisions. Reflect on whose voices, experiences, and needs influence how you allocate time, resources, and opportunities.
• Use your influence. Speak up when you witness inequity, challenge harmful practices, and advocate for historically marginalized students and communities.

Continue the learning journey. Here are two more resources to add to the list:

Let’s dive deeper into Social Justice Activism. Please join Parvin Ahmadi and me at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 for a free webinar. Attendees will work together to create a safe, brave, healing space so we can engage in critical self-reflection.

Our students need transformative leaders.

I believe that is you.