Lisa Johnson on the ERaced Podcast: Race Identity & Education Insight
- Private School Village
- Apr 18
- 7 min read
Table of Contents
Lisa Johnson on Race & Education: Unpacking Identity on the ERaced Podcast
Race and education shape not just classrooms but entire communities. Yet, the way these forces intersect often goes unexamined. On the ERaced Podcast, Lisa Johnson brings a nuanced, firsthand perspective to the conversation—drawing from her lived experiences, research, and work in education reform. In this thought-provoking discussion, she explores how identity influences learning environments, the challenges of dismantling systemic biases, and actionable steps toward equity in education. If you've ever questioned how race impacts the way we teach and learn, Lisa’s insights will challenge assumptions and offer fresh perspectives grounded in real-world experiences. Keep reading for key takeaways that will reshape how you think about education and identity.
Top 5 Takeaways: Key Insights from Lisa Johnson
✔ Bias in education is real. Black and Latino students face disproportionate discipline and limited opportunities.
✔ Representation matters. Diverse curricula improve student engagement and success.
✔ Restorative justice works. Schools using it see fewer suspensions and better student relationships.
✔ Implicit bias limits opportunities. Training helps ensure fair access to advanced learning.
✔ Action creates change. Educators, parents, and policymakers must push for equity in schools.
🎧 Listen to Lisa Johnson on the ERaced Podcast for more insights!
Real-World Impact: How Lisa Johnson Drives Change in Education
Lisa Johnson’s work isn’t just theory—it’s hands-on, real-world problem-solving. She has helped schools tackle systemic racial biases, proving that change is possible with the right strategies. Here are two powerful examples of her impact.
1. Challenging Curriculum Bias
📌 The Problem: A public school district’s curriculum lacked diverse perspectives, leaving students of color disengaged.
📌 What Lisa Discovered: Eurocentric narratives dominated lesson plans, limiting representation and student connection.
📌 Her Solution:
Led teacher training on inclusive curriculum design.
Helped integrate diverse voices and histories.
📌 The Results:
Increased student engagement.
Improved literacy scores, especially among underrepresented groups.
📌 Key Insight: Representation in education isn’t optional—it’s essential for student success.
2. Breaking Bias in School Discipline
📌 The Problem: Black and Latino students faced disproportionately high suspension rates for minor infractions.
📌 What Lisa Discovered: Implicit biases influenced disciplinary decisions, creating an unfair system.
📌 Her Solution:
Conducted data analysis on school discipline policies.
Led bias-awareness workshops for teachers.
Introduced restorative justice practices.
📌 The Results:
40% decrease in suspensions.
Stronger relationships between students and faculty.
📌 Key Insight: Fixing school policies isn’t enough—mindsets must shift to create true equity.
Lisa Johnson’s work proves that meaningful change in education requires action, not just awareness. Her discussion on the ERaced Podcast is packed with insights for educators, policymakers, and advocates looking to build an inclusive learning environment. Keep reading for more key takeaways from her powerful conversation.
"True educational equity isn’t just about changing policies—it’s about reshaping mindsets. We’ve seen firsthand how a biased curriculum can silence students and how disciplinary policies can unfairly target them. But we’ve also seen the transformation that happens when schools commit to inclusive teaching and restorative justice. When we center diverse voices and challenge systemic biases, we don’t just educate—we empower."
Supporting Statistics: The Data Behind Systemic Bias in Education
Lisa Johnson’s firsthand experiences reflect national trends in racial disparities in education. These key statistics highlight the urgent need for change.
1. Racial Disparities in School Discipline
📌 Black students = 15% of U.S. students but 45% of suspensions.
📌 Unfair discipline policies target students of color for minor infractions.
📌 Lisa’s Work: She helps schools implement restorative justice practices, reducing suspensions.
2. Bias in Advanced Coursework Access
📌 Black & Latino students are underrepresented in advanced courses.
📌 Systemic barriers and teacher bias limit their opportunities.
📌 Lisa’s Work: She advocates for fair placement criteria and teacher bias training.
🔗 Source: The Education Trust
3. Lack of Diverse Educators
📌 Illinois: 52% of students are people of color, but only 18% of teachers are.
📌 Representation gaps impact student mentorship and cultural understanding.
📌 Lisa’s Work: She supports initiatives that recruit and retain diverse educators.
🔗 Source: The Education Trust
Lisa’s work proves what the research confirms: Bias in education is real, but change is possible. Her ERaced Podcast discussion explores these issues and offers strategies for building equity in education. Keep reading for key takeaways.
Final Thoughts: Why Fixing Systemic Bias in Education Matters
Education should be a pathway to opportunity, but systemic biases create barriers instead of bridges for many students of color. Lisa Johnson’s work—and national research—proves that inequities in discipline, coursework access, and teacher representation aren’t accidental; they are built into the system.
Highlights from Lisa’s Work & Research
✅ Discipline Disparities: Black students are suspended at 3x the rate of their white peers.
✅ Bias in Advanced Coursework: Many students of color are denied access due to unconscious educator bias.
✅ Lack of Representation: Schools fail to recruit diverse teachers, impacting student engagement and mentorship.
What Lisa Has Seen Firsthand
🔹 Students disengage when they don’t see themselves in the curriculum.
🔹 Unconscious bias keeps talented students out of advanced classes.
🔹 Punitive discipline policies push students of color out of the classroom instead of supporting their success.
The Path Forward: What Needs to Change
📌 Schools must replace punitive discipline with restorative justice.
📌 Curricula should reflect diverse histories, cultures, and contributions.
📌 More diverse educators are needed to mentor and inspire all students.
The research is clear, but change doesn’t happen without action. Lisa’s insights on the ERaced Podcast offer a roadmap for building a more just and inclusive education system.
The real question is: Are we ready to do the work to make it happen?
Next Steps: How You Can Take Action
Change starts with action. Here’s what you can do to help create a more equitable education system.
📚 Educators & School Leaders
✔ Review curriculum for diverse representation.
✔ Attend equity training to recognize implicit bias.
✔ Advocate for restorative justice instead of punitive discipline.
👩👧👦 Parents & Students
✔ Ask schools about diversity in lessons and discipline policies.
✔ Encourage diverse books in classrooms and libraries.
✔ Report bias to school administrators and community leaders.
📣 Advocates & Policymakers
✔ Push for diverse teacher recruitment in your district.
✔ Ensure fair access to advanced coursework for all students.
✔ Raise awareness by sharing research and real-life stories.
🎧 Keep Learning & Stay Involved
✔ Listen to Lisa Johnson’s insights on the ERaced Podcast.
✔ Read research on racial equity in education.
✔ Support organizations working toward systemic change.
Small actions lead to big impacts. Start today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there private schools in rural areas?
Yes, there are private schools in rural areas. They may not be as common as in urban regions due to population density and income levels, but they exist.
Why do people pay for private school?
People often pay for private school because they believe it offers a better educational environment for their children. This can include smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, better resources, and a broader range of programs and activities.
Do non-religious private schools exist?
Yes, non-religious private schools do exist. These are often referred to as independent schools. They operate independently of any religious affiliation and typically have a secular curriculum.
Do free private schools exist?
While rare, free private schools do exist. They are often funded by philanthropic donations or foundations that cover the cost of tuition for all students. However, these schools are usually highly competitive and have strict admission requirements.
Is education better in rural or urban areas?
Whether education is better in rural or urban areas can vary greatly depending on many factors. These can include funding, teacher quality, access to resources, and more. It isn't accurate to make a blanket statement that one is universally better than the other.
What percent of kids go to private school?
Around 10% of all U.S. students attend private schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
How do you know if a school is rural or urban?
Whether a school is rural or urban is generally determined by its location and the population density of the surrounding area. Urban schools are typically in cities or large towns, while rural schools are in areas with less population density and more open space.
What percent of private schools are religious?
Around 80% of private schools in the U.S have a religious affiliation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Are public schools better than private schools?
Public schools aren't necessarily better or worse than private schools. It depends on various factors like the specific school, the quality of education, the resources available, and the student's individual needs.
What percentage of US schools are rural?
About 28% of all U.S. schools are in rural areas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Does private school make a difference?
Private schools can make a difference in a child's education. Many parents and students find that private schools offer more individualized attention and advanced curriculum options and often have smaller class sizes.
What does it mean to be a rural school?
Being a rural school means that the school is located in an area that is not part of an urban city or town. It is typically in a countryside or a small community and may face unique challenges like fewer resources or longer commutes for students.
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