Ruth J. Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice

2024 Annual Report Update: Reclaiming Stories: Professional Learning Opportunity Reflection

For Patricia Santos, the Reimagining New England Histories Professional Learning Opportunity was more than professional development, it was a call to teach for justice. Through collaboration with the Curriculum Committee, she helped refine lessons that center Indigenous histories and contributions, ensuring that truthful, inclusive narratives reach classrooms year-round.

Lorén Spears guides educators in a tour of Brown University's campus.
 Professional Learning Opportunity participants explore Brown’s campus with co-facilitator Lorén Spears.
Credit: Christen Makram

It is my responsibility as a teacher to always impart the truth to my students. However, with limited or nonexistent resources, how can I convey the truth? My drive to find answers drove me to search. For me, it was more than simply a question, it was and still is a matter of learning for justice. It was then that I had the great fortune to read about the Reimagining New England Histories: Professional Learning Opportunity in the Tomaquag Museum’s newsletter, in the summer of 2023. My participation in the PLO has definitely expanded my understanding of the unique and crucial contributions made by the Indigenous People. We were given access to powerful resources and the chance to learn how to acknowledge Native People’s lands, as well as time to examine, assess, revise, and develop lessons that take into account and highlight the historical and ongoing contributions of Native People, encouraging us to include such concepts in our curriculum not only during Native American Heritage Month but all year long. Throughout the 23/24 academic year, I participated in the Reimagining New England Histories Curriculum Committee. Working with other amazing colleagues, we refined five lessons covering important topics that can be appropriately presented to upper elementary through high school students. Unquestionably, these enlightening opportunities provided the necessary information and knowledge to impart the truth to all students. I believe that now is the moment to rewrite history, not just in New England but across the country. This is the appeal for a better education in truth to build the next generation of civic leaders.

Patricia Santos
Professional Learning Opportunity Participant
4th Grade General Bilingual Teacher (Portuguese/English strand) at the International Charter School, Pawtucket, RI