Jen Neitzel, Ph.D.
About Jen Neitzel, Ph.D.
Speech topics
Building a Community of Belonging
Belonging is a key element of human existence. We all want to belong to others, to ourselves, and to something bigger than who we are. We are living in a time of great challenge and change with increasing divisiveness that can be hard to navigate. Nurturing communities of belonging in early childhood and education is a key aspect of social emotional development for children. Before we can do this, we, as educators, must do the hard work of understanding who we are, our values, and how we show up in this world.
This session provides educators with a background about what a community exactly is and how it must be grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Communities of belonging help children no that they matter simply because they exist. Moving through our own assumptions and biases is an essential part of creating communities of belonging. These conversations can be uncomfortable; however, that discomfort is an opportunity for personal growth that then expands the ways in which we show up for children and cultivate communities of belonging.
Speaking videos
Books by Jen Neitzel, Ph.D.
“The Handbook of Racial Equity in Early Childhood Education” (2023)
The goal of every early educator is to prepare all students for school success—but for young Black children, entrenched biases and racial inequities have created an achievement gap that must be closed. Transform your practices and work for systemic change with this visionary guidebook, a comprehensive roadmap to promoting racial equity in early childhood education. The only handbook of its kind that takes a rigorous, in‐depth look at the historical roots of racial bias, this book goes beyond band‐aid approaches to equity and prioritizes real transformation and healing: of adults, communities, programs, systems, and children. Grounded in research but focused on action, this empowering guide offers both deep foundational knowledge and practical classroom strategies that promote better outcomes for Black children and families. Contributions from voices of experience—influential scholars, teachers, and parents—offer authentic perspectives on the impact of racism and the importance of anti‐racist practices. A must for educators, administrators, and policymakers working toward equity and justice, this book will help early childhood professionals dismantle inequitable systems and ensure high‐quality learning experiences for every child. EARLY EDUCATORS WILL LEARN HOW TO: recognize the many ways racialized bias shows up within the early childhood system challenge the implicit bias that shapes their perceptions and practices develop a deep and shared understanding of key terms used within racial equity dialogue create culturally responsive anti‐bias (CRAB) education environments, with sample lessons and guidance on curriculum design help young Black children build and maintain a positive racial identity strengthen school‐family partnerships by developing culturally responsive relationships with families take action to resolve racial inequities in suspensions and expulsions address historical and racial trauma to help children, staff, and families heal make a plan to revise data collection systems in ways that promote racial equity begin the challenging but necessary work of high‐level systems change
“Achieving Equity and Justice in Education through the Work of Systems Change” (2021)
In Achieving Equity and Justice in Education through the Work of Systems Change, Dr. Neitzel contends that our nation is at a crossroads. Do we continue with the band aid approach to equity that is focused on implementing isolated intervention programs aimed at reducing the achievement gap? Or do we embrace systems change, which requires us to focus on disrupting the roots that are sustaining deep disparities between Black and White students? She guides readers through the history of the educational system to facilitate a greater understanding about how barriers have morphed to disadvantage Black students and why systems change is necessary to address racial inequities within our schools. She lays out a systems change framework that provides the path forward for educational leaders, teachers, policy makers, and community members. "The Work" identifies key issues that must be addressed and offers a revolutionary new way of thinking about how to bring about lasting change for all students.
At a glanceJen Neitzel, Ph.D.
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