We Got This: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be

By: Cornelius Minor

Narrated by: Cornelius Minor

"That's the problem with you, Minor" a student huffed. "You want to make everything about reading or math. It's not always about that. At school, you guys do everything except listen to me. Y'all want to use your essays and vocabulary words to save my future, but none of y'all know anything about saving my now."

In We Got This, Cornelius Minor describes how this conversation moved him toward realizing that listening to children is one of the most powerful things a teacher can do. By listening carefully, Cornelius discovered something that kids find themselves having to communicate far too often. That "my lessons were not, at all, linked to that student's reality."

While challenging the teacher as hero trope, We Got This shows how authentically listening to kids is the closest thing to a superpower that we have. What we hear can spark action that allows us to make powerful moves toward equity by broadening access to learning for all children. A lone teacher can't eliminate inequity, but Cornelius demonstrates that a lone teacher can confront the scholastic manifestations of racism, sexism, ableism, and classism by showing:

• Exactly how he plans and revises lessons to ensure access and equity
• Ways to look anew at explicit and tacit rules that consistently affect groups of students unequally
• Suggestions for leaning into classroom community when it feels like the kids are against you
• Ideas for using universal designs that make curriculum relevant and accessible
• Advocacy strategies for making classroom and school-wide changes that expand access to opportunity to your students

"We cannot guarantee outcomes, but we can guarantee access" Cornelius writes. "We can ensure that everyone gets a shot. In this book we get to do that. Together. Consider this book a manual for how to begin that brilliantly messy work. We got this."

©2019 Cornelius E. Minor II (P)2019 Heinemann Publishing

A must read for all teachers

So many great points that all teachers, new and seasoned, will be able to take tho their classrooms. I actually bought the book so I could go back and highlight some sections that I know will make me a better teacher!

Awesome, informative book. Packed full of ideas.

This book had me totally engaged. The author is the narrator. He gives energy and wings to this book. The most memorable moment is his personal stories about two students. Earl's story made me cry because I could feel how broken he must've been. Other stories made me laugh out loud as I work at a middle school and can relate. I highly recommend this book to all who need encouragement and help.

Amazing book

Thrilled to be able to finally hear a Heinemann title on audio, even more excited for Cornelius Minor to be the first book. Cornelius is a gifted writer and narrator who has also delivered a powerful message to help us think about the work in front of all of us.

Inspirational - Must Read for All Educators

Mr. Minor is an English teacher who really loves his kids and his craft. His thoughtful, funny, and compelling approach to making sure every child receives the best possible education is inspirational to anyone who gets to work with kids.

The best education book out there!!!

I have read this book and listened to it. Mr. Minor lays out practical ways to ensure equity and push education forward. As a teacher this book has had the most impact on my practice.