DEI Practitioner's Handbook

Erica Buchanan-Rivera is an educational equity scholar, consultant, community organizer, and fierce advocate for children and liberatory spaces where people can be their authentic selves. She has served as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum, and a district DEI administrator (e.g., Chief Equity Officer and Director of Equity and Inclusion) in a suburban and an urban school district. Buchanan-Rivera is an Assistant Professor in the Leadership, Language, and Curriculum Department of DePaul University, who brings a lens of justice into her educational leadership courses. She is also the author of the book, Identity-Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity (2022).

• 1. Understanding the History and Complexities of DEI Work 2. The Role of DEI Practitioners 3. Finding the Right Institution to Do the Work 4. Building Capacity for DEI Work 5. Cultivating a Responsive and Inclusive Work Culture 6. Showing Up for Human and Civil Rights: Exploring Title IX, Title VI, and the ADA 7. Navigating Adversity: How We Resist and Protect Our Peace

“In The DEI Practitioner’s Handbook, Erica Buchanan-Rivera, one of the most highly-respected DEI practitioners in North America, leverages her considerable experience and expertise to lay out a comprehensive vision for meaningful, sustainable change work in schools. If you’re looking for a brutally honest, lovingly personal, deeply informed guide for sustaining transformative DEI work in schools, and for sustaining yourself as you engage in that work, there’s no better place to start.” —Paul Gorski, author with Seema Pothini of Case Studies on Diversity and Social Justice Education, 3rd edition“Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera delivers an inspirational and powerful guide for educators committed to advancing belonging and social justice in schools. With compassion and humility, she thoughtfully explores the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion work while providing practical guidance for those courageous enough to lead these efforts. This book reminds us that promoting equitable practices is not optional—it is a moral imperative that ensures every student and adult feels seen, valued, heard, and respected. This book is a must-read for leaders and practitioners dedicated to building school communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”— Dr. Dennisha Murff, Author of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Promising Practices for African American Male Students“As someone who has spent more than 25 years navigating the complexities of equity work in schools, I recognize the critical need for a resource that speaks candidly about both the possibilities and common obstacles of this essential work. Dr. Buchanan-Rivera’s guidebook provides practitioners with the historical context, practical strategies, and reflections necessary to advance educational justice while protecting their own well-being. This is the companion guide I wish I’d had when I began my journey. A resource that honors the complexity of our roles and equips us with a compass for cultivating institutional change. Whether you’re just stepping into an equity role looking for direction or are a seasoned practitioner seeking validation and renewed momentum, this guidebook is an invaluable resource.” — Dr. Renae Azziz, EdD, Author of EMPOWERED and Founder, Virtuoso Education Consulting