About

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

About

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Trevor

Trevor is a vibrant and inclusive community school. We draw our diverse student body from a multitude of boroughs, counties, zip codes, and countries of family origin. Our community is truly global.

Trevor strives for a commitment in its students, faculty, staff, and leadership to three interrelated principles—diversity, equity, and inclusion— so that all community members, regardless of identity and background, know they are equally considered, valued, and included. Each of these principles is a guiding force in our curriculum; student services; admissions practices; faculty and staff recruitment, as well as professional development; and ongoing strategic thinking and planning.

An Assistant Head of School for Inclusion, Equity & Community Affairs, and faculty Directors of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion lead this programming and are always available for discourse and counsel. A Steering Committee is composed of the Directors of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, parent representatives, and faculty and staff—all of whom are dedicated to this work.

During the 2020–21 school year, Trevor conducted the National Association of Independent School’s Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism (AIM), surveying the school’s faculty and staff, administration, students, parents, Board of Trustees, and alumni to gauge the school’s efforts and climate with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While acknowledging a long history of DEI-focused community building and programming, AIM amplified the need for even greater DEI-advancing work within the Trevor community. This led to the recruitment and hiring of our first Assistant Head of School for Inclusion, Equity, and Community Affairs; the formulation of a school-wide DEI Strategic Plan; and the collaborative, multi-year development of an empathy and inclusion curriculum for students in grades Preschool through 12, called Mosaic.

Mosaic was collaboratively designed by Trevor educators for Trevor students in Preschool through Grade 12. Its goal is to prepare young people for global citizenship.

Mosaic offers a series of developmentally-appropriate lesson plans, written and facilitated by Trevor faculty twice per month, to foster the safety and well-being of students and community.
The facilitators employ an inquiry-driven educational approach that encourages student exploration and discovery, rather than relying on a singular, prescribed approach to learning. Further, they create a secure environment by upholding respect and honor for all participants, in accordance with the group’s established guidelines. Discussions and reflections upon curricular topics promote a deeper understanding of the multiple dimensions of human diversity; they cultivate a culture of respect and inclusion with the aim of launching global citizens prepared for pluralism and civic life.

Various student groups also play a powerful role in building a safe, inclusive, and empowered student body at Trevor. For example, the Multiple Identities, One World (MIOW) student organization teaches students to be activists for a better world by engaging with social justice and equity issues. The Students of Color affinity group (SOCA) is an open forum where Trevor students of color explore identity, share resources, and mentor each other. And, the Queers & Allies student organization is a support and advocacy group that meets to discuss issues of particular importance to the LGBTQ+ community, both at Trevor and the world at large.

Each year the DEI Team offers a full calendar of unique programming to promote engagement between parents, faculty, and staff around topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Events include documentary screenings, book club discussions, and guest speakers.

Affinity Groups and Cultural & Advocacy Clubs for Trevor Students

African Diaspora
Feminism
Gay Straight Alliance
Japanese Culture
Latin American Culture
Multiple Identities One World
Queers & Allies
Students Of Color Affinity
The Allyship Club

Affinity and Advocacy Groups for Parents

Parents of AAPI Students Affinity Group
Parents of Color Affinity Group
Parents of Jewish Students Affinity Group
Parents of LGBTQIA+ Students Affinity Group
Parents of Muslim Students Affinity Group
Trevor Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Affinity and Advocacy Groups for Employees

Trevor Employee People of Color Network (TPOCN)
Trevor White Employees for Racial Equity (WERE)
Trevor Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Trevor DEI Team Members

List of 6 members.

Koreé Hood

Assistant Head of School for Inclusion, Equity & Community Affairs
Debra Alleyne-James

Associate Director for Inclusion, Equity & Community Affairs
Meghan McDonough

Middle School Science Teacher and Advisor, Middle School Mathematics and Science Curriculum Coordinator, and Middle School DEI Director
Emily Riggins

Grade 3 Head Teacher
Laura "Laura" Spalding

Upper School Spanish Teacher and Advisor, World Languages Department Chair, and and Upper School DEI Director
Summer Syphax

Grade 1 Head Teacher and Lower School DEI Director