I'm grateful to learn about this teacher and thought leader--teacher of students but also of teachers and the rest of us. And I'm glad to learn about this:
> In 2018, Kate published a comprehensive report on the failure of our schools
> to adequately teach the history of slavery. She didn’t stop there. Following
> the publication of the report, Kate released “Teaching Hard History: A
> Framework for Teaching American Slavery.”
I went to have a look at both links, not only because it sounded like a good thing to do, but because I'm always specifically interested in views of national civic memory of slavery--the very thing I write about because I think our national memory scants one of slavery's most important dimensions.
But when I got to the first one, I was confused at first. I thought, Wait, this comprehensive report is that stuff from the Southern Poverty Law Center. I remember that stuff well. It's on my list to study and post about. Then I found out the answer to my confusion. It was a datum that didn't mean anything to me until today: Yes indeed, SPLC--and look what that comprehensive SPLC report says right at the top: "By Kate Shuster."
Similar thing for the second link, which also leads to someting identified with SPLC. Go to the bottom, and you find that in the acknowledgments, the very first thing says "'Teaching Hard History: A Framework for Teaching American Slavery' was written by Kate Shuster, Bethany Jay and Cynthia Lynn Lyerly."
Not at all surprising that a teacher and scholar admired greatly by Kevin Levin was behind those important efforts. Thanks for posting this.
“She developed a particular fondness for middle school debate, and her work in the area of critical thinking and debate promotion took her around the world. She published several books on debate and argumentation, including a leading textbook.” Educators who love middle schoolers are special indeed.
What a sad loss; and a fine tribute from you. Will follow up on her work.
I'm grateful to learn about this teacher and thought leader--teacher of students but also of teachers and the rest of us. And I'm glad to learn about this:
> In 2018, Kate published a comprehensive report on the failure of our schools
> to adequately teach the history of slavery. She didn’t stop there. Following
> the publication of the report, Kate released “Teaching Hard History: A
> Framework for Teaching American Slavery.”
I went to have a look at both links, not only because it sounded like a good thing to do, but because I'm always specifically interested in views of national civic memory of slavery--the very thing I write about because I think our national memory scants one of slavery's most important dimensions.
But when I got to the first one, I was confused at first. I thought, Wait, this comprehensive report is that stuff from the Southern Poverty Law Center. I remember that stuff well. It's on my list to study and post about. Then I found out the answer to my confusion. It was a datum that didn't mean anything to me until today: Yes indeed, SPLC--and look what that comprehensive SPLC report says right at the top: "By Kate Shuster."
Similar thing for the second link, which also leads to someting identified with SPLC. Go to the bottom, and you find that in the acknowledgments, the very first thing says "'Teaching Hard History: A Framework for Teaching American Slavery' was written by Kate Shuster, Bethany Jay and Cynthia Lynn Lyerly."
Not at all surprising that a teacher and scholar admired greatly by Kevin Levin was behind those important efforts. Thanks for posting this.
I don't think we ever met, but I know that her voice is one that Alabama didn't need to lose.
Indeed. Living in Alabama gave her a clear sense of purpose.
What a lovely tribute and testament to her work and advocacy. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched as much as her memory will. RIP.
Thanks, Trich.
My condolences, may her memory be a blessing. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/montgomery-al/catherine-shuster-11891329
“She developed a particular fondness for middle school debate, and her work in the area of critical thinking and debate promotion took her around the world. She published several books on debate and argumentation, including a leading textbook.” Educators who love middle schoolers are special indeed.