We Must Say No to the Status Quo: Educators as Allies in the Battle for Social Justice

It takes more than good intentions to make meaningful change

The "spirit slashing" of injustice: that’s what Veronica McDermott calls the psychic toll that marginalized students face every day. Students can be marginalized because of race, economic status, language, sexual orientation, ability, or other factors. So how can you make a difference? McDermott, a longtime educator, gives you the tools to become a powerful ally. You’ll learn how to:

• Better understand the depth and breadth of injustice so you can pierce the fog of privilege and embrace ally-hood
• Fill the gap between your desire to eliminate injustice and the attitudes and skills required to be effective
• Leverage your natural strengths, including your disposition, educational training, and professional position
• Challenge the structural barriers, practices and beliefs that diminish opportunities for many students

Working for social justice is a journey, and it’s one that you―and your students― can take together.

"Educators will find in this book a heart-felt, honest, uncompromising tour de force."
―Yvette Jackson, Senior Scholar
National Urban Alliance for Effective Education

"This book illuminates a clear pathway for transforming our consciousness and our practice in the service of equity and social justice."
―Gary Howard, Author of We Can’t Lead Where We Won’t Go

Veronica McDermott, Ph.D., is a retired school superintendent who continues to focus her efforts on school transformation, social justice, and equity. She is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop leader at national and international conferences devoted to issues of leadership and learning for equity and social justice. She is the author of many articles, chapters and opinion pieces, as well as co-author of two books designed to change the way educators think about, talk about and interact with our students who are not thriving.


Dr. McDermott received her Ph.D. from New York University, a professional diploma from Long Island University, and her Masters and Bachelor degrees from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. In addition to being superintendent of schools, she has served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction; principal; district director of English Language Arts, Reading, Second Language and ESL; and English teacher. She was also a regional director with a national professional development organization that provided high-quality, embedded learning experiences for urban educators.

Her legacy project is to eradicate the crime of squandered potential.