Equity vs. Equality:
Before we dive into this list of articles and resources to support racial equity in global education, let us define a key term. What is the difference between EQUITY and EQUALITY?
Equality is when everyone gets the exact same thing. This doesn’t always make sense, because in reality, we all need different things.
Equity is when everyone gets what they NEED. This is a much more useful goal, because each person has different backgrounds, resources, and desires. “Racial equity,” therefore, refers to confronting systemic racism so every human gets what they need.

Diversity and Inclusion Articles
With that in mind, here is a round-up of 23 articles from Teaching Traveling designed to support a globally-minded pursuit of racial equity. These posts focus on inclusiveness global education. Of course, there are countless other resources and realms around racial equity, so this list is just a starting point. (More resources are listed at the end.)
The first set of resources here hits on concepts: WHY diversity is important, how language shapes our world, and ideas on ways to structure programs for inclusiveness. These posts can be used for self-study, or with a group or class for discussion and instruction.
The second set of articles in this list features interviews with inspiring travelers of color about their tips and experiences navigating the global landscape, as drivers of racial equity around the world. Hope these are useful for you!
Racial Equity Articles
These 25 resources help explore why inclusiveness is so important, ways to work towards it, and stories of movers and shakers who walk the walk.
Why is Diversity Important? Success, Money, and Impact to Benefit Us All!
This article contains specific examples and studies demonstrating how inclusiveness helps everyone involved.
Nice White Parents: Analysis of the School Inequality Podcast
Educational segregation and lack of equity in public schools impacts everything in America. See a summary and analysis here of the extremely important New York Times podcast, "Nice White Parents."
Examples of Microaggressions: a Lesson and Definition in Cartoons
The words we choose can add up to hurt and harm others. See this illustrated lesson and video which teaches what microaggressions are, why they're harmful, and how to combat them.
Is Saying "Dark" to Mean "Bad" Problematic?
An extremely common metaphor equates "darkness" with negative things. This article explores the destructive and racist implications of this word choice, with examples and suggestions for other vocabulary options.
Why Teacher Travel Grants Need Educators of Color, and 8 Ways Programs Can Foster Diversity
Many free teacher travel opportunities end up being snagged by all-White groups of educators. This article examines why it's vital to change that homogeneity, and includes a case study from Fund for Teachers about how they diversified their cohort, to the benefit of everyone involved.
FREE Teen Writing Mentor Texts on Real Topics
Teens in Print is a treasure trove of online, authentic, engaging high school student writing that can serve as exemplars or idea inspiration in the classroom or at home. These articles hit on vital topics like racial and social justice and fighting discrimination.
"Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds: Analysis by a Teacher
Literature is a key tool in anti-racist work. This engaging Young Adult book by an award-winning author is excellent for middle school and up, and though it doesn't explicitly tackle the topic of race, it masterfully tells ten stories of Black and Latinx students in a way that emphasizes their uniqueness and humanity. This article deeply analyzes each chapter of the text, and can be used by educators looking to add a great new book to their curriculum.
Educational Black and Latina Dolls that Teach History
It can be so hard to find Black and Brown dolls that teach positive messages and history, but this educator is hand-crafting them herself! You can order them completed or as a sew-your-own educational project.
Discussion Topics for Teens: "This Teenage Life" Resources
This website has conversation guides and a podcast for real high school students who want to talk about hard but important subjects.
Funded Educator Travel: From NEH Grants to Fulbright TGC in Colombia
This interview profiles a Black educator who did the Teachers for Global Classrooms program in Latin America, and highlights the power of inter-cultural exploration.
Peace Corps Alum Teaches Positive Body Image as a Solo Black Female Traveler
Meredith San Diego is a popular solo Black female traveler whose adventures have inspired many around the world.
Teaching Film Abroad in Belize and Nigeria: Cybel Martin
This Black filmmaker has been wildly successful in her global projects. This early interview with her highlights film education endeavors in Central America and Africa.
Stories of Real Women Turned Into Queen Fairy Tales to Empower Girls
Looking for empowering diverse books? This series brings real heroines to life in illustrated fairy tale format.
2 Ways to Teach Abroad: JET Japan and France English Assistant
This interview with a Black man who has taught in Asia and Europe inspires us all with the directions our careers can go.
Teaching English and Yoga in Indonesia after Law School
Read the uplifting story of a lawyer who took off to explore Yoga in Asia.
EPIK Korea English Jobs and Peace Corps Teaching Abroad!
What is it like to do Peace Corps and other programs in Asia and Europe as a Black man? This detailed interview has fascinating stories.
Travel Makes a Better Educator: "This Roaming Teacher" in the World
Living and teaching abroad provides a powerful platform to model for the world how global education transforms. "This Roaming Teacher" elaborates in this interview about this.
Extensive Travel as a Woman of Color: Exploring Race and the World
From writing workshops to community travel, this woman's story is worth reading!
Teaching Abroad in Thailand and Ecuador as an Asian-American
What is it like to teach abroad in Latin America as an Asian-American woman? Read this interview for stories.
Teaching English Abroad in Asia as an African-American Man
Everyone's experience teaching abroad is different.
A Teacher Travel Grant to Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki, Japan
Want to earn thousands of dollars in free teacher travel opportunities? This educator has done numerous programs, and can show you how to get your applications accepted!
Fundraising for Wells with Salva Dut from "A Long Walk to Water"
Economic inequities mean that many regions of the world lack access to clean water. Learn about this successful program which drills wells in South Sudan, paired with a Young Adult book that is perfect for middle school.
From Failing School to Making Dreams Reality in Egypt
This interview with a former student explains how she was able to raise money to study in Egypt during a time of great transition, and the impact it had on her life.
A Brilliant Ghanaian Teacher, Traveling in the UK and Ghana
Study, work, and travel abroad can be wonderful for everyone involved. Check out this interview with an ebullient Ghanaian science educator.
Globetrotting to Nearly 40 Countries by Teaching ESL Abroad
Last on this list but certainly not least is one of the most successful advocates of equity in travel out there, Nicole Brewer, who runs the massive travel group iluv2globetrot: a community which has supported hundreds of people to explore the world. Read her thrilling story here.
More Racial Equity Resources
There are so many other articles and supports for the journey to racial equity and inclusiveness in schools and in global education. Here are a few:
- RacialEquityTools.org
- “6 Ways District Leaders Can Build Racial Equity” (EdWeek)
- “Using Data to Advance Racial Equity” (Edutopia)
- “Resources for Talking About Race” (NMAAHC)
- “Uprooting Systemic Bias in Schools” (Harvard GSE)
- “Why Working for Racial Equity Benefits Everyone” (Racial Equity Alliance)
- “Moving Beyond Diversity to Racial Equity” (HBR)
What Are Your Reflections?
Looking at these articles, what stands out to you? Are there other resources for championing racial equity that should be added? Do share!

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English from Boston who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched TeachingTraveling.com in 2010 to share expert global education resources, and over 1.6 million readers have visited over the past decade. Lillie also runs AroundTheWorld L.com Travel and Life Blog, and DrawingsOf.com for educational art. Do stay in touch via subscribing to her monthly newsletter, and following @WorldLillie on social media!
Michelle Frank
Wednesday 28th of October 2020
This is a timely post for me because I'm helping with a grant application that addresses inequity and microaggression. These are fantastic resources, thank you for sharing!
Lillie Marshall
Wednesday 28th of October 2020
You're very welcome, and I'm so glad these resources are timely and useful for you! Best of luck with the grant. Sounds like a very worthwhile cause.
Jessica
Monday 26th of October 2020
I think it's great that you are bringing awareness to this very important issue. I hope that this helps others become conscious of microaggression and how hurtful it is so we can work towards combatting it. P.S. Love the graphics
Lillie Marshall
Monday 26th of October 2020
Thanks, Jessica!