To be an engaged learner, a child must feel safe, included and valued. Research reveals that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create stronger and more creative environments that deliver growth, innovation and results. The Joseph Sears School community wants to foster an equitable and inclusive school environment where children, faculty, staff and parents, feel safe and empowered to share their unique experiences and ideas. Sears School strives to be an environment where a collective sense of pride, passion and belonging transcends differences and fosters a community unified in its commitment to excellence, innovation and social responsibility. Promoting empathy and equity in order to embrace a rich tapestry of social identities is vital to a successful learning environment—not only for those who are marginalized, but for everyone.

DEB will apply the following Guiding Principles to the work they do:

Diversity, Equity and Belonging at The Joseph Sears School

• We believe a commitment to diversity, equity and belonging is essential to creating an environment where each member of the Joseph Sears School community feels safe, welcome, and valued.
• We commit to creating a space for ongoing and open conversations where different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds are embraced.
• With the Portrait of a Sears Graduate (Fearless Learner, Creative Thinker, Courageous Advocate, and Compassionate Citizen) and the Four Cornerstones (Responsibility, Kindness, Honesty and Respect) as our guide, we seek to refine and innovate curricula, policies, and practices to foster a welcoming culture within our school house.
• We seek to promote and celebrate our multiple identities and endeavor to overcome our biases.
• We believe a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community will empower our community to bring about positive change in an increasingly diverse and global world.

The DEB work is aligned with the equity and inclusion initiatives taking place at New Trier and New Trier’s feeder schools.