Dr. Ares’s course provided focused time to do the necessary and critical work of understanding  and applying an anti-racist approach to curriculum development. Her workshops gave me the tools and the confidence to create a teacher education course on anti-racist pedagogy that is now delivered at the tri-county teacher resource center.

Jennifer Gkourlias, Visiting Professor, TESOL, Warner School of Education; Teacher Educator/Leader for the Tri-County Teacher resource center serving teachers at all levels in Wyoming, Livingston County, and Steuben Counties.

As my adviser during the five years of my Ph.D. program in The Warner School, Dr. Nancy Ares was a critical influence on my developing of anti-racist thinking and the need for its infusion into every level of educational curriculum. Ten years later, as a faculty member myself, I readily took advantage of the course she offered to assist faculty in infusing anti-racist elements into each of the classes they developed; as I expected, I was again rewarded with further important new understandings. Most importantly, Nancy not only has the knowledge and desire to share concepts around anti-racism and its place in modern education, but she also consistently manifests this passion in every element of her own professional and personal lives. I cannot think of a better teacher and model from whom to learn such critically important elements for today’s curriculum.

Alice Harnischfeger, Ph.D., instructor, inclusive education, Warner School

Working with Nancy Ares has allowed me to learn in a supportive, yet challenging environment. She builds awareness in those with whom she consults, enabling self-directed discovery with guidance that suits the learner. I am slowly revising my curriculum and opening doors for students to explore in our work together and to offer their awarenesses and critiques of writing that may support racism, issues that I may have missed. Nancy helped me to see the larger process and to allow myself occasional error of misplaced focus. My desire to change and grow has been encouraged throughout the process.

Nancy Gearhart, instructor in counseling and counselor education

“Taking Dr Ares’s course on anti-racist pedagogy and curriculum design helped me to rethink the very foundations of my teaching practice. From the readings I chose to the lessons I planned to my syllabus statements, I was able to start the process of decolonizing my course materials and creating a more humble and culturally-responsive affect in my classroom. Dr Ares now offers a two-course sequence, and I am excited to take the second course soon to continue the process we began in the first offering. Thank you for doing this work and supporting your colleagues as we strive to better serve our students together.”

Kyle Trenshaw, Instructor, Writing Speaking and Argument Program, University of Rochester