Profile of a Garfield Community Member

Laura Felpo exemplifies the values of the Garfield community through her teaching and commitment to fostering critical thinking and compassion. Her social studies/language arts classroom reflects the school’s mission: “a community of learners who recognize the history of our institution and the power of its vision and voice to encourage critical thinking and compassion as a means of creating future leaders.” Ms. Felpo actively works to nurture diverse leaders equipped to collaborate and create positive change within both Garfield High School and the broader community.

One significant way Ms. Felpo has brought these values to life is by integrating the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi into her curriculum. Recognizing the importance of understanding the history of racism, she has championed this text as a tool for helping students become agents of change. By providing every ninth-grade student a hard copy of the book, Ms. Felpo emphasizes literacy skills, critical listening, and collaboration. She has worked alongside teachers from other departments to craft interdisciplinary lessons based on this shared text, reinforcing the idea that antiracism education transcends subject boundaries.

Ms. Felpo’s efforts extend beyond her classroom. In a campaign supported by the Garfield community, the distribution of Stamped empowered students to confront the long history of racism and antiracism in the United States. Through engaging lessons and projects, students explored themes such as the Voting Rights Act, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Harlem Renaissance. They honed their skills in argumentative writing and creative responses, connecting historical events to contemporary issues like the global uprisings for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.

Reflecting on their learning, students shared profound insights. “The history of racism is complex and multifaceted, but people have tirelessly resisted and fought for their rights throughout history despite the many obstacles,” one student remarked. Another noted, “Literature is powerful, and the US likes to sweep a lot of history under the rug.” These takeaways underscore the transformative impact of Ms. Felpo’s approach to teaching history and language arts.

Laura Felpo’s work exemplifies the Garfield community’s commitment to education that empowers students to understand their history, engage critically with society, and become leaders of positive change.