"Good Instruction Naturally Leads to Equity": A Mid-Year Update

When Shannon Janovitz stepped into her new role as Burlington High School’s Lead DEI Curriculum and Instructional Coach, she knew she was venturing into uncharted territory. 

After two decades at Burlington Public Schools – first as an English teacher, then as department chair – she embraced the challenge of shaping a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.  

Now, six months in, she reflects on the progress made and the work ahead.  

“I do not think I could do this role without that level of teaching experience,” said Janovitz. 

Her years in the classroom have given her a deep understanding of the evolving educational landscape and the challenges students and faculty face. 

“I’ve taught almost all of the classes in the English department – different levels, different needs – so I’ve developed a strong sense of what students and teachers are experiencing,” said Janovitz. 

Starting a brand-new position came with uncertainty, but Janovitz quickly found her footing. She now works closely with the high school community and collaborates with a district-wide instructional team to ensure students have access to the resources they need. 

 While diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) can mean different things to different people, Janovitz stressed its essential role in classroom environments, especially at BHS. 

“It is accessible to all students, so that their classroom experience is meaningful to them, where they not only feel that they can succeed and have opportunities to succeed,” said Janovitz, “but also have a sense of belonging and purpose in that space.”

A core focus of her work is promoting culturally responsive teaching – a method that considers students’ background skills and needs. Janovitz helps teachers develop  lesson plans that build on students' prior knowledge, ensuring they’re supported and engaged.

“It’s about building trusting relationships with students, understanding their strengths and needs, and helping them make meaningful connections to new learning,” Janovitz said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into lesson design to make sure we’re truly reaching everyone."

Beyond professional development, Burlington High School is working on an initiative they call ‘Portrait of a Graduate.’ Janovitz described it as a vision – a promise to students that they’ll be equipped with essential skills and mindsets for success after high school.  The school plans to expand community engagement with this project in the spring.

“It gives students a sense that what they are doing in school extends beyond the classroom,” said Janovitz. “They can take these durable skills and move them into whatever it is they want to do or be in life after high school.”

A Collaborative Effort 

Janovitz isn’t working alone. Seeta Durvasula, the DEI Curriculum and Instructional Coach at Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington, has also played a key role in shaping these initiatives.

Durvasula, who began coaching in 2022, previously served as a department chair in the Concord school district, where she facilitated professional learning communities.

Like Janovitz, Durvasula believes that effective instruction naturally integrates DEI principles.

“Good instruction is DEI,” Durvasula said. “So when you are delivering instruction with intentionality and thought towards clarity and inclusion, that naturally leads to equity.”

She brings expertise in various teaching frameworks, including “Facing History, the Democratic Knowledge Project” and the Calculus Project, which has a primary lens on “anti-bias” and “inclusive practices.”

Durvasula noted that while some educators readily embrace these resources, others are hesitant about change.

 “If people take advantage of the coaches and the resources, then you see a difference,” said Durvasula. “When people are resistant or afraid of change, I think you won’t see that progress.”

DEI in an Uncertain Climate

Nationally, DEI programs face increasing scrutiny. In January, the Trump administration signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,”  with Project 2025 pushing for the elimination of DEI initiatives nationwide.

Both Janovitz and Durvasula acknowledge  that this political climate has created anxiety among faculty, students, and the broader community. 

Durvasula said that while her team at Marshal Simonds Middle School has not yet discussed a contingency plan in case DEI initiatives are banned, they remain committed to delivering a state-supported curriculum.

“I’m more concerned about how removing these positions might hurt students,” Durvasula said. 

Janovitz echoed that sentiment, saying  that DEI work is ultimately about ensuring students' access and success. 

“I feel strongly that what we’re doing for students and the direction that we’re headed is positive,” said Janovitz. 

Looking Ahead 

Both Janovitz and Durvasula say that while they’re long-time educators, their new roles have given them a fresh perspective on student learning and growth.

“I miss being with students,” said Janovitz, “But on the other hand, I get to see and engage with students in a different way.”

At BHS, says Janovitz, the Instructional Leadership Team is continually assessing curriculum and working to ensure diverse representation in lesson plans. Recent efforts include updating the district’s curriculum accommodation plan, which provides teachers with strategies to support struggling students. 

Looking ahead, Janovitz remains focused on fostering a learning environment that prioritizes engagement and purpose. 

“For so long, school has been about completing tasks, taking tests and the grades,” Janovitz said. “ I know that I’m not going to be able to change that culture entirely, but my hope is that students start seeing their experiences in school as learning experiences –as joyful, purposeful, meaningful experiences.”

See the Buzz's beginning-of-year interview with Shannon Janovitz and a history of roles focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Burlington Public Schools

Juliana Pinto is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This article was produced by Juliana for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with Burlington Buzz.