LaNesha Tabb - Unpack Your Impact: How Two Primary Teachers Ditched Problematic Lessons and Built a Culture-Centered Curriculum

Unpack Your Impact delivers a profound and fresh perspective on cultural integration in social studies classrooms. It equips readers with meaningful and tangible methods to have honest discussions while exploring topics that have been desperately missing from traditional textbooks. Personally, my favorite aspect of the book is that LaNesha and Naomi present eye-opening ways to provide historical meaning across various subjects.

This works appreciation of the importance of the M in STEM lessons (mathematics) was a unique addition that I personally connected with. Even though the focus was on elementary education, I found it to be inspirational at all levels. Also, as a new parent, I found that the themes presented opportunities for families to engage in this work. This book is a must-buy!

Dr. Valerie Camille Jones, mathematics specialist and Presidential Award winner

LaNesha and Naomi have done it again! As educators, they understand what steps are needed to help teachers rethink their practices. The duo continues to push educators to do better for ALL kids!

Vera Ahiyya, educator and book curator

Ive had the privilege of bearing witness to the phenomenal work of both Naomi and LaNesha and am beyond excited about this book! This is what I wish I had in my early years of teaching. It is practical, inspiring, relevant and needed! I encourage all educators to read this book and learn from two of the absolute best!

Shaun Woodly, PhD, author, educator, speaker, and founder of the movement Teach Hustle Inspire

Naomi and LaNesha completely transformed their classrooms into places full of culture and joyand in this book, they teach you to do the same!

Kyle Schwartz, educator and author of I Wish My Teacher Knew

This book is written for primary educators, but anyone in the educational field will benefit from reading it. Unpack Your Impact challenges educators to take a look at whats always been done and ask themselves: Who is this lesson serving? The lessons and conversations that these teachers share in the book will fascinate you.

Nicole S. Turner, author of Simply Instructional Coaching: Questions Asked and Answered from the Field

For years, OBrien and Tabb have been consistent with their message about creating a classroom that establishes self-efficacy for students from all backgrounds. After the unfortunate death of George Floyd, America was forced to look at institutions that have allowed racism to wreak havoc for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, the education system isnt immune to enforcing those toxic beliefs that are rooted in racism. In this amazing book, LaNesha and Naomi have carefully detailed how educators and families across the world can begin to broaden their impact by unpacking archaic methods that are no longer useful. I know you will enjoy it!

Michael Bonner, educator and author of Get Up or Give Up: How I Almost Gave Up on Teaching

What an indescribable feeling it is to anticipate great learning from one you taught yourself. Usually the chip off the old block follows the path of the block. However, since I transitioned to teaching as a mid-life career move, I find myself learning from and following the lead established by my daughter LaNesha. Her partnership with Naomi has given me new insight, strategies, and methodologies. I am excited to share their stories and implement their ideas.

C. Nickerson Bolden, author of Indiana Avenue and Bridging the Gulf

There are a few voices in my life that I highly regard. LaNesha Tabb and Naomi OBrien are two of those voices. But what I wasnt expecting when I picked up Unpack Your Impact was how deeply it would move me. Not only will this book remind you of the importance and value of anti-racism teaching and social studies instruction, but it will have you reevaluating the way you think about all sorts of things. Buy a few copies because youll immediately want to pass it along to others you know.

Todd Nesloney, director of culture and strategic leadership, TEPSA, author

Unpack Your Impact is a groundbreaking look at the way social studies should be taughtauthentic, culturally relevant, and anti-racistin the elementary grades and beyond. With its mix of concrete ideas, anecdotes, and self-reflective questioning, this book is necessary for every elementary school teacher who has thought, I dont have time to teach social studies (which is just about all of us). LaNesha and Naomi prove that students are never too young to begin developing democratic ideals about community, citizenship, and equity. You are guaranteed to finish this book with newfound knowledge of not just teaching social studies but revolutionizing how social studies is taught.

Adam Dovico, author