Jose Rodriguez is the Dean of Restorative Practice at Roosevelt High School
“My work feels incomplete right now. There are adults that are causing harm to our BIPOC students in spaces that should be safe and healing. I’m not going to allow this any more and I’m invested in creating a system in which these adults are held accountable for causing harm to our BIPOC students. I feel I have the assets to work effectively with our youth but lack the skills needed to work with certain adults. I feel SURGE can help me grow in this area. In addition, I have been on my own journey of healing and doing the mirror work so that I strengthen my emotional resilience. I would love to be in more spaces that allow educational leaders of color to reflect, share, and heal together. I’ve been in spaces with SURGE alums and I love the vibe, it’s inspirational and that’s what I need right now.”