Adrienne
van der Valk


Adrienne van der Valk began her career in social work, advocating for homeless and runaway youth and survivors of sexual violence. Her graduate studies led her to political science and journalism, and she has been using her editorial skills in a variety of social justice settings ever since. She served as deputy director for Teaching Tolerance for many years before moving on to become the communications director for the Center for Genetics and Society. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Grinnell College and master’s degrees in political science and magazine journalism from the University of Oregon.

Articles by Adrienne

“Families Are Such an Asset”

In this interview, TT Award Winner Liz Kleinrock talks about the steps she takes at the beginning of the school year to connect with her students’ families and how she builds those relationships throughout the year.

Youth—United! Gun Violence Is a Permanent Issue

Meet gun violence activists and high school seniors Jenna Bowker of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mary Cox of Marshall County, Kentucky, and Alex King of Chicago, Illinois.

Be Your Own Historian

Dr. Timothy McCarthy talks through the history of Reconstruction and why it’s more important than ever to get it right.

Educators Resist East Tennessee ICE Raid

Local school, church and nonprofit staff members gathered to protest an immigration raid at a local meat packing plant—and to support the children of detained workers.

The Bravery of Linda Brown

As we remember Linda Brown Thompson, we must also consider the reality of the world she lived in when, at the age of 9, she became the face of school desegregation.
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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.

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