What is Good Trouble

In June 2018, Congressman John Lewis tweeted, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” resonating with many leaders. Being unafraid to say something when observing inequity and injustice in society's institutions, especially schools, has become the mantra of these leaders. Over 60 years after the Supreme Court ruling on Brown v. Board of Education, schools have not achieved the fundamental goal of creating a racial, discrimination-free public educational system that provides equal opportunities for all students. This chapter questions how educational leaders can make noise and get into good trouble in creating classrooms and schools that provide equitable educational opportunities—especially for students of color and those who live in poverty. The author's experiences as a teacher, school leader, and district leader in schools and districts where race is a determining factor in the education of students of color inform this chapter.