Times Seeking Parents and Educators of Color

The Times is creating a new, Gates-sponsored conversation "The Homeroom."

That’s why The Seattle Times’ Education Lab is trying something new: bringing together parents (and guardians) with K-12 educators (including paraeducators) — two groups that care deeply about students, but don’t often talk together. 

We’re eager to hear the frustrations, ideas, victories and barriers both have faced in securing the best education for their students and children. Participants will get the chance to talk at length with other teachers and parents across the state about how to tackle problems. And together, jointly explore possible solutions.

They are using a group - Spaceship Media - to facilitate these meetings. About them:

We work with media companies across all platforms to support them in deepening their relationships with the communities they serve. In partnership, we design dialogue journalism engagements — Conversation Experiences — that start with listening and lead to content that reflects the rich experience of tackling tough issues and getting to know others as whole people. Our work is building community through audience engagement.

I have queried Spaceship Media on who their funders are.  The Time's Education Lab is underwritten by the Gates Foundation.

I would wonder about the participation of educators given their busy schedules.  There are two different methods to contact the Times - one for parents and one for educators - so perhaps the Times is taking into consideration educator time.