Meet Tara Mallon, Education Committee Chair

Tara Mallon is the chair of the newly revived Education Committee for SOMA Action. She shares some thoughts about what she’s hoping to accomplish:

Why did you think it was important to revive the Education Committee at this time?

SOMA Action is doing so much important work, and it’s such an honor to assume this role and revive the Education Committee. I have a long background in education, as a teacher and administrator, and believe education is how we reach people and create change. Unfortunately, it is also where many inequities manifest, in terms of opportunity, achievement, and who the system is working for, and this has only been more revealed through the pandemic. My hope is for the committee to address some of those inequities.

What sorts of things do you imagine the committee doing?

The work will involve pursuing and advocating for progressive education policy that’s rooted in equitable outcomes, both locally and statewide. Policy that includes standardized testing mandates, curriculum, protections for students that are vulnerable, and issues of funding and zoning. We will aim to hold our leaders accountable for following through on implementation. The committee will also support antiracism education and justice initiatives, such as de-policing schools, and organize around and support the district-wide comprehensive equity plans. I’d also love to sponsor an antiracist book club for kids and host expert speakers in antiracist education that can provide insight and information to the community.

There are also several powerful local organizations that are doing work to achieve goals aligned with the committee’s, so I’m excited to partner with them and combine efforts. For example, Make The Road NJ is leading a Police Free Schools Initiative and we plan to work together on that effort. 

What are you hoping to accomplish?

Ultimately, I hope the committee can provide resources, information and ways to take action to support progressive education policy, do the work of antiracist education and produce equitable outcomes in schools.

What do you think the main obstacles will be?

Systems of inequity are deep rooted and multi-layered, including in our schools, so there are no quick fixes and it’s going to take work...but I’m up for it!

What sort of help do you need to accomplish your objectives?

Volunteers that share a passion for education equity! I’m particularly determined to build a committee that represents a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, as that’s critical to the work.

If people want to get involved, what should they do?

Check out the SOMA Action website and/or email me (taramallon@gmail.com)... can’t wait to get started!