Professional Development Workshops for Educators
As educators, we lead with compassion in building connection across lines of difference, centered on our belief in the collective capacity for change.
A safer, fairer America starts with safer and fairer classrooms. That’s why we design programming for educators and administrators working to build inclusion and equity in their schools. We know unpacking the intersections of racism and education is a multifaceted process, and one size does not fit all. Our team works with you to build a program that addresses the specific needs and concerns of your institution.
Example 3-Session Program: Educators
Teaching Inclusive History
In this session we will explore the rationale behind teaching inclusive history to our students and how to support them through unpacking concepts like enslavement, genocide, Jim Crow America, police brutality, and mass incarceration. This session will first provide teachers with a brief history of these topics and then support them in how to have conversations with their students in a way that is honest and emotionally supportive. We will also address how to teach inclusive history in a way that does not victimize BIPOC Americans and moves students to become civically engaged in society.
Writing an Anti-Racist Curriculum
In this session we will look at the ways to craft unit and lesson plans to design curricula that advance social justice. We’ll share steps to contextualize literature or non-fiction texts and relate it to our contemporary society. This session will build on the concepts introduced in Teaching Inclusive History, and will examine the inequities students experience in America. Program will touch upon how to design anti-racist curricula across all academic content areas and develop stronger educator-student relationships.
Social Justice, Civic Engagement and Student Leadership
In this session we will delve into how we can inspire students to take action in their communities. We will explore developing interdisciplinary techniques to craft unit and lesson plans that incorporate project-based learning around social justice and civic engagement. We’ll discuss how creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving help students develop strong leadership skills, and train educators to facilitate authentic learning experiences in the classroom.
Example 3-Session Program: School Leadership
The History & Legacy of School Segregation
Today, despite the goals of Brown v. Board, many of our school districts remain deeply segregated. This session will unpack systemic inequities such as redlining, school funding, and busing throughout American history. We will reflect on lessons from Black activists and community organizers to map solutions to improving our schools today. This session will help school leaders work alongside parents, teachers and students to build equitable school communities as well as advocate for federal and state policies to support equity goals.
The History of Racism and School Discipline
This session will explore the historical context of disparities in the way students of color are disciplined in schools. We will use case studies of Native American boarding schools to unpack the harmful cultural assimilation and destruction of community traditions. We’ll also look at the history of “broken window policing” that exacerbates the school-to-prison pipeline. After thorough examination of these histories, administrators will design restorative practices to help dismantle harmful discipline systems in their schools.
Teaching For Liberation
This session will explore the best practices for school leaders to coach teachers going beyond standardized testing. We will learn the roots of standardized testing and the eugenics movement and its impact on students today. Then we will examine pedagogical learning tools that encourage teaching practices that counter these harms. We will also explore how school leaders can support educators in the cultivation of anti-racist learning communities in their classrooms.
Interested in working with us?
Get in touch and let us know how we can support your team.