W O R K S H O P S E R I E S
W O R K S H O P S E R I E S
The Instructional Development team has heard from a variety of instructors about their need for help in navigating discussions around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in the online classroom. In the wake of the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements, and amid calls for equity and social justice, the need for this type of training has become even more essential.
Therefore, the Educator Engagement and Development team developed a series of six workshops to help educators create more equitable spaces for students in the online environment by acknowledging, accepting, learning, and acting to change systematic forms of oppression.
DEI is a timely, but sensitive area to address. Thus, the curriculum is based on input from 2U educator partners, research from academia, and resources from partner-institution DEI centers.
Seminars are co-led by members of 2U’s Educator Experience team, who collectively have more than 100 years experience in education and working on DEI issues specifically, and 200+ hours preparing and facilitating educator seminars, in addition to numerous Masters and Doctorate degrees.
The series is structured as a cohort model providing you with a community of your peers, where shared experience and enriching discussion is at the foundation. We designed this workshop series much like your courses where each session builds upon the one previous in order to maximize your learning experience.
DATES: Spring 2025 dates coming soon
TIME: 12:00 - 1:30 PM EDT / 9:00 - 10:30 AM PDT / 6:00 - 7:30 PM SAST
DURATION: 90-Minute Sessions for 6 Consecutive Weeks
REGISTER: Coming Soon
* Due to expected high demands, cohorts have limited seats. Please sign up using the form to the right ASAP to help us prepare for the upcoming cohort. Based on registration demands, we may need to place people on a waiting list.
Who should register?
Workshops are intended for current program leaders or instructors who are designing or teaching in a 2U-powered program.
As a participant in the equity workshop series, we ask that you come prepared to practice the four C’s of DEI: Commitment, Courage, Curiosity and Collaboration
W H A T T O E X P E C T
In an era where education transcends physical boundaries, it is crucial to ensure that our digital classrooms are bastions of inclusion, equity, and empowerment for all learners. This groundbreaking workshop series equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and actionable strategies to transform virtual spaces into catalysts for positive change. Embark on a journey that spans the realms of cultural competency, courageous conversations, bystander intervention, and the four pillars of inclusive teaching: intent, impact, identity, and intersectionality. Discover how to dismantle biases, design and deliver culturally responsive curriculum, leverage technology to bridge divides, and create safe but brave digital environments where every student's voice is heard, valued, and celebrated. Join us in this profound exploration of equity, and emerge as a champion, armed with the tools to cultivate a future where every learner, regardless of background or circumstance, has an equal opportunity to thrive, grow, and shape a more just and compassionate world.
Learning objectives for the overall workshop series:
Understand the intersectionality of identities and how to create learning experiences that celebrate and empower students' unique intersectional experiences.
Recognize and challenge personal biases, assumptions, and unconscious attitudes that may impact teaching and learning, while learning tenets of cultural competency in instruction.
Acquire strategies for creating safe and brave digital spaces that foster open dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and promote digital citizenship.
Develop skills for effective bystander intervention to address instances of cyberbullying, discrimination, or other forms of harm in digital learning environments.
Explore ways to leverage technology and digital tools to bridge educational divides and promote equitable access to learning opportunities.
Formulate personal allyship plans for implementing inclusive, equitable, and culturally competent teaching practices within digital classrooms and beyond.
Emerge from the series as champions of educational equity, prepared to lead and inspire systemic change towards a more just, inclusive, and compassionate learning landscape.
Workshop #1
Inclusive teaching is not just a buzzword; it is a transformative approach that acknowledges and embraces the rich diversity of learners. This eye-opening first session delves into the Four I's framework, empowering educators to move beyond good intentions and understand the profound impact their teaching practices have on students' identities and intersectional experiences. Uncover the power of Intent, Impact, Identity, and Intersectionality, and unlock a teaching philosophy that fosters equitable learning opportunities, cultivates a sense of belonging, and celebrates the unique strengths each student brings to the classroom.
Workshop #2
Biases, whether conscious or unconscious, can profoundly impact the learning experience for students from diverse backgrounds. This transformative workshop equips educators with the tools and strategies to cultivate cultural competency in their instruction. Explore how to recognize and challenge personal biases, create inclusive learning environments, and design culturally responsive curricula that resonate with all learners. Unlock the power of cultural competency and empower your students to thrive in an increasingly multicultural world, where their unique identities and perspectives are not only respected but celebrated as invaluable assets in the classroom.
Workshop #3
In today's digital age, meaningful conversations can often be stifled by fear, misunderstanding, and toxic online environments. This session will empower you to navigate the virtual landscape with courage and compassion, fostering safe spaces where diverse perspectives can be shared freely, respectfully, and without judgment. Discover the art of courageous conversations and unlock the power of brave digital spaces that promote genuine connection, growth, and positive change.
Workshop #4
About the Workshop: In the digital age, classrooms extend beyond physical walls, and harmful behaviors can proliferate unchecked in online spaces. This pivotal workshop equips educators with the knowledge and skills to become active bystanders, empowering them to intervene effectively when witnessing instances of cyberbullying, discrimination, or other forms of digital harm. Discover practical strategies for creating a culture of accountability, fostering digital citizenship, and cultivating a safe and inclusive virtual learning environment. Join us in taking a stand against digital harm and ensuring that every student feels valued, respected, and supported, both in person and online.
Workshop #5
About the Workshop: Equity in education is not just a noble goal; it is a fundamental right that every student deserves. This transformative workshop equips educators with powerful tools to promote equity, both within the digital classroom and beyond its virtual boundaries. Explore innovative strategies for designing inclusive curricula, leveraging technology to bridge digital divides, and fostering a growth mindset that celebrates diversity as a strength. Discover how to create learning environments that empower all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, to unlock their full potential. Join us on this journey towards true educational equity, where every learner has an equal opportunity to thrive, grow, and shape a more just and inclusive future.
Workshop #6
About the Workshop: Transformation begins with a commitment to action. In this culminating workshop, we will reflect on the powerful lessons learned throughout our journey, celebrating the progress made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. Together, we will distill our collective wisdom into a comprehensive action plan, equipping educators with the tools, strategies, and unwavering determination to champion equity, inclusion, and digital citizenship in every classroom and virtual space. This is our call to action, a rallying cry to shape a future where every learner feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Join us as we chart a course towards lasting change, leaving this workshop series emboldened and inspired to be the catalysts for a more just, equitable, and compassionate educational landscape.
Aung is a recent 2U employee joining the Instructional Development team in July of 2020. Aung has a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Delaware and received his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. Before his time at 2U, Aung worked in refugee resettlement, training refugees from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Myanmar, Bhutan and others after fleeing persecution. Aung has a lifelong mission in appreciating the strength of diversity, the passion in equity, and values inclusion for all and everyone.
Brendan is a Manager of the Instructional Development team at 2U, where he has worked since 2018. He earned a Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, & Teaching with an emphasis on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Denver. He has led classrooms of first graders, with children learning English overseas, in Title 1 high schools around the country, and with educators across the spectrum. Brendan believes that regardless of who the learner is, a foundational connection is key to a healthy, happy, and productive learning experience.
Fatiema joined the Faculty Success Team in July 2023 prior to being a Student Success Advisor. By supporting multiple degree programs, Fatiema has experience in higher education from the perspective of both students and faculty. As a University of Cape Town Summa Cum Laude Honors Social Work graduate and DEI representative, she utilizes her experiences and expertise by contributing to panel discussions and events that focus on knowledge sharing and empowerment.
Monique is currently an Instructional Specialist and has worked in education for over 15 years. She earned a Master of Management in Human Resources and BA in Vocal Performance. After joining 2U in 2017, Monique has held positions as an Admission Counselor and Academic Advisor. Prior to joining 2U, she worked closely with the recruitment and support of first generation and undocumented students at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. In her current role she is responsible for training and development of undergraduate faculty.
Ron Collins joined 2U in April of 2014 as a Faculty Relationship Manager. He has spent time supporting students and faculty at multiple universities. Graduating from Frostburg State University with a BS in Psychology with a focus in counseling, Ron spent time with the Black Student Alliance hosting diversity retreats and taking part in panels discussing inclusivity on the college campus.
Shan joined the Faculty Success team in November 2022 previously having worked at 2U as a curriculum and learning specialist and as a student success advisor. Shan has over 10+ years of higher education experience having worked in admissions, curriculum development, instructional design, diversity and inclusion, and residence life. Shan currently owns and operates her own diversity and equity consultation company supporting educators and administrators as the embed diverse practices into their curriculum and organizational cultures. Shan also serves as an adjunct faculty member developing and teaching courses pertaining to equitable and accessible learning design.
Stacy is an Instructional Specialist with 2U and holds her Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from University of South Florida. As a mixed race daughter of a Korean immigrant, she has spent the last 10 years teaching English abroad and in New York City to adults from all over the world, including: East and Southeast Asia, Latin America, South America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan and Northern Africa. Using a critical discourse analytic approach, she seeks to empower faculty to build new spaces of opportunity for their students and with a voice to advocate for themselves and their communities.
With over eight years of experience working in the education sector, Stacy Jean-Philippe is a recent addition to the Instructional Consultant Team at 2U. In her current role, she provides expert consultation, coaching, and facilitates dynamic learning experiences for educators around the globe. Her current passion centers on further enhancing the instructional skills of experienced educators and supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.