New Jersey Division of Civil Rights Trainings for Educators

Having Anti-Bias Discussions in Class (Primary Educators)

This virtual training will address the importance of discussing topics related to prejudice and discrimination in the classroom. Participants will explore guidelines for discussing sensitive topics, how to manage conflict, and pedagogical tools that facilitate critical thinking. Participants will also learn how the NJ Law Against Discrimination protects students and educators from biased-based harassment and discrimination.

Link: Register for September 27 from 9:30am-11:30am

Having Anti-Bias Discussions in Class (Secondary Educators)

This virtual training will address the importance of discussing topics related to prejudice and discrimination in the classroom. Participants will explore guidelines for discussing sensitive topics, how to manage conflict, and pedagogical tools that facilitate critical thinking. Participants will also learn how the NJ Law Against Discrimination protects students and educators from biased-based harassment and discrimination.

Link: Register for October 3 from 9:30am-11:30am

Affirming LGBTQIA+ Identities in Class (All)

This training explores the ways in which LGBTQIA+ people are silenced in school life, and examines strategies for fostering greater visibility and affirmation of LGBTQIA+ people and topics at K-12 schools. Through interactive exercises, video and audio clips, and large and small group discussion, participants will deepen their understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and terminology, identify ways to respond effectively when anti-LGBTQIA+ bias is expressed, and integrate LGBTQIA+ content into instruction. Participants will also learn about how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protects the rights of LGBTQIA+ students.

Link: Register for October 17 from 9:30am-11:30am

New Jersey Division of Civil Rights Trainings for Educators

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) offers trainings aimed at preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination through their Education and Training Unit. These interactive sessions educate participants about their rights and responsibilities under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act and the new Fair Chance in Housing Act by raising awareness about current anti-bias issues.

Upcoming Trainings

CELEBRATE Hispanic Heritage Month!

2022 Hispanic Heritage Month observance theme: “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation” 

The theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. 

It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. 

It is also a reminder that we are stronger together. 

(https://www.hispanicmonth.net/hispanic-heritage-month/hispanic-heritage-month-theme-2022/)

Activities:

15 Activities for Kids

Hispanic Month Activities

PreSchool Activities

Printable Sheets

The State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General

Check out our new virtual trainings. The best part is, you don't have to drive anywhere to attend!

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) offers trainings aimed at preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination through their Education and Training Unit. These interactive sessions educate participants about their rights and responsibilities under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act and the Fair Chance in Housing Act as well as raise awareness about current anti-bias issues.

Trainings for New Jersey Educators

Having Anti-Bias Discussions in Class

This interactive session will be facilitated by the NJ Division on Civil Rights. Participants will address the importance of creating “brave spaces” and explore guidelines for discussing sensitive topics, managing conflict, and be introduced to pedagogical tools that facilitate critical thinking.

Register for Having Anti-Bias Discussions in Class on February 17, 2022 from 3:30pm-5pm

Register for Having Anti-Bias Discussions in Class on March 9, 2022 from 9:30am-11am

Your Legal Rights as Educators

In this training, educators will learn about their rights and obligations under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). Participants will explore when conduct crosses the line to become a violation of the LAD, and how to respond when they witness or experience discrimination or harassment. Additional topics include the rights of pregnant and breastfeeding employees, family leave and retaliation.

Register for Your Legal Rights as Educators on March 24, 2022 from 9:30am-11am

Trainings for the General Public

Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions

This interactive, virtual training will explore the ways that implicit bias – including microaggressions – manifest in our lives and impact our relationships with others. Participants will deepen their understanding of implicit bias, learn how to identify microaggressions, and investigate strategies for responding effectively to microaggressions that they experience and commit. Participants will also learn about the NJ Law Against Discrimination and how microaggressions can contribute to a hostile work or school environment.

Register for Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions on February 22, 2022 from 3:30pm-5pm

Register for Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions on March 22, 2022 – 9:30am-11am

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in the Workplace

This training will help participants gain knowledge about employment rights and obligations under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Participants will look at different types of discrimination claims, the protected characteristics under the LAD and much more.

Register for The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in the Workplace on February 23, 2022 from 1pm-3pm

Register for The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in the Workplace on March 8, 2022 – 9:30am-11:30am

Understanding Implicit Bias

This interactive session will introduce participants to the concept of implicit bias and demonstrate how implicit bias manifests itself. It will also look at microaggressions and provide strategies to address both microaggressions and implicit bias.

Register for Understanding Implicit Bias on March 3, 2022 – 9:30am-12:30pm

Register for Understanding Implicit Bias on March 15, 2022 – 1pm-4pm

Strategies for Effective Bystander Intervention

This interactive training explores the factors that inhibit and encourage bystander intervention, especially in situations involving bias, harassment and discrimination. Participants will delve into strategies for intervening to support targets of bias and in response to other problematic behavior.

Register for Bystander Intervention on March 17, 2022 – 9:30am-11am

Trainings for Housing Providers

NJ Division on Civil Rights Fair Chance in Housing Act Webinar

This interactive webinar that will provide an overview of the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA), including effective implementation strategies and model forms that can be utilized by housing providers. Participants will also explore how conviction record screenings have disproportionately impacted communities of color, and consider ways to create discrimination-free housing environments.

Register for the NJ Fair Chance in Housing Act Webinar on March 10, 2022 from 11:30am-1pm

Professional Development Workshops

Led by TCNJ Faculty

Virtual and Live!

Literacy Lunch - You bring the lunch. We bring the learning.

Strengthening Essay Writing Skills of Students who Experience Difficulty with the Writing Process - 2 hours

Grades K – 8

Friday, October 22, 2021 – Noon to 2:00pm

Learn more at:  https://tpd.tcnj.edu/literacy/

Inclusion 

Creating Affirming and Inclusive Educational Environments - 4 hours

Dates and Times: Wednesdays - 4 workshops to choose from:

• October 20 and 27, 2021: 3:00pm to – 5:00pm

• October 20 and 27, 2021: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

• November 17 and 24, 2021: 3:00pm to – 5 :00pm

• November 17 and 24, 2021: 6:00pm to – 8:00pm

Learn more at: https://tpd.tcnj.edu/diversity-inclusion/

Social Justice Learning Series Presents: A Conversation about Racism, Mental Health, and Creativity with Lynette Sheard

Thu, Sep 30th @  3PM - 4:30PM EST

Live on Zoom

Pay what you can

Calling educators of all grade levels and subject areas!

·  Do you want to better understand racism and how it plays out in educational settings?

·  Are you concerned that racism is affecting your students’ mental health, but unsure how to help?

·  Are you looking for creative ideas and solutions to make a difference in your classroom?

This virtual presentation will answer all of these questions (and more) as you head into the new academic year.

Led by Lynette Sheard of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, this session will feature performances by the NJ Mental Health Players (NJMHP). You’ll get facts and data from a trained mental health professional, followed by role-plays to show you real-life scenarios and challenges faced by students and teachers alike. Then, we’ll discuss as a group, raising questions and generating solutions together.

We’ll cover a wide range of hot topics pertaining to racism and its impact on mental health, including: cognitive dissonance in relation to critical race theory, cancel culture and its implications, opposing views between teachers, deconstructing bias, safe spaces for creative concentration, and strategies for improving communication.

This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registered participants.

register here

The New Jersey Bar Association will hold the following free trainings throughout the fall. 

ABOUT OUR TRAININGS

These workshops are FREE for educators. Click on below dates to register.

***Webcams and microphones are required for online trainings.***

If you register for a workshop and can no longer attend, please cancel so that others might have an opportunity to attend and you not be added to the "NO SHOW" list.

For any cancellations, questions or related inquiries, email Aracely Suto at asuto@njsbf.org

Please note that our virtual workshops are on a first come, first serve basis. If a training is full, click HERE to put your name on the waitlist.

Visit the EVENTS page regularly on our website for new openings and events.

Important: "NO SHOW" list is back! Details are listed in each event. Please read to ensure you understand our cancellation policy.

Beyond Bias: Talking About Race Virtual Training

November. 8, 2021 from 9:00am-12:00pm

Issues of race and ethnicity have been coming to the forefront more recently in schools. Educators may have felt lost in how to talk about race with their students. This virtual workshop explores the reasons WHY it is important to talk about race. It will introduce educators to proper terminology surrounding the issues of race and ethnicity and have educators feeling more comfortable when talking about these important topics. Educators will leave knowing that it is NOT their responsibility to solve the race issues in our country, but it is their responsibility to create an open forum for students to express their feelings, frustrations and fears.

Register for November 8th, 9:00 am

Beyond Bias: Being an Antiracist Virtual Training

November 10, 2021 from 9:00am-12:00pm

Join us in this virtual workshop as we discuss what it means to actively be an antiracist. In this workshop we will look specifically at anti-Black racism, what it means to be antiracist, analyze the educational system in our country and work to create action-oriented personal goals.

Register for November 10th, 9:00 am

Self-Awareness: A Boost for Ourselves & Our Students Webinar

November 15, 2021 from 9:00am-11:00am

Self-awareness is the keystone competency for SEL. It’s comprised of an inward understanding of yourself and knowing how others see you. This webinar will take a deep dive into the different components of self-awareness to help educators promote it in themselves and in their students.

Register for November 15th, 9:00 am

The Role of the School Climate Team Virtual Training

November 16, 2021 from 9:00am-12:00pm

This training is for members of School Climate Teams (SCT) to learn the importance of the role of the SCT in creating a positive school climate and proactively combating bullying. Participants will be able to order the Foundation's Bullying Prevention Guide for themselves and their schools and will receive 3 PD credits for full attendance.

Register for November 16th, 9:00 am

After registering you will get a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the workshops. Check your "junk" email box or email us if you did not receive it.

Click Here to Sign up to Receive Our Training Emails

Happy Spring!

Virtual Trainings for May available.

The New Jersey State Bar Foundation has virtual programming for this special year. Don't miss out! See below to register for workshops geared to help you get through these unprecedented times.

These workshops are FREE for educators.

Webcams and microphones are required.

Please click on the options below to register for a workshop.

For any questions or related inquiries, please email Aracely Suto at asuto@njsbf.org

Please note that our virtual workshops are on a first come, first serve basis. There are NO WAIT LISTS. If you register for a workshop and can no longer attend, please cancel so that others might have an opportunity to attend.

If a program is filled, check the EVENTS page regularly on our website for new openings.

The Role of School Climate Team

May 6th from 9:00am-12:00pm

or

May 12th from 1:30pm-4:30pm

The Role of the School Climate Team directly addresses the 2011 Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights (ABR) law, which requires each school to establish a school safety/climate team and appoint an anti-bullying specialist. The primary focus of the training is the importance of creating a positive school climate and culture, the development of a school-wide approach and how to proactively combat bullying. Each participant will receive the Foundation’s Bullying Prevention Guide: Six Essential Lessons which focuses on the six essential lessons a school should teach all students in order to help prevent bullying and support a more positive school climate.

CLICK HERE to Register for The Role of School Climate Team on May 6th from 9:00am-12:00pm

CLICK HERE to Register for The Role of School Climate Team on May 12th from 1:30pm-4:30pm

Being an Antiracist

May 11th from 1:30pm-3:30pm

Join us in this virtual workshop as we discuss what it means to actively be an antiracist. In this workshop we will look specifically at anti-Black racism, what it means to be antiracist, analyze the educational system in our country and work to create action-oriented personal goals.

CLICK HERE to Register for Being an Antiracist Development on May 11th from 1:30pm-3:30pm

Social Emotional Character Development

May 18th from 1:30pm-4:30pm

This virtual workshop shows how to integrate the five competencies of social and emotional learning into the school setting; self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. Educators will be able to incorporate these core SEL concepts into existing character education programs through lessons, journaling and habits. This training is designed for elementary, middle and high school educators.

CLICK HERE to Register for Social Emotional Character Development on May 18th from 1:30pm-4:30pm

Breaking Bias: Lessons from the Amistad

May 24th from 1:30pm-4:30pm

New Jersey’s Amistad law was passed in 2002 and requires African American history to be taught as an integral part of American history throughout the school year, not just during Black History Month. The law takes its title from the Amistad, a ship where 53 enslaved people revolted against the ship’s captain and crew in 1839.

The new Breaking Bias: Lessons from the Amistad curriculum was developed for grades 3-12 and has released its first two units online. Join us as we explore these two units and discuss the following questions:

1. How can I teach important content about Black history and structural racism?

2. What are effective methods for teaching this topic?

3. How can I make certain Black voices are heard?

4. How can I and my students take personal and collective responsibility for standing against racism?

For more information and to access to the curriculum go HERE.

CLICK HERE to Breaking Bias: Lessons from the Amistad on May 24th from 1:30pm-4:30pm

Why We Bully: Unconscious Bias

May 25th from 9:30am-12:30pm

Please join us for an interactive workshop that will introduce the participants to the concept of unconscious bias, demonstrate how unconscious bias manifests itself, introduce strategies to address unconscious bias in ourselves and brainstorm ways we can address unconscious bias with students.

CLICK HERE to Register for Unconscious Bias on May 25th from 9:30am-12:30pm

Since we have no wait lists for our webinars, please visit the EVENTS page on our website. As people cancel for the webinars, spots will become available.

Please note that these are virtual workshops and not in-person trainings. Unlike our usual trainings, this will not take place at the New Jersey Law Center but will instead take place online using the Zoom platform. Upon registering you will receive instructions on how to join the workshops.   

CLICK HERE to sign up to receive our emails so you are the first to hear about new training dates!

NJPAC: "Pay-what-you-can" Professional Development for your Classroom

Overview:

Join us for a day dedicated to advancing social justice work in your classroom by engaging in an inspirational keynote address, thoughtful discussions, and interactive workshops led by experts in the field. You will learn practical strategies to implement and sustain a more equitable arts classroom.

Keynote: Antiracism for Arts Educators: Moving Beyond SEL and Representation

Speaker: Alysia Lee

Join Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Alysia Lee for an interactive keynote exploring the shifts that deepen instructional practice and elevate student achievement. Prepare for reflection, collaboration, and visioning tools you can use in your local community.

Concurrent Workshop Sessions

All participants will view the keynote speaker’s address before choosing a workshop to attend afterward. Please choose the one you are interested in attending during registration. All will be recorded.

What’s in Your Toy Box?: Activating Racial Literacy in the Art Classroom

Presenter: Dr. Joni Boyd Acuff

In this workshop, educators and those interested in the construction of knowledge will learn about ways to activate racial literacy in the visual arts classroom. Using antiracist and abolitionist pedagogy, Acuff will engage participants in dialogue and thinking exercises that move “intention” to “action.” Important note — those participating in this workshop should listen to the following podcast beforehand. A transcript for this podcast can be found here.

Transformation to a People-Centered Workplace

Presenter: Dr. Michelle Ramos

Professionalism has become code for white prioritization in workplace practices that more often than not privilege the values of white and Western employees and deprioritize people of color. In this session, we will identify how the embedded practice of “colonized professionalism” shows up in the workplace explicitly and implicitly, and learn how we can shift and transform our workplaces to a more equitable environment for all.

Applying Decolonizing and Antiracist Approaches to the Music Classroom

Presenters: Brandi Waller-Pace and Lorelei Batislaong

Direct conversations surrounding race and marginalization of Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian (BBIA) people are not common in music educator training. Through foundational vocabulary, lived experience, and repertoire examples, attendees will engage with concepts related to decolonization and antiracism as applied to music education, as well as ways to address systemic issues.

“We the People…”: Developing Artvists and Social Justice Classrooms

Presenter: Josh A Campbell

In this workshop participants will be invited to use spoken word and improvisation exercises to explore how to build a social justice classroom that prioritizes personal history, historical movements, inquiry-based learning, and equity.

From the PD Sub-committee of the Equity Committee