The Equity Initiatives periodically sends out resources and opportunities for professional learning around equity. If you are interested, please join PDO course 90211 (Equity Updates) to stay updated.

• In this Equity Matters Dialogue, registrants will build their capacity to engage in conversations with colleagues and students that foster environments where everyone feels a sense of inclusion and belonging.

• Registrants will be exposed to the idea of honoring humanity to halt bias, reflect on how to manage their emotions in potentially tense moments and learn strategies on how to facilitate these conversations.

• Sessions are January 16 and 29 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Zoom.

• Led by the Equity Initiatives Unit

• PDO #92845

• Facilitating Contentious Topics Drop-in PD dates for teachers (PDO # TBD)

• Elementary/ Secondary - Tuesday, January 14th @ 4:30 (PDO 92986)

• Elementary/ Secondary - Tuesday, January 28th @ 4:30 (PDO 92987)

• Led by the MCPS Social Studies '

The Understanding Your Muslim Students (HR-22) course is designed for staff aiming to gain deeper insight into their Muslim students' culture and build relationships. This course equips participants with firsthand materials, resources, and accurate information, fostering meaningful discussions and reflection. It provides unbiased content, enabling participants to leave with a fresh or enhanced understanding of their Muslim students. Additionally, it empowers educators to engage with their students respectfully and create inclusive classroom environments. Click for More Information.

• Course dates: 2/20-6/5/2025

• PDO #92492

Ethnic Groups in American Society (HR17) 

This course combines theoretical, conceptual, historical, practical, and experiential ideas about ethnic groups and group behavior in the society and culture of the United States. The overall goal of the course is to help participants develop a philosophy of cultural diversity, a body of knowledge on ethnic groups in America, and a set of skills for use in educational settings.

PDO: 50264

Education that is Multicultural (HR21) 

This course will provide opportunities for exploration of participants' own cultural experience and identify how it impacts the learning environment. Participants will develop a sensitivity to racial and cultural bias in instructional materials and texts, in classroom patterns of thinking, in modes of communication, and in teaching/learning strategies.

PDO: 91755

Understanding LGBTQIA+ Students (HR23)

This course is designed to support participants in deepening their understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community and refine their approaches to showing up in solidarity for these students and their families.

 PDO: 92713