“Exploring new pathways” in equity means taking action and leveraging collective strengths to ensure all students have opportunities for success. Every student brings unique assets to the classroom. When we are brave enough to learn and value new perspectives, we open ourselves up to the possibility of growth. Let’s strengthen our classroom and school environments by learning about implicit bias, the Illinois Culturally Relevant Teaching & Learning Standards, the science behind culturally responsive teaching, and paths we can explore to bring about change.
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
THE TEAACH ACT, PART II:
DEVELOPING CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, RESOURCES AND STUDENT EXPERIENCES
With Samina Hadi-Tabassum
at 6:00 pm
Legislation known as the TEAACH Act (Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History) and was signed into office by Governor Pritzker in 2022 and went into effect immediately. Illinois is the first state to require the teaching of Asian American history and culture now in effect. In THE TEAACH ACT, PART I, the focus was on learning about the history, culture and language of major Asian American groups. Bias, identity, stereotypes and contributions were also discussed. In Part Two, the focus is on developing a culturally responsive environment, curriculum units and instruction. A strength-based perspective, literature and numerous resources will be shared.
Participants will learn:
How to develop curriculum units and lessons that focus on essential ideas, concepts, and questions related to the Asian American experience
How to use authentic and culturally responsive curriculum and instruction
How to recognize major political events, historical figures, and traumatic experiences from a developmental perspective
How to integrate children’s books and young adult novels that are “mirrors and windows” into the lives of Asian American children and families
The importance of incorporating “own voices” in the curriculum
How to develop a strengths-based perspective of the Asian American population rather than a deficit, “othering” perspective within the curriculum
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
THE TEAACH ACT, PART I:
EXPLORING THE TEAACH ACT, ITS HISTORY AND CULTURES
With Samina Hadi-Tabassum
at 6:00 pm
Beginning in 2022-23, every public elementary and high school needs to include a curriculum unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in Illinois and the Midwest. This legislation is known as the TEAACH Act (Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History) and was signed into office by Governor Pritzker. Illinois is the first state to require the teaching of Asian American history and culture now in effect. There is also a focus on recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans toward advancing civil rights as well as challenging the current wave of anti-Asian American hate and violence.
Participants will:
Learn about the history and culture of the major Asian American groups in the diaspora and here in the United States, Illinois, and Midwest
Discuss the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of Asian American children and families.
Examine the cultural and linguistic differences across each group as well as the diversity from within each group.
Discuss the biases, stereotypes (i.e., the model minority myth) and hate toward Asian American children and their families and its long-term impact.
Discuss issues of identity development and the complicated stories of Asian American children and youth balancing multiple languages, cultures, and communities.
THE TEAACH ACT, PART I:
Book Talk: The Antiracist English Language Arts Classroom With Author Keisha Rembert
Monday, January 9 at 7:30 pm
Creating Safe Spaces for PK-12 Youth: Racism Free Schools
And Engaging in Education Policy
We can create safe spaces for students in many ways. One way is through learning about and engaging in education policy. In this session, participants will learn about a current education proposal, the Racism Free Schools Act. Using that example, they will also learn how to follow legislation, share their voice, expertise and experience and advocate for the children they teach.
Participants will:
Understand the tools they have as citizens and advocates to influence legislation
Learn how to identify their legislators,
Complete witness slips,
Track legislation, and
Take action to advocate for students and make the world better for teachers and learners in all communities.
Please register here: https://center4success.eventsmart.com/?p=585
Following your registration, you will receive an email from EVENTSMART with a link to join the webinar.
ISBE approved professional development hours are available upon completion of the ISBE evaluation.
Tuesday, January 10 at 6 pm
Creating Safe Spaces for PK-12 Youth: LGBTQ+
"Supportive educators save students’ lives. Having just one visibly supportive educator in a school can ensure that LGBTQ students feel safe, welcomed, and encouraged to learn," GLSEN, 2023. This session, formatted as an informational discussion, will give participants a safe space to ask questions, share experiences and find ways to be supportive in both the short and long term.
Participants will:
Explore our knowledge of, both positive and negative, LGBTQ+ experiences in school.
Discuss the importance of advocacy and curriculum inclusion for LGBTQ+ students and families.
Share strategies for addressing anti-LGBTQ+ words/actions and ensure safe schools for all students.
Please register here: https://center4success.eventsmart.com/?p=584
Following your registration, you will receive an email from EVENTSMART with a link to join the webinar. ISBE approved professional development hours are available upon completion of the ISBE evaluation.
September 20, 2022 6pm CDT on ZOOM
How to Advocate at the Policy Table
September 20, 2022 6pm CDT
Today it is more important than ever for educators to be at the forefront of discussions about policies and rules that govern and shape what happens in our schools and classrooms. Learn about how you can share your voice, expertise and experience and advocate for the children you teach. No one knows your students and their needs better than you.
Learn how to:
identify your legislators,
complete witness slips,
track legislation, and
take action to advocate for students and make the world better for teachers and learners in all communities.
Please register for How to Advocate at the Policy Table on Sept 20 6:00 PM CDT at:https://center4success.eventsmart.com/events/teaching-through-inquiry/
Following your registration, you will receive an email from EVENTSMART with a link to join the webinar.
Professional development hours are available.