Creating Affirming Learning Environments for LGBTQ+ Students
This three-session Professional Development workshop series supports Pre-K-12 teachers and school support staff in developing an understanding of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Queer (LGBTQ+) identities and how to create positive and affirming learning environments for all students by centering the needs of LGBTQ+ students. Participants will learn terminology, examine statistics about current school climates for LGBTQ+ students, use discussion to develop an understanding of best practice for supporting LGBTQ+ students, begin lesson planning for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes across curricular areas, and understand the professional responsibility of educators to create affirming environments for LGBTQ+ students to access their education. During the three sessions, participants will have the opportunity to discuss and synthesize materials, analyze videos, and explore curricular entry points for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Educators will build their understanding of how to create affirming learning environments by using elements of restorative practices and learning how gender and sexual orientation are key components of identity. Through this learning, participants will have the opportunity to shape their “toolkit” of strategies to use in their classrooms and schools to support LGBTQ+ students. Although we will meet in a condensed series of days, the strategies taught will encourage educators to observe their behavior over time to begin to make meaningful and lasting changes. Facilitator, AJ Jennings, M.Ed from the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance
- July 18th: LGBTQ+ 101: Foundations of Supporting LGBTQ+ Students. We will focus on terminology, understanding identity development, and professional responsibility for creating LGBTQ+ affirming school environments.
- July 19th: Building Blocks of LGBTQ+ Affirming Classroom Environments. We will examine statistics of current experiences of LGBTQ+ students in school, structural barriers faced by LGBTQ+ students, and best practice for supporting common needs of LGBTQ+ students, and build our “tool-kit” for supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
- July 20th: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum: Planning and Implementing Inclusive Curriculum. We will share curricular resources, lesson plans and strategies for meaningful LGBTQ+ inclusion in our classrooms.
Because this is a learning series, we ask that participants may register for one, two, or all three of the sessions. However, if you are the beginning of a learning process about LGBTQ+ identities, we strongly suggest you attend the whole series. The workshops are open to all currently practicing Pre-K-12 Educators.
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Session Dates: 7/18, 7/19, and 7/20/2017
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuition: $45 for each session – 3.5 ISBE PD Hours
$125 for all 3 sessions – 10.5 ISBE PD Hours
Parking: Free parking available.