Unpacking Identity
The journey toward becoming a culturally aware educator
Overview
Identity is the cornerstone for becoming a culturally aware educator. Understanding who we are, and the lens we use to navigate through the world becomes the foundation for establishing identity affirming communities that support belonging for all students.
This training promotes insight and introspection into our many identities, and the ways in which they are influenced by our socio-cultural landscape. We explore the layers of identity and intersectionality, all within the context of historically marginalized and historically privileged groups in our society.
Using an anti-racist framework and culturally responsive pedagogy participants will engage in experiential exercises and activities that will allow for critical examination of identities, power structures and discovery into how to move awareness into application within schools.
Training Description
Through our sessions we explore who we are, examining both our individual and group identities as we uncover and reflect on the origin and formation of these identities. As we take a deep dive into our own identities, we will seek to recognize how our identities influence our interactions with others and impact our teaching.
We will engage in experiential learning, sharing our stories and learning about others through a variety of activities. The experiential process includes reflection as a critical component of the process.
Our journey together through self exploration, introspection and awareness remains rooted within the context of society, as we uncover the power and privilege that comes with certain identities in society. Using a social justice lens we will gain understanding of historically both advantaged groups/ identities and historically marginalized groups/ identities. Learning for this work will also include action: taking self discovery to application and creating change within your sphere of influence.
Awareness, Belonging and Community: The ABC’s of Adult SEL and DEI
“You teach who you are.”
– Parker Palmer
Overview
Educators are often the most influential curriculum in the classroom bringing their identities, experiences, beliefs and expectations into their students.
At the heart of this training participants engage in cultivating an awareness of self and others to promote belonging and connection. Together, we explore identity and belonging while building our capacity for empathy and perspective-taking to build a foundation for creating safe and identity affirming communities. This training invites you to develop presence, explore vulnerability, strengthen compassion and create opportunities for self care.
Participants engage in experiential group activities, reflection and mindfulness to cultivate an awareness of self and appreciation of others, while strengthening relationships within the adult community.
This training is for educators invested in SEL and DEI work. Research supports that meaningful SEL and effective DEI practices in the classroom must first begin within the adult community.
For teachers, the awareness of who you are as an educator and understanding the experiences of others becomes as essential as what you teach.
Description
ABC’s of Adult SEL and DEI offers deep exploration into cultivating an awareness of self and others. We discover what it means to belong in community with others and the significance of creating identity affirming spaces within schools.
Our journey of self discovery, exploring intersectionality, and forming connections within the adult community become the cornerstone of doing effective SEL and DEI. During our time together we explore both identity and intersectionality of self and others.
As we continue through our training we expand our vision to understand group development, inclusion and belonging. We explore group identities within the context of historically marginalized/ privileged groups in our society.
We explore how identity presents within the classroom as we move from process to action. Participants engage in applications to their work by presenting identity lessons with the larger group. We conclude by exploring a personal commitment to move toward wellbeing, self-resilience and allyship within our community.
Digital Curriculum and eLearning Log In
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Open Circle Digital Curriculum
Specialist & Support Staff Manual
The 2015 Specialist & Support Staff Manual incorporates all updates and new content in the 2015 Open Circle Curriculum. It is a perfect addition for graduates of the Specialist & Support Staff Workshop in schools upgrading to the 2015 curriculum.
Contents include:
- Updated community-building, name and mindfulness activities and practices
- 30 updated skill mini-posters
- Updated resources section
- Refreshed literature connections list, including new multicultural and mindfulness titles
Price: $50
Also available is our Poster Set for specialists or support staff who purchase a 2015 manual.
Questions?
Contact us at 781-283-3277 or info@open-circle.org
This is a special registration form for attending Classroom Teacher Program at another school or district.