Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice

Four-Day Institute
SUMMER 2023 Dates: Aug. 7–11
Location: Greens Farms Academy, McGrath Gallery, 35 Beachside Ave, Westport, CT 06838

The Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice is an experiential summer professional development program for educators and other individuals interested in building more inclusive and affirming classrooms through exploration and development of strategies and skills to effectively navigate diversity issues in independent schools.

The Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice is designed to support educators of all types in their development of racial proficiency, culturally aware pedagogy and intersectionality — the theory of how different types of social identity and discrimination interact. Participants will also gain hands-on experience using the Social Justice Standards: The Teaching Tolerance Anti-bias Framework® to explore how to infuse the examination of identity, diversity, justice and action into teaching and learning.

All attendees will leave with research-based tools and practically-useful resources to increase their capacity to implement anti-bias curriculum and strategies for making their schools and classrooms more just, equitable and safe. Therefore, it is recommended that each school send a cohort/team of individuals who can and will work together to improve their school's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Questions? Please contact: shenry@gfacademy.org

From Former Participants:

"This was a well-organized, high quality conference with the perfect mix of knowledge and experience. I was engaged and inspired throughout - even when it was difficult."

"This is one of the most meaningful and well-run conferences I have attended. You will grow as a person and gain meaningful, practical resources for your work in education."

"From beginning to end the workshop was intentional and effective. I left with a different vision for my classes and will incorporate many of the ideas presented into my own curriculum."

"I attended the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice and found it to be a transformative experience.  It was incredibly helpful to be able to come together with other educators who are in different places regarding their growing understanding of structural racism, implicit bias and identity development. The facilitators were able to create a space that was safe yet uncomfortable, where we could learn collectively and grow individually. I gained a deeper understanding of the universal harm caused by institutional racism, implicit bias, white superiority and the inferiority that people of color invariably develop because of their lived experience in a society that systematically, and often unconsciously, oppresses. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to be a better human to attend. If you are an educator it should be mandatory."

"The Institute was illuminating with respect to the historical conditions which have created the all-too-apparent social, political, racial, and ethnic inequities we are now all dealing with in 21st-century America — and in 21st-century American classrooms. As Institute participants, we spent our time engaging in highly effective, focused activities, sharing stories, and brainstorming strategies for activist teaching. I would recommend the Institute for anyone working in education today."