Workshops for Educators

The Critically Conscious Educator (CCE): Part 1 - Power, Privilege, Purpose: Introspection for Best Practice

For all educators.

Introspection and self-reflection are the primary ingredients to becoming a critically conscious educator. This interactive and hands-on workshop engages teachers in a process of critical self-reflection with the aim of heightening their critical consciousness. This process lays the groundwork for educators to grow their culturally sensitive and proficient practice.

The Critically Conscious Educator (CCE): Part 2 - From Names to Manes: Valuing the Authentic Identities of Students

For all educators.

Building on the work developed in Part 1, this workshop focuses on appreciating the whole-child. Participants will consider the complexities of student identities and will examine the effects of the dominant culture on all students. Educators will explore strategies and approaches to honouring the authentic identities in their classrooms in order to empower students towards being their truest selves.

The Critically Conscious Educator (CCE): Part 3 - Reimagining The Classroom: Liberating Our Learning Spaces

For all educators.

Curriculum transcends units and lesson plans written by educators— it encompasses the classroom walls, the stories, the resources, the voices, and the faces that a child experiences throughout their schooling. This workshop aims to de-center the teacher from the learning program, making space for the rich cultures of students to inform all aspects of the hidden curriculum.

Balance of [Cultural] Power

For all educators

The ideal 21st century educator understands the importance of valuing the multiple ways of knowing (cultures) that exist within our classrooms, yet many of us are unsure of how to de-center the dominant culture in our learning communities.

In this interactive workshop, educators explore the impacts of the dominant culture within their schools and co-construct practical strategies to centre all students in their learning environment.

Workshops for Parents and Guardians

(Social Justice) Education Starts at Home: Raising Culturally Conscientious Families

As we know, children often ‘don’t do as we say but as we do’. This workshop aims to empower families to be their first social justice educators. Parents and guardians will engage in reflection, dialogue, and exploration of powerful stories and texts that will build their critical consciousness so that they may be responsive to issues stemming from social injustices. Family members will learn how to approach sensitive topics with their children while leading by example.

Welcome Nights to School Fights: Navigating Schools

Navigating school systems can be challenging for many, especially when complex layers of identity are at play. This workshop aims to empower parents and families to feel confident as advocates for their children. Some of the issues covered in this session include: how to approach sensitive issues with teachers and admin, how to handle conflict constructively and how to build allies and partnerships to extend your involvement beyond school functions of flags and food.

Workshops, Retreats, & Advisory for Students

‘IT’S [ou]R TIME!’ : Social Justice Advisory Program

This three-part program aims to introduce middle school students to concepts of social justice and equity through the exploration of media texts. As they embark on this journey, students will understand that continuous learning and critical thinking skills are at the heart of social activism. They will learn that striving towards an equitable society benefits all of its members and that their freedoms and realities are intertwined with those of others.

‘Mind Power’: Wellness and Character Building Retreat. Phuket, Thailand.

Stress and pressures from virtual realities coupled with the anxieties and challenges of adolescence can lead to unhealthy lifestyles amongst young people. Yet, all too often, adults who care for these youth struggle to engage them in healthy activities that speak to their youth culture. This powerful retreat allows students to escape to Phuket, Thailand, where they will train in the art of Muay Thai boxing, practice Yoga, enjoy and learn about nutritious diets, and take part in an Art Therapy program over the course of a week. Students will disconnect from phones and devices to connect with culture, tradition, art and nature. Together, they will learn to unlock their ‘Mind Power’ to strengthen their mind, body and spirit.