Overview

This study circle explores what teachers can do in their adult ESOL classrooms to counter systemic racism and white supremacy. Through deep reflection on the research and relevance of antiracist practices, participants will move beyond theory to acquire tools and strategies to apply in their teaching practice. The sessions will build on what teachers already know, explore individual and culturally informed beliefs on several topics, and encourage communication and openness to learning together.

Note: This study circle is intended for participants who already have a foundational understanding of antiracist principles and a strong commitment to intentional antiracist teaching practices and interventions. It is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge; it is not an introduction to the topic.

Please note: This course will take place in Blackboard where you will find all virtual session information, course materials, and additional resources. You cannot access the online course from the SABES website. You will receive an email with further instructions as the course date approaches.

    Audience

    This professional development activity/course is designed for:

  • Teachers of adult ESOL who are motivated to proactively address the problems of systemic racism and white supremacy in adult education by learning and cultivating antiracist instructional practices and strategies.
Description

The study circle will focus on practices and approaches for antiracist teaching in the adult ESOL classroom. It involves a series of meetings and independent activities for a small cohort of motivated and committed practitioners. Before and after each meeting, you will read, watch videos, try out classroom activities, and reflect on your learning and practice, all of which will inform and enrich the study circle meetings. Each meeting will include a discussion and sharing of reflections, with a focus on innovative, evidence-based solutions to disrupt racism in the classroom. You will acquire tools and strategies to apply in your teaching practices by reading and discussing the research on and relevance of Translanguaging by Ofelia GarcĂ­a (2017) and Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain by Zaretta Hammond (2015), as well as other antiracist practices.

The study circle will meet five times (on Wednesdays, Oct 5, 12, 19, and 26 and Nov 9, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.) and explore key topics in antiracist praxis of teaching adult English learners, first looking at relevant research on a specific topic, providing with time and tasks provided to assure comprehension. Then, taking this new knowledge into account, you and your colleagues will examine connections from that research to your own classrooms and experience. Finally, specific tasks and subsequent reflection will provide an opportunity to experiment with teaching techniques and approaches to antiracist praxis that will change and improve your teaching practice and subsequently enhance student learning.

This professional development experience is a collective, participatory learning endeavor, bringing together practitioners from various sites and programs who share the common experience of working with adult English learners. The participants’ various contexts will allow for unique sharing and networking during and beyond the study circle.

    Learning Objectives

    Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

  • Articulate a working definition of antiracism in the classroom and the importance of implementing antiracist teaching practices
  • Implement antiracist strategies into your instructional practice
  • Reflect on and assess the impact of your antiracist practices and adjust accordingly
  • Create a supportive learning environment that fosters antiracist classrooms and workplaces
Presenter(s) / Facilitator(s)
Prerequisites

Prior study of topics related to culturally responsive and sustaining teaching is required. (The study circle is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge; it is not an introduction to the topic.)

Date
10/05/2022 - 2:00 pm to 10/05/2022 - 4:00 pm
10/12/2022 - 2:00 pm to 10/12/2022 - 4:00 pm
10/19/2022 - 2:00 pm to 10/19/2022 - 4:00 pm
10/26/2022 - 2:00 pm to 10/26/2022 - 4:00 pm
11/09/2022 - 2:00 pm to 11/09/2022 - 4:00 pm
End Date
Location

United States

PD Center
SABES English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Curriculum & Instruction PD Center
Topic Area
Antiracism
Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Teaching
ADEI (anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion)
ADEI Professional Growth
ESOL/English Learners
Race