This four-part series emphasizes the steps teachers can take to cultivate a culturally responsive and sustaining teaching (CRST) practice. We take a brief look at what CRST is and why it is important to learners and teachers. Most of the series is then devoted to exploring the elements that define CRST and ways to address each of the elements to create a culturally responsive and sustaining teaching practice.

Part one is a self-paced module that introduces CRST through a video and guided reading of ESOL Professional Standard Three: CRST. This module also includes a short, self-exploratory exercise. 

There are two facilitated webinars through which participants will delve more deeply into the defining elements of CRST introduced in the self-directed module and will explore practical applications of: 

• Creating an inclusive, affirming, equitable classroom environment
• Recogniziing students' diverse identities as assets
• Providing instruction and materials from diverse perspectives
• Fostering critical thinking, sociopolitical awareness, and academic achievement
• Developing critical self-assessment

Between the two facilitated webinars, participants will explore CRST resources for potential use with students, reflect on their learning, and contribute to an online discussion.

The presenter will share strategies and tools that teachers can immediately begin to apply in their classrooms. There will be time for discussion among participants to brainstorm individual applications because collaboration is a key part of this work.