Training Corner
Aside from MEA-offered events, we’re pleased to help promote other professional learning opportunities provided to MEA. (NOTE: Listing an event on this page does not denote any endorsement of the program by MEA.)
MDE African American Student Initiative – Phase 1 (Apply now for Feb. 2021 start)
NEA engagement webinar in honor of MLK Day
NEA annually hosts an engagement in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in celebration of his life and legacy as a trailblazer for civil rights, social justice, and equity for all. You’re invited to join a virtual roundtable discussion – The MOVEMENT MOMENT! Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Elevating NEA’s Vision for Public Schools through a Racial Justice Lens – on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from 1-2 p.m.
MDE LGBTQ Students Project
The MDE LGBTQ Students Project will be holding repeat webinars on February 2nd from 8:00 – 9:30 am EST and 3:00 – 4:30 pm EST specifically geared toward classroom teachers in all curricular areas working in elementary, middle/junior, and high schools. We are especially excited to have Owen Bondono, Michigan’s 2020-21 Teacher of the Year, as a guest co facilitator! The workshop size is small, so we will be admitting those who register on a first-come, first-serve basis with priority given to classroom teachers. The workshops will be highly interactive and engaging and will not be recorded. It is important that people only register for the workshop if they plan to attend the full 90 minutes on the day and time of the event. These sessions have been designed for live participation only and will not be recorded. For those in other roles in schools (e.g., counselors, social workers, administrators, administrative support professionals) and community agency staff, we would ask you to not sign up for this particular webinar and wait for other offerings geared toward broader audiences. See flyer for more information about the projects and other offerings. If you are interested in getting on the MDE LGBTQ Students Project mailing list to hear about future professional development opportunities, please sign up here.
February 2, 2021 | 8:00 – 9:30 am — Link to Register; 3:00 – 4:30 pm — Link to Register
n Safe, Supportive and Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Strategies for Affirming LGBTQ+ Students. In this interactive workshop, we will explore day-to-day dealings educators have with their LGBTQ+ students and their non-LGBTQ+ peers in the classroom. We will explore questions like, How can I make my classroom inclusive? What are ways I can ensure my LGBTQ+ students know I support them? How can I intervene when I hear anti-LGBTQ comments? How can I teach lessons that are more representative of our student population? What if a student comes out to me? What are ways I can effectively collaborate with parents of LGBTQ+ students? Participants will leave with concrete strategies they can immediately implement in the classroom. A foundational understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression is recommended, but not required. This workshop is geared towards teachers.
We have additional openings in our student panel workshop next Tuesday morning.
January 19, 2021 | 8:00 – 9:30 am — Link to Register
n Listening to Understand: LGBTQ+ Students Discuss Their Experiences in Michigan Schools. There is nothing more powerful than hearing directly from young people as they speak about their school experiences. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn from the experts: the students themselves. Participants will hear about what challenges our LGBTQ+ students are facing, what supports are enhancing their learning opportunities, and what strategies school personnel can enact to help ensure LGBTQ+ students thrive in school. An extensive Q&A session with the student panel will be included in this workshop, so come prepared with questions and be ready to listen and learn. A foundational understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression is recommended, but not required.