ACSES Introductory Series

Webinar 2: Thursday, September 12, 2024 12:00 p.m. CT
Redefining “Normal:” Making Room for Lived Experiences in the Classroom

Classroom equity is the goal, but how do we get there? We cannot achieve equity without taking a hard look at the “status quo” – the automatic beliefs and behaviors of our culture and community – and challenging whether they are fair and just. When we change our own awareness and behaviors, we make space for children to bring their full, true selves to classroom life and discussions. This is how we form the foundation of an equitable classroom community.

Participants will learn how to:

• Help children challenge what society calls “normal” so they can bring their whole selves to classroom learning and engagement
• Create a strong foundation for an equitable classroom
• Support teachers’ instruction, including how to challenge social norms and invite children’s home lives into the classroom

CEU Credits: 0.1

CDA Subject Areas:

• Supporting children’s social and emotional
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism

Webinar 3: Thursday, October 3, 2024 12:00 p.m. CT
Fair is Not Far Enough: Setting the Tone for Racially Marginalized Learners to Succeed

Making sure every child has the same opportunity is not the definition of equity. Instead, equity demands that we intentionally focus on racially marginalized learners (RMLs) – Black and Brown children. We do this by providing specific opportunities for RMLs to demonstrate and achieve success and showing that we believe in their strengths and capabilities.

Participants will learn:

• Why it is important to provide equitable learning opportunities for RMLs
• Best practices to provide inclusive learning opportunities to all children, with a focus on RMLs
• Where to find additional resources for educators to learn how to communicate and engage with children in ways that show belief in them and build their confidence

CEU Credits: 0.1

CDA Subject Areas:

• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
• Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development

Webinar 4: Thursday, October 24, 2024 12:00 p.m. CT
Children are Not the Problem: Reframing Behavior Expectations in the Classroom

Behavior management in the classroom is always a hot topic. Educators are looking for ways to reduce behavior issues, manage behaviors and avoid chaos. Traditionally, the focus has been on what we can do, change, or adjust in the child’s behavior. But what if we are focused on the wrong things, and creating more harm than positive change?

Participants will learn:

• Best practices for equitable discipline, including how to support racially marginalized learners (RMLs) and children who have difficulty managing their behavior
• How teachers can reinforce positive behavior and redirect children so they can focus on learning
• Where to find additional resources and strategies for equitable classroom discipline

CEU Credits: 0.1

CDA Subject Areas:

• Understanding the Principles of child development and learning
• Observing and recording children’s behavior
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism

Webinar 5: Thursday, November 21, 2024 12:00 p.m. CT
Roots and Wings: Intentional Teaching that Goes Deep So All Children Soar

When we think of roots, we think of something that anchors and supports growth and strength. When we think of wings, we imagine rising up and following dreams. Intentional teaching provides both: giving all children knowledge that anchors them AND opportunities to showcase their learning and grow into their full potential.

Participants will learn:

• How to provide instruction that meets children’s individual needs and develops critical thinking, creativity and other higher-order thinking skills
• Why individualized learning interactions are important to promote children’s development
• Where to find additional resources about intentionally tailoring lessons and activities to provide personalized learning opportunities

CEU Credits: 0.1

CDA Subject Areas:

• Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development.
• Planning a safe and healthy environment
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism

Webinar 6: Thursday, December 5, 2024 12:00 p.m. CT
“I’m Here!:” Cultivating Environments Where Racially Marginalized Learners Thrive

Marginalization means that someone is often undervalued and overlooked. For the racially marginalized learner (RML), this means being almost invisible in the classroom. To cultivate environments where equity lives and breathes, we must encourage the presence and voices of RMLs. When we support connections between all children – RMLs and non-RMLs – RMLs thrive.

Participants will learn:

• Unique ways that RMLs show their participation and engagement in the classroom, make emotional connections during classroom interactions, and create relationships with peers
• How to understand children’s expression of emotional connections, relationships and sense of belonging – and why this matters
• Where to find additional strategies to engage children in the classroom so they feel seen and heard and boost their sense of belonging

CEU Credits: 0.1

CDA Subject Areas:

• Supporting Children’s social and emotional development
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism