XAED338 - The NEXT Institute: DEI

Course Description

Dr. King spoke of community or chaos, unity or destruction. The rise of social disconnection, mass violence, deteriorating social discourse, lack of conflict mediation and increased racial and economic disparities is perpetuating a caste system in America. K-16 education may be one of the last vestiges where community can be built, conflict resolution can be taught, and a disruption of the pernicious caste system can be challenged. Join us as we dig deep into the realities of educating for social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in ways that will inform your teaching practice, your relationship to students, and your choice of curriculum and projects. Our work together will include looking at the importance of personal stories, along with the power of “dominant narratives.” and how students can be a part of changing those narratives.

The NEXT Institute will combine theory with practical application around issues of racial, economic, and gender justice. How do we bring culturally relevant pedagogy and curricula to the classroom or program in a way that resonates with learners from all backgrounds, including non-neurotypical learners. How as educators can we be agents of change that challenge the status quo/systemic oppression not only in our classrooms and programs but also at our institutions? How can we combine ethnography, social justice, and social emotional learning in our lessons, units, projects, and better yet, into the culture of our schools and organizations? By walking through scenarios, group activities, not best but NEXT practices, and going beyond the buzzwords of our time, this Institute will equip you with concrete tools to help transform your classroom, program, and institution.

Learning modules throughout the day include theory sharing, NEXT practices, teacher/administrator collaborative projects, art creation, mapping for structural/cultural change at your school, and direct connections to social emotional learning. We will specifically focus on the necessity of creating experiential learning opportunities for students beyond the limited walls of the classroom, program, and school that bring the real human intersectionality of our communities into sharper focus and understanding. The NEXT Institute is also part of our ongoing work to develop a network of like minded committed educators eager to learn from and support each other.

Who Should Attend?
This Institute is appropriate for all K–16 educators administrators, parents and community leaders, and support personnel. School leaders and administrators will gain new knowledge and skills to support their development of a school or program culture that engages all faculty, students, and parents in the collective work we are about. register now

More Information:

https://communityworksinstitute.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-institute/

A limited number of FULL tuition scholarships are available for Otis College Extension Art Education Certificate students, ACT students and alumni, and Otis College faculty. Apply here:

https://otiscollege.formstack.com/forms/cwi_scholarship_and_travel_funds_application Scholarship students who want this to count towards the Art Education Certificate are responsible for the $30 registration fee.