In an increasingly complex and polarized world, the need for respectful and open discourse in the classroom is more apparent than ever. With the proliferation of social media and contentious public discourse, students are often exposed to conflicting viewpoints without the necessary tools to engage thoughtfully and respectfully. This workshop series aims to address the need for educators to create safe spaces where students can explore complex issues, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to engage in constructive dialogue.

The goal of this series is to equip educators with practical tools and techniques to navigate charged topics effectively, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and civic engagement among students. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, participants will develop the skills necessary to facilitate nuanced discussions, address controversial issues when they come up in a classroom setting, and promote civic reasoning across diverse subject areas, empowering students to engage constructively with a complex world, while upholding principles of respect and inclusivity.

Each session will be situated around a different focus area but attendees can choose to attend select sessions or the full series.

04/30/24: Virtual - Setting the Stage: Introduction to Discourse and Civic Reasoning in the Classroom
05/15/24: Virtual - Gauging the Terrain: Civic Discourse in the age of AI and Social Media
09/25/24: Virtual - Building the Foundation: Creating a Space for Empathy in the Classroom
10/08/24: In Person - Practicing Classroom Strategies
11/12/24: In Person - Maintaining Discourse Through Dialogue

#SocialStudies #CivicEngagement #Discourse #ELA