Workshops underscore importance of education at Congressional Black Caucus event

“Now Is Our Time.”

The theme of this year’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference couldn’t be more apt as the country works through a mighty reckoning around racial injustice. As this year’s conference goes virtual—with a powerful list of policymakers, thought leaders and community members engaging on issues directly impacting African Americans and the global Black community—the AFT is right in step. The professional development series we’ve organized at the conference over the past six years, in partnership with CBCF and the Delta Research and Educational Foundation, is part of CBCF ALC’s “Teach Them the Way Tuesdays,” and will feature four presentations in September.

The series will highlight panel discussions on topics that will help educators better understand the intersection of race and education, equipping them to ensure all our children get the education they deserve. In particular, the series, named “COVID-19 or Not: Criminalization of American Schools Persists,” addresses the ways children are pushed out of school—often on a pathway to prison or low-paying jobs. Recent reports by the Schott Foundation for Public Education show that African American children are three times more likely to be pushed out of school than white students.

To combat that trend, teachers and other education professionals will examine the critical opportunities they have to make a difference in the lives of young students. Each session addresses a different topic:

• When the Bell Rings: Rethinking Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Sept. 1
  A look at the “mixed bag” of options for training on this topic, with recommendations on what research-driven components to look for in a program, and a keen eye toward a pedagogy that embraces students’ cultural, linguistic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

• Igniting and Inviting Student Self-Direction and High Achievement in the Now Remote Learning Environment, Sept. 8
  Includes online simulations that illustrate how teachers can effectively deliver the academic curriculum and facilitate the development of self-management and responsibility skills.

• Pair of ACEs: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adverse Community Experiences, Sept. 15
  Includes field-tested resources, insight on the policies that drive inequity, and tools to foster difficult conversations on race and social justice.

• Today’s Lesson: The Power in Us, Sept. 22
  Focuses on the collective power educators have to shape district and building culture, and drills down on advocacy, civic engagement and leadership.

By registering through CBCF-ALA for this free series, educators will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits. Sessions are open to all, and will remain available on demand for six months. The entire CBCF-ALC is available free as well.

The AFT CBCF series is launching from the AFT’s Share My Lesson website, where educators can find a multitude of free resources at any time, including lesson plans and professional development opportunities created by and for educators.

To register for the series, or to attend any part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, go to the CBCF-ALA website to register. Information will then be sent to you by email regarding access to the series.