Culturally Relevant Teaching Workshop Series: #2
Title: Outside the Box, Behind the Screen: Connecting to Students through Cultural Artifacts
Presenters: Courtney Ferrari and Neema Sahebi, Teachers, Valley Catholic Middle School
Description: Cultural artifacts are objects, or realia, from daily life, that reflect the beliefs, values, and assumptions that make us who we are. In this session, you’ll explore realia from WorldOregon’s Culture Box program and see how they can help you learn about your students while teaching about the world. The Culture Boxes include primary sources that develop students’ observational skills, increase curiosity about the world, and provide conversation starters to build community in your classroom, whether you are teaching remotely or in person.
Bio: Courtney Ferrari and Neema Sahebi teach social studies at Valley Catholic Middle School in Beaverton. They use history, geography, and culture to help students understand their place in the world and that of their peers. As life-long learners and global citizens, Courtney and Neema work alongside their students to realize and cherish the gifts all individuals bring to our global community.
Professional Development Units Offered: 2
This workshop is part of our Culturally Relevant Teaching Virtual Workshop Series.
Workshops will address the following Culturally Relevant Teaching practices (developed by Beaverton School District Equity Office and teacher representatives):
- Know Yourself- Explore how educator’s own experiences, attitudes, assumptions, values, and beliefs around race, language, culture, gender, and class impact their teaching and learning.
- Know Your Students- Learn how race, language, culture, gender, and class shape students' beliefs and expectations about learning.
- Capitalize On Student Expertise-Learn about students’ cultural capital – strengths and experiences they bring into the classroom.
- Make Language Count- Leverage the languages used in the classroom – vocabulary, nonverbal communications, native languages, and culturally specific communication styles.
Who should participate and why?
Educators should participate to:
- Leverage their CRT practices
- Learn new ideas, materials, and strategies
- Learn what other districts are doing and how they're problem solving
