Title
How well do we know our own context?

This workshop is designed for all teachers interested in diversity, equity and inclusion (professionally, personally, for yourselves and for your students). Please see more details and discount information (!) under Important information.

Workshop description
In this workshop we will look at how to explore issues of diversity, equality and inclusion in the classroom through a deeper understanding of our own context. Various activities including reflection on our teaching practices, engagement with resources and the use of role play, aim to build confidence in teachers who wish to further nurture empathy and social change.

Learning outcomes
Participants will:
• consider their own personal context and the context of their school community;
• develop their own ethos for DEI teaching;
• share challenges and success in confronting issues in the classroom;
• engage with resources and starting points for creating social justice opportunities with students;
• explore using role play as a tool for teaching empathy.

How this workshop will benefit teachers in their curriculum delivery
This workshop will enable teachers to create opportunities for exploration of DEI issues within their own contexts, useful in authentic curriculum planning and service based units or programmes. It will also include approaches to building student leadership and confidence when dealing with challenging social justice topics.

Target audience
All teachers.

Malina Patel
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, but have been lucky to have lived in Uzbekistan, Tanzania, Ukraine and India, working as a drama teacher while exploring new places and fascinating cultures. I completed a BFA in Acting and a B.Ed in Drama and English, and then worked as a professional stage manager for various Canadian theatre companies before my international adventures began.

I have been an IB DP Theatre teacher and examiner for many years but as an artist I see myself as a writer, director, performer, teacher, learner and social justice advocate. Theatre allows me to explore and experiment in all of these roles.

In my work as a theatre professional and an international school teacher, I have often been the only person of colour in the room. These experiences have fueled my passion for using theatre as a way to explore issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. I believe that theatre provides the perfect platform for asking questions and building empathy in young people.

Help us spread the word!
Following the success of our monthly virtual PD&L workshops (attendance, engagement, professional calibre and unique methodology – not to mention impact!) we are now offering PD&L workshops to a wider audience of teachers. This workshop is aimed at all teachers with an interest in and concern for, diversity, equity and inclusion. We would be so grateful if all ISTA teachers planning to sign up for this workshop can share the details with any and all colleagues in your school or wider network. And, in doing so, we are delighted to offer a 20% discount to you if you can ‘bring a colleague’ (or 2!). Even better, if you can bring 5 colleagues we’ll give you a 6th place completely free!

Event coordinator
Keriann O’Rourke

The workshop will take place using the platform Zoom.
Places are limited to 20 participants per workshop.
You will receive a link to the Zoom call the day before the workshop.

The cost of the session is GBP £30 per person.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. Plus anything requested by the workshop leader which will be shared with you a few days prior to the workshop.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.