Safe and Supportive Working Environments: A Right for LGBTQ+ Educators In this 15‑hour NEA Blended Learning facilitated course, participants will deepen their understanding of the employment protections available to LGBTQ+ educators at the federal, state, and local levels. The course examines the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC educators in the workplace, including the impact of intersecting marginalized identities on safety, belonging, and professional advancement. Participants will review their own district or local policies, explore the complexities of the “coming out” process for educators, and learn how to advocate for inclusive, equitable working environments. Grounded in the NEA’s Racial Justice in Education Framework, this course emphasizes how policy, culture, and practice must work together to ensure that all educators can thrive authentically and safely.     Read more

Supporting Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming Students 15‑Hour NEA Blended Learning Course This facilitated course equips educators with the knowledge and skills to create affirming, equitable, and safer learning environments for LGBTQ+ students, with particular attention to the experiences of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming (GNC) youth. Participants will explore foundational LGBTQ+ terminology, learn about the varied ways students may transition, and examine the unique challenges faced by BIPOC students. Throughout the course, the NEA’s Racial Justice in Education Framework provides a guiding lens for understanding identity, equity, and systemic barriers.   Read more

The Intersections of Race, Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation This 15‑hour NEA Blended Learning facilitated course is designed for all school personnel and offers a deep exploration of how race, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation intersect to shape students’ lived experiences. Participants will examine the relationships and commonalities among these identities, learn key definitions, and analyze how intersectionality influences the challenges and opportunities students encounter in school. Through research, discussion, and reflective practice, the course highlights how overlapping marginalized identities—particularly for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students—can compound systemic barriers. Participants will conclude the course by developing a concrete action plan to support students who navigate multiple forms of marginalization and to foster more equitable, affirming school environments.   Read more

Este desarrollo profesional crea un conocimiento compartido de aspectos desconocidos de la construcción de la raza y el racismo. Exploramos un marco analítico para determinar las prácticas que sostienen actualmente la Cultura de la supremacía blanca en nuestra institución y algunas maneras de contrarrestarlas. Somos capaces de transmitir enfoques para enmarcar narrativas que motiven a otros a acabar con la cultura de la supremacía blanca y promover la justicia racial. Read more

Professional Learning Family and Community Engagement for Multilingual Learners Parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting student success. Research consistently shows that when families and communities are actively engaged in their children’s education, students attend school more regularly, remain enrolled longer, and achieve at higher levels. In this course, educators will explore strategies to strengthen family and community involvement for Multilingual Learners (MLs). Participants will develop an understanding of the five steps of advocacy and apply them to design and implement an English Language Learner (ELL) family workshop that affirms assets and supports student learning. Read more

This course examines the deficit/medical and social models of disability and explores their implications on society and educational practices. Learners will gain an understanding of ableism and learn about ways to challenge stereotypes and biases that impact individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this course will address intersectionality, including what it is, its implications for people with disabilities, and the ways that bias and ableism have distinct implications for multiply marginalized people with disabilities. Read more