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2024-2025 Professional Development Workshops
Our professional development workshops are crafted to enhance faculty members’ understanding and engagement with the topics of Israel-Palestine, antisemitism, Jewish history, media literacy, and courageous conversations. These sessions first deepen faculty knowledge and engagement with these complex subjects, then equip educators with the tools to effectively teach and facilitate discussions in their classrooms.
Courageous conversations across differences
This workshop aims to equip faculty with the skills to engage in courageous and respectful conversations across differing opinions and identities, especially on sensitive topics. Participants will learn the importance of active listening, leading with curiosity, and expressing their perspectives in a way that fosters understanding. The session emphasizes the principle of extending “empathy without a rider,” promoting open-mindedness and acknowledging complexity in discussions. By practicing these skills, participants will be better prepared to participate in and facilitate courageous conversations within their school. Faculty are encouraged to submit real-life scenarios they are grappling with at their schools in advance of this session. We recommend beginning with this workshop before delving into topics related to Israel-Palestine.
Israel-Palestine: The history behind the headlines
This workshop provides faculty with a comprehensive historical overview of the complex relationship between Jews and Arabs in the land of Israel/Palestine. It covers key events such as the U.N. Partition Plan, the 1948 War, and the Six-Day War, offering insights into how these events have fundamentally shaped the region and continue to influence current events. The session aims to deepen understanding of the historical context behind today’s headlines. Participants will apply the principles of Courageous Conversations to engage in informed and respectful discussions about these complex topics.
Israeli-Palestinian peace processes: Efforts and obstacles
This workshop explores the history of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, with a particular focus on the pivotal Oslo Accords. Faculty will examine the background of the secret negotiations in Oslo, Norway, that led to the signing of the accords by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat in 1993. The session will delve into the initial hope for peace, the subsequent resurgence of violence, and the ongoing impact of these events on the peace process. Through discussion of essential questions, participants will consider the legacy of the Oslo Accords, the challenges of achieving consensus, and the major obstacles to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Faculty will use the Courageous Conversations principles to engage in informed and respectful discussions on these sensitive issues.
Teaching Israel-Palestine: Approaches and challenges
This workshop focuses on equipping faculty with pedagogical strategies for teaching the complex history and current issues surrounding Israel-Palestine. Educators will explore effective ways to present multiple perspectives, address sensitive topics, and foster an inclusive classroom environment. The session will also cover how to handle challenging questions and discussions, ensuring that all students feel respected and heard. Faculty will learn techniques to maintain respectful dialogue and cultivate a constructive and empathetic atmosphere, even when addressing highly polarized or sensitive topics.
What’s the definition of Zionism?
This workshop delves into the diverse schools of thought within Zionism, providing faculty with a comprehensive understanding of its various ideologies. Participants will explore six major Zionist perspectives: political, labor, cultural, revisionist, religious, and diaspora Zionism. By examining the leaders and basic philosophies of each school, participants will understand how these ideas clashed and converged around the central goal of creating a Jewish state. The session aims to introduce faculty to the diversity of Zionist thought and discuss how these historical debates continue to shape Israeli society today. This understanding will help educators navigate and teach this complex subject with nuance and sensitivity in their classrooms.
Unpacking antisemitism: From age-old to modern conspiracies
This workshop is designed to help faculty explore the subtle and overt forms of antisemitism, using real-world examples to deepen their understanding of its roots and manifestations. Participants will learn to identify antisemitic tropes and conspiracies, gaining insights into their impact on Jewish identity and community. Through interactive discussions, faculty members will be empowered to recognize and challenge antisemitism in their school community and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Teaching antisemitism: Strategies for the classroom
In this workshop, faculty will explore strategies for teaching about antisemitism in a sensitive and effective manner. Participants will learn how to present historical and contemporary examples of antisemitism, facilitate discussions on difficult topics, and support students in recognizing and challenging prejudice. This session aims to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the experiences of Jewish students, highlighting the emotional impact and historical pain associated with this prejudice. Educators will be equipped with tools to create a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect.
Social media literacy 101
In today’s digital age, where information is readily available but not always reliable, this workshop is designed to equip faculty with the skills to help students become critical consumers of content on social media. Participants will explore the impact of online interactions on real-life perceptions and behavior and learn strategies for assessing the credibility of sources. The workshop includes carefully selected examples, such as political advertisements and viral misinformation, that are relevant and educational, providing faculty with tools to help students navigate the complexities of digital information and promote responsible online engagement.
Media literacy 101
In an age of information overload, media literacy has never been more crucial. This workshop is designed to equip faculty with the tools and skills to navigate the complex world of media and to help students become critical consumers of information. Participants will learn how to evaluate the reliability and trustworthiness of various media sources and explore the concept of media literacy, which involves asking critical questions about the messages we see, read, and hear. The session will cover key topics such as the influence of economics, values, and algorithms on media production, as well as five key biases commonly found in media: framing, negativity, selection, anecdotal fallacy, and omission. Faculty members will learn how to foster a healthy level of skepticism in students' media consumption and guide them in critically analyzing content, helping them to develop well-informed opinions and engage in respectful and informed dialogue on complex issues.
Available from August 1st
Engage with us in a way that works for your school community. We offer varying levels of engagement with our educational content, professional development opportunities, and student sessions, allowing you to tailor the level of involvement to meet your specific goals and needs.