Online – register here. How do we talk about issues that matter? In a year that has been marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide protests for racial justice, and sharp partisan divisions during an election, how we have discussions in the classroom is more important than ever. Join us for an interactive webinar where we’ll explore Facing History’s newly updated guide “Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues that Matter?” which is designed to help teachers create brave in-person and virtual spaces where students can speak openly, listen empathically, reflect, and learn from each other.

During this webinar, we will:

• Discuss ways to critically examine your identity as an educator and how it shows up in the classroom
• Examine teaching strategies to build community and trust with a focus on ideas that can be used when school begins after the winter break
• Share methods to facilitate reflective conversations on topics that you may find challenging to talk about with your students

At the conclusion of the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate of completion from the webinar console showing one hour of participation. Check with your school or district in advance of the webinar to ensure that the professional development credit is accepted.

About the Presenters

Sarah Stuart, Associate Program Director, Facing History and Ourselves, Memphis/Southeast

Sarah Stuart plans and facilitates workshops and seminars and provides coaching for teachers who are implementing Facing History curricular programs. Prior to joining Facing History, Sarah taught a Holocaust and Human Behavior elective and AP Psychology. She received a BA in psychology from New College of California and an MA in instruction and currculum leadership from the University of Memphis.

Lauren Carlson, Program Associate, Facing History and Ourselves, New England

Lauren Carlson is a Program Associate primarily supporting educators in the New England region. Before joining Facing History, she was a middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher who integrated the Facing History Scope and Sequence into her coursework with students. She earned a BA in International Relations and African American Studies from Syracuse University and an MAT in History from Tufts University.