Professional Development

Teen Stories as Mirrors and Windows: A Culturally Responsive Professional Development Series

Based on True Stories by Teens

Our young people deserve to have learning spaces that center and liberate them, where they can be deeply engaged, develop empathy for all people, exercise their own voices, and succeed academically. Research tells us that culturally responsive education not only acknowledges students’ experiences but welcomes them as an integral part of learning communities, ultimately resulting in greater academic success.¹

Through reading and discussing true stories written by Youth Communication’s teen writers, educators will be given mirrors (stories that reflect their own experiences) and windows (stories that provide insight into another’s experiences) through which they can better understand themselves and the youth with whom they work. Educators will examine their own identities,  identify and interrogate and challenge oppressive practices, and focus on building community in their classrooms and school buildings that honor the experiences and strengths of their students. Developed by teachers and youth workers, this program will add to educators’ pool of resources and leave them reinvigorated, empowered, and equipped to build supportive, culturally responsive learning communities.  

Our team will meet with you to determine your school or organization’s goals and readiness. Together, we will build a personalized program that works to meet your specific needs.  

^{1 LeBlanc, Gess, et al. “Why Cultural Responsiveness Is Crucial for Teachers.” Who’s in My Classroom?: Building Developmentally and Culturally Responsive School Communities, Jossey-Bass, Hoboken, NJ, 2021, pp. 20–20.}