​AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY:

Consider the impact of teacher training. For every teacher that participates in a program, hundreds of students can be impacted inside the classroom. Topics such as climate change, LGBTQ rights, racism, and diversity have never been more important than they are today. To continue these lessons in the classroom is to pave the way for future generations. Here are some highlights from previous programs. ​
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Looking at the last Five programs

Teaching About race

Featuring historic upstanders of the Civil Rights Movement and some of the most cutting-edge thinkers on antiracism today, this webinars inspired and equipped teachers to teach about systemic racism, the history of race in America, and strategies their students could utilize to become antiracist leaders in their schools and communities.
"We need to always ask, ‘What’s in it for the kids?’ Get students accustomed to talking about race and racism so it doesn’t become taboo." - Dr. Tracey Benson

Teaching About Climate Change

The goal of this cutting-edge event was to provide English, Librarian, Technology, and Social Studies educators with the standards-based, best practices to teach about the climate crisis through the lens of their different disciplines.  With over 150 teachers in attendance, this event was arguably one of the first in the country that utilized this multidisciplinary approach. Said one participant:  “I now feel like I have the confidence, tools, and courage to raise this important issue in my classroom.”  Impact: Assuming that each educator who attended teaches 125 students a year, this event influenced the lives of over 20,000 students in that academic year alone.

Teaching LGBTQ

Focusing on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, the goal of this afternoon teacher training event was to provide the vocabulary, history, and personal stories that empower teachers, administrators, and counselors to reach their LGBTQ+ students. Over 65 participants learned strategies and best practices that are being used nationally to make LGBTQ+ students feel welcomed and confident in their school communities. Impact: Assuming that each educator who attended teaches 125 students a year, this event influenced the lives of over 8,000 students in that academic year alone.
"I look forward to the newsletters announcing the next conference!"

- Sarah, Teacher 2019

Teaching about Rwanda:

Focusing on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, this after school workshop provided educators with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to teach about the important history--one that is a cautionary tale for our own time and place. Over 30 participants braved white-out Buffalo snow conditions to hear internationally-known teacher JC Moya, as well as survivor Victor Habinshuti. They in turn affect the lives of at least 3,000 students in the Western New York area this year alone.

Teaching to Change the World:

Featuring a the Speak Truth to Power Human Rights Defender program of RFK Human Rights, the event was designed to help educators approach the most pressing issues of our day. It was also highlighted by presentations by 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning, Yemeni-American Activist Mokhtar Alkhanshali, as well as Artist Educator Shawn Harris. These educators who were trained influence the lives of roughly 125 students each, influencing the lives of close to 15,000 young Western New Yorkers.