BCTF workshops
To request these or other Social
Justice workshops for a school-based, local, or regional professional development
day, or a School Union Representative Training (SURT) day, please click on the “Book
this Workshop” link below the workshop description on the BCTF Social Justice Workshops
page.
The specific workshops we offer are:
Advocating to Break the Cycle
of Cyberbullying
(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)
Teachers
will leave this workshop with knowledge and strategies to address students’
involvement in cyberbullying. Workshop participants will develop a stronger
understanding of cyberbullying and the social media platforms where it takes
place. They will learn about proactive measures to raise students’ awareness of
this increasingly prevalent issue. Participants will also develop strategies to
identify students who may be involved in cyberbullying and offer the
appropriate support.
Assertive Communication: Positive Interactions
(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)
This
workshop teaches the key principles of communication by exploring the
differences between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles.
Participants will develop skills through a variety of exercises, role play and
practice, in order to effectively communicate in their classroom, schools,
union work, or personal lives.
This workshop has
been adapted for online presentation.
Engaging
Men and Boys to Prevent Gender-Based Violence
(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)
Workshop participants will deepen their understanding of how
socialization contributes to the development of oppressive attitudes and
behaviours based on gender. Teachers will begin by examining the varying
degrees of violence against women. After considering the concepts of gender
identity, power, and privilege, participants will reflect on their own values
related to these topics and begin to develop a plan to uphold them. Teachers
will leave the workshop equipped with a deeper understanding of the role men
and boys can play in overcoming violence, along with an enhanced commitment to
taking on this role. This workshop session will be offered to participants who
identify as men. Another session will be offered for all teachers.
In the shoes of the bully, the bystander and
the victim: Building self-awareness, social awareness, and empathy
(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)
This
workshop will help to develop an understanding of self-awareness, social
awareness and empathy building around bullying and bystander issues. Key skills
and strategies will be used to develop and understanding of the factors
contributing to the different roles in relationships between bully, victim,
bystander and ally. Through talking circles and reflective listening
activities, ideas will be presented on how to support change through the
creation of a safe and inclusive classroom. There will be opportunities to further
explore the teacher’s role as an elder and mentor to students. Handouts and
resources will be provided for teachers to integrate this approach into their
classroom.
Promoting Healthy Youth Relationships: Educating Against Gender-Based Violence
(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)
This workshop raises awareness of healthy and unhealthy youth
relationships and gender-based violence. Workshop participants increase their
understanding of the impact of dating and sexualized violence on youth. Through
the exploration of lessons and strategies to address these issues in the
classroom, the workshop enhances the capacity of schools and educators to
encourage healthy youth relationships. A series of lesson plans and
comprehensive resources are provided for use in the classroom.
Sexual Health Education: It's Fun!
(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)
This recently revised BCTF workshop provides participants with essential
information about sexual health. The topic of consent is discussed in detail.
Workshop participants will become familiar with several recommended resources
and some fundamental strategies for teaching the mandated sexual health
curriculum to BC students at all grade levels in public schools. The
workshop will help teachers in accessing resources and developing lesson plans
that satisfy the curriculum, as well as navigate the social and cultural
context. This session is sex-positive and aims to empower educators to create
an inclusive and comprehensive sexual health education program.