Free BCTF workshops about antiracism

The following workshops are free professional development opportunities for teachers and schools. It is recommended that schools book these workshops two to three weeks in advance of the anticipated date on which they will occur. All workshops are three hours in length.

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.

Antiracist Strategies for Educators

(1.5-hour to 3-hour workshop)

This workshop looks at privilege in society and how the legacy of our colonial past has shaped our present.  It provides some youth perspectives on racism in schools, and explores strategies to recognize and eliminate racism in society, classrooms, schools, and community.

This workshop is available for online facilitation.

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.

How to be an Antiracist in our Schools, Unions, and Communities

(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)

This skills-based workshop is a powerful, practical way to promote awareness and empathy, and to develop the skills to effectively respond to discriminatory remarks and incidents of racism. Although it is often easy to identify an incident of personal racism, responding effectively is often challenging. This workshop has been updated to provide participants with opportunities to practise strategies to intervene effectively.

This workshop has been adapted for online facilitation.

Strategies for Discussing Controversial Issues

(1.5–3 hours, includes off-screen working session and break)

Discussing controversial issues with students is an important part of social justice, the inquiry process, and building the skills for students to become active, engaged and critically-minded democratic citizens. This workshop provides practical classroom strategies to discuss controversial issues in a respectful manner.