Join us for a transformative training on practical skills to support system-involved youth and families.
About this Event

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, MSW

Date: December 3, 2024

Time: 9:15am - 3:15pm

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: A Better Way

Participants must complete registration via the https://training.abetterwayinc.net/auth/sign_in website in order to gain full access to the training course.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE:

https://training.abetterwayinc.net/auth/sign_in

Description

This course, Culturally Responsive Teaching: Creating Inclusive Classrooms, focuses on equipping educators, professionals, and caregivers working with children, youth, and families in the foster care and juvenile justice systems with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive learning environments. By understanding the unique cultural, emotional, and social needs of court-dependent families, participants will be better prepared to provide equitable educational experiences that promote healing and resilience. The course emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices to reduce bias, foster a sense of belonging, and support the holistic development of children and youth who have faced systemic challenges.

Participants will learn evidence-based strategies to engage diverse learners, build strong educator-student relationships, and create classroom environments that honor the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of children in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Through interactive discussions, practical tools, and self-reflection, professionals will gain critical insights into how to effectively support the academic, emotional, and social success of the children and families they serve. The materials will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussion, and participant workbook (handout).

Transfer of Learning 1

Participants can utilize their new skills and knowledge by immediately applying culturally responsive teaching practices in their daily interactions with children, youth, and families in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.

Transfer of Learning 2

By integrating their new knowledge into case planning, curriculum design, and communication practices, they can enhance their ability to support the academic and social-emotional success of children and families involved in child welfare and juvenile justice system.

Learning Objectives

1.) Identify three culturally responsive strategies that can be used to create inclusive learning environments for children and youth in foster care or juvenile justice systems.

2.) Analyze how implicit bias impacts educational outcomes for children involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and develop two methods to mitigate these biases in classroom settings.

3.) Implement at least two evidence-based teaching practices that address the unique cultural and emotional needs of court-dependent children and youth, improving their engagement and academic success.

4.) Demonstrate how to adapt classroom materials and activities to reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of students in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, promoting equity and inclusivity.

Trainer:

Marya Wright, DSW, MSW

Marya Wright, DSW MSW BSW, is a nationally recognized social worker, consultant, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the President and CEO of Wright Community Services LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in Child Welfare Policy and Research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She serves as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the California Society of Clinical Social Work and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advanced practice children youth and families.