2026 - 2027 Series
Re-Centering Narratives: Indigenous and Island Peoples
This professional development workshop series is designed for K-12 educators seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues through literature. This year, we will explore the theme of "Re-Centering Narratives: Indigenous and Island Peoples." Through global and regional perspectives, we will discuss narratives of Indigenous and Island Peoples, whose identities, spaces, and lived experiences are informed by global phenomena such as migration and displacement, economic and political struggles, environmental issues, human rights, and human conditions. By exploring compelling stories from diverse cultural perspectives, educators will gain insights into the complexities of this theme, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to engage students in meaningful discussions around these topics.
Each session features a carefully selected book, paired with historically contextualized presentations, interactive discussions, teaching strategies, and cross-disciplinary activities to inspire classroom implementation.
Sessions this year will take place virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ET). Three Act 48 credit hours (for PA educators) and a copy of the book are provided for each session.
Workshop Dates and Featured Books:
Thursday, September 24, 2026: The Yield by Tara June Winch
Thursday, October 22, 2026: Saints of the Household by Ari Tison
Thursday, November 19, 2026: Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead
Thursday, January 21, 2027: Factory Girl by Josanne La Valley
Thursday, February 18, 2027: Beyond the Rice Fields by Naivo
Thursday, March 18, 2027: The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years by Chingiz Aitmatov
Thursday, April 15, 2027: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Who Should Attend?
K-12 educators across all subject areas who want to bring global perspectives into their classrooms while fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social awareness among their students.
Registration is open to all K-12 educators and administrators. Please note that we are able to fund and distribute books to registrants as funding allows. Registration will remain open after this amount is reached. Registrants will be notified if we are unable to provide them with the reading material.
Program Highlights:
- Deepen your understanding of global issues and their relevance to K-12 education.
- Participate in guided literary analyses, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activity design.
- Gain access to ready-to-use resources and strategies for integrating global perspectives into the classroom.
- Network with fellow educators passionate about global issues and literature
Who Should Attend?
K-12 educators across all subject areas who want to bring global perspectives into their classrooms while fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social awareness among their students.
Join us for an enriching journey through literature as we uncover the stories of labor and resilience that shape our world!
Registration is open to all K-12 educators and administrators. Please note that we are able to fund and distribute books to registrants as funding allows. Registration will remain open after this amount is reached. Registrants will be notified if we are unable to provide them with the reading material.