Learn how to support K-16 students, faculty, and staff to engage in discourse across political and other forms of difference.
Fostering Conversations in Polarized Times is designed for K-12 and higher education educators, administrators, and leaders from all disciplinary backgrounds looking to deepen their understanding of issues surrounding civic discourse in educational settings. During this one-day program, learn from experts around the importance of supporting difficult conversations in polarized times and ways to address the challenges this presents. Along the way, work closely with small groups of peers to examine shared challenges from your professional work and connect with and learn from a professional network that shares your commitment to this important and complex work.
What Sets Us Apart
About the Program
In an increasingly polarized world where political division and echo chamber discourse are on the rise, supporting students to engage with one another across their differences is more important than ever. But how do educators begin to address the many challenges this work presents?
Application Deadlines:
- Priority Deadline - May 22, 2023
- Final Deadline - June 5, 2023
Program Length:1 day; Friday, June 16th, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Certificate:
- Penn GSE Certificate of Participation
- Act 48 credits for Pennsylvania educators
Format:In-person at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Cost
- Standard rate: $200
This program has a set of full scholarships reserved for educators in the School District of Philadelphia. If you’re interested in this opportunity, please see the Scholarships section of the program registration form.
20% off program fee available for groups of 5+ from the same organization. Contact ProfessionalLearning@gse.upenn.edu for more information.
Ideal Candidates:
- K-12 teachers and administrators
- Instructional leaders (e.g., coaches, mentors, PD leaders)
- Higher education teachers and administrators
- Individuals interested in supporting civic discourse in educational spaces
Through a one-day, in-person convening at the University of Pennsylvania, participants from all disciplinary backgrounds will have opportunities to explore the theory and practice of this topic, addressing questions such as:
- What is civic discourse and why is it critical in a democratic society?
- How do I draw the line around charged discussion and harmful speech?
- How do I communicate with stakeholders (parents, media, students, faculty)?
- How do I prepare students to have difficult conversations?
- How do I support teachers in facilitating difficult conversations?
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Penn GSE faculty who specialize in civic discourse in K-12 and university classrooms and administration, as well as from fellow practitioners who will serve as a community of practice for continued support and collaboration.
Program Leadership & Staff
Dr. Taylor Hausburg
Program Director
Teacher Program Lead, Penn GSE Center for Professional Learning
Christopher Pupik Dean
Academic Director
Our Faculty
What Alumni Are Saying About Similar Programs
“It has given me a whole new way to think about how to help my students learn.”
“This program is extremely creative, thought provoking, and relevant. There are very few programs like this out there.”
“I feel reenergized after participating.”
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