Importance of Developing a Culturally Responsive & Sustaining Learning Environments w/ Joel

In this episode, Joel Llaban, an Educator, Speaker, & Consultant specializing in culturally responsive learning in international schools, joins us to discuss the importance of developing a Culturally Responsive & Sustaining Learning Environment. In this incredibly thought-provoking session, we delve into how learning leaders can work with peers to develop transformative actions on curriculum & learning, as well as the importance of understanding your identity and power dynamics in the classroom as educators. Moreover, we discuss how international schools can ensure their learning systems are equitable & accessible for all students & the need for continuous reflection and addressing inequities within international schools. Ultimately, we explore how teachers can collaborate with students in culturally diverse classrooms, the impact of backlash against critical race theory, as well as parents & the community's roles in creating a cultural response & sustaining a learning environment. Tune in for more insights! Timestamps [01:18] About the podcast’s co-host, Dana Watts [02:10] Introducing the guest Joel Llban & how he helps international schools develop cultural responses to sustainable learning [03:07] Ways learning leaders can work with their peers to develop transformative actions on curriculum & learning [06:38] How international schools can ensure learning systems are equitable & accessible for all students [12:45] Practices teachers can utilize to create a culturally responsive [15:26] Challenges of the misinformation about the Critical Race Theory, & its potential impact on culturally responsive teaching in schools [17:15] Roles of parents & community members can play in creating a cultural response & sustaining the learning environment [19:27] Special achievements in schools Joel was consulting with [21:51] Mentioned resources & books [23:24] Last Advice to listeners looking forward to making classrooms diverse Quotes ● “Identity work is the entry point. And if not, it's not just the entry point, but it is a foundation that has to undergird the many conversations and work we have with the DEIJ because it's a constant reflection.” ● "This work is a work of humanity, it is joyful and courageous work, and it is for the best interests of students and colleagues in our communities." Mentioned Resources ● "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson ● "The Wake Up" by Michelle Mijung Kim ● "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain" by Zaretta Hammond ● "Equity Literacy" by Paul Gorski and Marceline Dubois Let’s Connect Connect with Joel Llaban ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeljrllaban Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts Connect with Mike Pierre on; ● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan More resources ● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23. ● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative