Faculty Professional Development
Professional development related to topics and issues of diversity, equity and inclusion is a priority for PMFS staff. As members of a learning community, we recognize that we have room to grow as individuals and as a faculty, in order to support our students and families. Diversity work is continuous and everlasting; and we understand that discomfort and conflict are catalysts for positive change. Our work to validate, affirm, defend and empower members of the PMFS community is perpetual. Much like the reality that child-rearing is more of a marathon than a sprint, the journey toward anti-racism, justice and equity tests our endurance. Expanding our knowledge, understanding and growth through professional development offers a sign of our readiness for that journey
*Professional Development during the 2021-22 school year:
The 2022 Preschool-2nd Grade Educators Diversity Summit:
Members of the PMFS staff attended a Diversity Summit sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Diversity Collaborative (GPDC). Keynote speaker Rosetta Lee set the tone for the day, reminding attenders that this work is hard, ongoing, and joyful too. PMFS staff brought ideas back to school from engaging workshops, including “Deepening Identity and Inclusive Practices through Place-Based Learning”, “Teaching and Learning Equity in Early Elementary Classrooms” and “Building an Anti-racist Library for Your Elementary Classroom.”
Taking Time to Understand Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students:
PMFS staff attended a workshop presented by Dr. Graciela Slesaransky-Poe, a professor and the Founding Dean of the School of Education at Arcadia University. Dr. Slesaransky-Poe has over 20 years of experience in higher education and in assisting schools and districts to become more inclusive and welcoming for all students and families. PMFS staff learned about what it means to be transgender, gender expansive, and gender non-conforming, as well as the differences between sex, gender, and sexuality. During the workshop, faculty asked and answered questions about gender and identity, and spent time brainstorming and planning ways to remove barriers within the school to make it a welcoming and affirming space for all.
© PMFS 2021