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2023 Spring Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Series


Join us for three-part online course where we will discuss the role of the Admission and Enrollment professional as it relates to independent school DEI work. Topics include communicating about your school’s DEI programs; understanding the history of DEIB work and narratives; and discussion of our DEI work in today’s political climate. This class will include breakout rooms for discussion with colleagues to unpack your concerns and grow your knowledge.


Wednesday, May 10, 12-1 pm ET
Heads on Swivel: Communicating about DEI in the Face of Pushback
A conservative assault on diversity work in schools is underway, and independent school families are taking to social media to voice their dissent about programs that would have hardly been controversial even five years ago. It is more important than ever for admission officers, and faculty and administrators to understand the threat posed by the media amplification of this dissent, and to work together with their comms team to neutralize knee-jerk reactions to inclusive education within their schools before it has a chance to upend crucial programs that students need and deserve. Join Jan Abernathy, Chief Communications Officer and Naledi Semela, Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact at the Browning School for a discussion on how these two offices can work together to communicate with families about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in our schools.

Wednesday, May 17, 12- 1:30 pm ET
How Did We Get Here? Understanding the History of DEIB Work in Our Schools

It seems like not so long ago, diversity in schools meant merely admitting students of different races, recognizing heritage months, and putting more inclusive books on the library shelves. Now, we know that efforts to truly make our schools inclusive require sustained and intentional work from all constituents. Join Naledi Semela, Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact at the Browning School and Eva Vega-Olds, noted diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, educator, keynote speaker and coach, for a discussion on the history of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging work in our school, and break out sessions with your fellow educators in small groups to unpack your concerns and grow your knowledge.

Wednesday, May 24, 12-1 pm ET
Be Careful Out There: Talking about Our Work in Today's Divided Political Climate
Sadly, in today's overheated media landscape, there are groups that attempt to "catch" school professionals speaking disparagingly about families and students, or talking about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Social Emotional Learning in a way that makes it seem as though they are trying to "indocrinate students with the woke agenda." While all school professionals know that these videos have been highly manipulated, we should all be on guard when we are talking to strangers about our employers. Join Eva Vega-Olds, noted diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant for a discussion how to help teachers and other colleagues make sure that they are maintaining appropriate boundaries and understand that they can represent their schools while still being true to themselves. She'll also talk about how admissions professionals can avoid being drawn into cultural war questions from families and get themselves out of these uncomfortable situations.

Presenters:


Jan Abernathy
Chief Communications Officer
The Browning School


Naledi Semela
Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact
The Browning School


Eva Vega-Olds
Speaker | Trainer | Certified Professional Coach
Eva Vega World

Level of Experience:
  • Entering (1-2 Yrs)
  • Emerging (3-4 Yrs)
  • Advancing (5-9 Yrs)
  • Mastery (10+ Yrs)
Professional Competencies:
L&D 1 Maintain High Standards of Integrity and Ethical Behavior with all constituents served.
L&D 2 Advance the mission of the school using best practices in admission and enrollment management.
L&D 3  Demonstrate exemplary communication skills appropriate to the unique landscape of education.

Continuing Education Credits:
Notes for AISAP Courses
  • Once you click the REGISTER button on the website, you are signed up for the course.
  • A confirmation email from AISAP Programs will be sent once you register.
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  • To add more webinars or courses, click on the Events tab or the Courses tab at the top of the page.
  • Resources will be added to the resources tab once presenters share any files.
  • Recordings will be posted within 1 business day after the session.
  • Missed the live session? Register and access the recording and resources.

Course Registration Fee (for all sessions):

$99 for members | $159 for nonmembers

Join now and register at the reduced member rate!