Valparaiso University will host a Professional Learning Community Workshop on Dec. 7, 2016, discussing the theme “Resolving Conflicts in a Diverse Classroom.” Registration is now open for K-12 administrators and teachers.
The event features Lee Mun Wah, an internationally renowned Chinese American documentary filmmaker, author, educator, and master diversity trainer. He is founder and executive director of StirFry Seminars & Consulting, a diversity training company that provides educational tools on issues of cross-cultural communication and awareness, mindful facilitation and conflict mediation techniques.
His film “The Color of Fear” won the Gold Medal for Best Social Studies Documentary and was featured by Oprah Winfrey in a one-hour special. His latest documentary, “If These Halls Could Talk,” focuses on dialogue about race and racism among college students, as well as other diversity issues in higher education.
The workshop will provide basic, practical techniques on how to develop alliances and a sense of community between multicultural groups to support a positive learning environment for all students. Participants will notice the impact and intent of communication with others, learn ways to mindfully observe what is being said and what is not, practice how to de-escalate conflict within minutes, engage in the nine healthy ways to communicate and gain an understanding of the value of diversity as an asset to create change. The workshop will be an engaging and interactive opportunity to transform thinking about inclusiveness and culture.
Visit valpo.edu/education/profdev to register. Registration is required. For additional information contact Laurie Snell, director of the Professional Educators Partnership (PEP), at laurie.snell@valpo.edu.
