Cultivating Brave Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Staff

Every LGBTQIA+ scholar, educator, or community partner deserves to thrive in today’s classrooms and schools as whole beings. This transformative session is all about embracing diversity and fostering safe, nurturing educational environments. Dive deep into conversations and explorations that celebrate the colorful tapestry of LGBTQIA+ identities. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or central office official, this session offers practical insights, powerful dialogues, and actionable strategies to create a space where everyone can thrive authentically. Be part of a movement that fosters environments where the beauty of LGBTQIA+ identities can truly shine. Together, we will shape the future of education into a space that nurtures, uplifts, and empowers all members of our diverse school communities.

Workshop Objectives:

1. Policy Evolution: Discover innovative strategies for crafting policies that reflect the values of acceptance and respect. The presenter will guide you through a step-by-step process to help your institution develop a robust framework to eradicate hateful behaviors and actions.
2. Empathetic Education: Explore the power of empathy in the learning process and understand how it can reshape your teaching methods. Learn how to create a curriculum that is not only informative but also embraces diverse narratives and experiences.
3. Intersectionality Matters: Delve into the intricate intersections of identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. Gain insights into supporting individuals with multiple marginalized identities and uncover ways to ensure no one is left behind.
4. Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with actionable strategies, resources, and toolkits that can be immediately implemented in schools.

Presenter: Craig Aarons-Martin, CCM Education Group

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

Fees: Member $150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net

About the Presenter

Craig Aarons-Martin | CCM Education Group

Visit Craig's website     

Craig Aarons-Martin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The CCM Education Group, an education consulting organization that provides professional learning services to districts, schools, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide. Craig is an ASCD Emerging Leader and Presenter and an author who published an article on professional learning for ASCD EDAdvantage. Craig currently serves as the President Elect for Massachusetts ASCD and is the Past President for the ASCD Emerging Leader Affiliate. Craig Aarons-Martin is an award-winning teacher and school leader with 20+ years of experience in urban education serving as a mentor, instructional coach, teacher developer, and professional learning facilitator. Craig also works with groups, individuals, and organizations to create bold and joyful solutions that amplify equity and belonging. Craig is also the co-host of SELinEDU, The Podcast.

Craig was named the 2018 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the 2018 Elementary Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators Association. In 2009, Boston Public Schools awarded Craig the Educator of the Year award. Craig earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Dillard University in his native New Orleans, Louisiana, and his Master of Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.