As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, we have previously mandated the completion of “Disrupting Bias Training” for all staff members. This training has been instrumental in helping us identify, understand, and address biases that can impact our interactions with colleagues, students, and the community.
However, after careful consideration due to our awareness of the challenges posed by taking staff out of their daily roles, we have decided to shift our approach. Moving forward, participation in “Disrupting Bias Training” will be strongly encouraged, rather than required.
Why the change?
Our decision to make this shift stems from a desire to balance the importance of this learning with the practical realities faced by our staff. We recognize that the demands of your daily responsibilities are significant, and we want to ensure that our professional development opportunities enhance, rather than hinder, your ability to fulfill your core duties.
Continued commitment to learning
Though the training is no longer required, we remain fully committed to the principles of equity and inclusion that the original training promotes. We believe that this training is a valuable tool in our collective effort to create a more inclusive work environment. We encourage all staff to take advantage of the upcoming sessions as part of their professional growth and to continue developing the skills needed to address and mitigate bias.
Upcoming Training Sessions
For the 2024-2025 school year, “Disrupting Bias Training” will be offered on the following dates:
- February 28, 2025 – Clear Lake
- April 24, 2025 – Cedar Falls
These sessions will be facilitated by Gina Weekley and MaKenzie Hakemen, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and insight into the complexities of bias and its impact on our work.
How to participate
Interested in participating? Please sign up using this form by January 28, 2025.