PD@DSC '25

While progress has been made in fostering diversity and equality within academic institutions, significant work remains across all levels of education. Diversity training programs for educators can help bridge this gap. Encompass HK provides tools and techniques that empower educators and administrators to create more inclusive schools and classrooms.

Cultural diversity training equips teachers and educators with the skills to interact respectfully with colleagues and students of diverse backgrounds— regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, or mental capacity. By implementing and reinforcing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program throughout your school, you can cultivate a more equitable, productive, and welcoming environment. Such training benefits not only administrators and teachers but also students and the institution as a whole.

Participating in diversity training offers numerous advantages for educators. It enhances professional development by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to create equitable learning environments. These programs help educators address implicit biases, develop cultural competence, and implement strategies that promote equity in education. By attending training focused on equity in education, educators gain insights into best practices and innovative approaches for fostering inclusive classrooms.

D E I T E A C H E R T R A I N I N G - O B J E C T I V E S

• Enhance professional development
• Develop strategies for creating inclusive classrooms. Increase awareness of unconscious bias
• Promote equity in education
• Understand the importance of addressing microaggressions and identify effective strategies for doing so
• Acquire knowledge and skills to navigate cultural differences effectively
• Cultivate awareness of appropriate etiquette Foster a positive school climate

Agenda

1. Introduction and Ground Rules 
2. Ice-Breaking Activity: Exploring Identity and Privileges
3. Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion
4. Inclusive classroom principles
5. Unconscious Bias
6. Cultural competency
7. Microaggression in the classroom and workplace 
8. Scenarios discussion and debrief
9. Addressing Inappropriate Behavior
10. Q&A and Wrap Up

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is currently a hot topic in Canada. Organizations are seeking various approaches on fulfilling their responsibilities in DEI. In this workshop, we will look at how The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the regulatory body for all social workers and social workers in Ontario (similar to OCT), take on the responsibilities and work towards the goal for being more DEI. OCSWSSW was chosen as the case study organization because it is overseeing all the social workers and social services workers in Ontario, and it is responsible for developing policies that social workers and social workers must follow when they deliver their services. This seminar will also examine how one of the management body of the organization, the EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) committee approaches the issues and leading the directions for DEI for OCSWSSW.

Session Outline

Introduction to NSL

1. Overview of the law and its objectives
2. Key terms and definitions

Impact on Education 

1. Discuss how NSL affects teaching practices and school policies
2. Case Studies and scenarios

Group Discussions and Q&A 

This workshop can fit for both teaching and non-teaching staff while we will cover the topics below:
1. What is Microsoft Copilot?
2. From "Searching" to "Promoting"
3. FIVE Business cases for using MS Copilot:4. Introduction of M365 Copilot (depends on the schedule)
5. Q&A + Questions with prize (~3 questions)