Increasing Cultural Competency for Adult Educators – Resources & Training February 8, 2021

Increasing Cultural Competency for Adult Educators – Resources & Training

Andrea Echelberger, ESL Training Coordinator; ATLAS library curator Yixiu Chen, Learning Centers Manager; ATLAS library curator

Cultural competency is the calling of every reasonably competent educator who believes in the value of education to elevate everyone and who desires the critical skills to do so. They are willing to break down barriers to opportunities for historically underserved learners and create a generation of educated advocates. – Vernita Mayfield, from Cultural Competence Now

ATLAS is excited to announce a growing number of resources for members of the ABE field to increase their cultural competency, including options for educators looking to fulfill license renewal requirements. Here is a quick list of resources and training options; stay posted because more are on the way!

Cultural Competency Resource Library

The Cultural Competency resource library currently includes resources on trauma-informed teaching practices and anti-racism. The Anti-Racism section features articles, websites, podcasts, toolkits, lesson plans and videos focused on providing ABE professionals resources to eliminate bias within themselves, their communities and workplaces, as well as understand the ways that racism operates in our society in general.

Featured Resource: The Change Agent Resource Packets

This resource provides free lesson plans for teachers on ways to start conversations about race, racism and eliminating racism in the classroom. In the words of bell hooks, “There must exist a paradigm, a practical model for social change that includes an understanding of ways to transform consciousness that are linked to efforts to transform structures.” (cited from goodreads.com)

Dr. Rose Chu

MN Adult Education Cultural Competency Training

April 16 and 30, 2021, from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

There is a great deal more to cultural competency than using the right words or choosing multicultural readings. This two-part virtual training will introduce adult educators to concepts and skills needed to start on the journey to becoming a more culturally competent educator. It will also meet the PELSB cultural competency requirements for Minnesota teacher relicensure.

Andrea Echelberger

(Note: You must attend both days in full to meet the PELSB requirement.)

The modules will feature ABE-specific scenarios and discussions that will be relevant and engaging for adult educators, and will be facilitated by Dr. Rose Chu, a Senior Policy Fellow for the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MnEEP), and Andrea Echelberger, ESL Training Coordinator for Literacy Minnesota.

Come join us in advancing your skills and knowledge for a more culturally responsive adult teaching and learning environment!

Online and In-Person Cultural Competency Training Options

For ABE educators unable to attend the April Cultural Competency training, check out this list of PELSB-Approved Cultural Competency Trainings.

Featured Resource: Education Minnesota Cultural Competency

Members of Education Minnesota can access a free, online, four module series of trainings on Cultural Competency through a learning platform called “LearnUpon.” “I found it to be robust, reflective, and challenging. It’s really good!” – Shari Brunes, Hutchinson Adult Education

Affinity Groups Meeting at the Un-Regional Conference on March 5

Affinity groups are gathering opportunities for people who share a common experience or identity. Join other ABE professionals in affinity group discussions at the statewide Spring 2021 Un-Regional Event on Friday, March 5 at 3:45 pm.

Andrea Echelberger, ESL Training Coordinator; ATLAS library curator Literacy Minnesota
Yixiu Chen, Learning Centers Manager; ATLAS library curator Literacy Minnesota

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