Cultural Competency Resources

The author explains, "Because one-third of adult learners are trauma-impacted (Perry, 2006), designers of learning, teachers of social service consumers, home visitors, coaches, and college faculty must be equipped with strategies to help these learners relax their vigilance and free up psychological energy for learning. One place to start is by creating safety, predictability, and consistency through classroom structures and processes."

This virtual workshop is provided by PANDA - Minnesota ABE Disability Specialists. Workshop participants will reflect on questions regarding teaching ABE students of all levels about mental health and common mental health concerns. Participants will also review "What is Mental Health?" and "Common Mental Health Concerns" lesson plans and resources to consider uses within their own contexts.

This working document is intended be used as a tool for educators to reflect on their own pedagogical assumptions, biases, backgrounds, and preconceived notions, with a view to enabling teachers to intentionally create anti-racist classes.

These high-quality, relevant materials provide a basis for teachers who want to start conversations about facing racism, racial equity, and other social justice topics pertaining to race in the U.S. The lesson packets are free to download, edit, and use.