To register for PD sessions, search Vector-TeachPoint using the session titles below. This webpage is updated throughout the school year as new trainings become available.
Racial Equity Institute 2023
July 26, 8 to 4 p.m.
Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center (937 Phillips Lane)
Seven PD credit hours (PD credit can only be earned if July 26 is not an employee's contractual paid work day.)
Six EILA credit hours
Contact: William C. Bunton
This Racial Equity Institute will address the five tenets of our district Racial Equity Policy and the directives within Diversity in Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment; School Culture and Climate; Programmatic Access, Staffing and Classroom Diversity; and Central Office Commitment to Racial Educational Equity.
Participants will:
- Identify, develop, utilize, and prioritize instructional practices that are proven to impact achievement for students of color.
- Develop rich curriculum resources that include contributions of people of color.
- Equip staff to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in student learning opportunities.
- Receive training on how to attract, recruit, and retain staff of color.
- Receive training on how to identify and eliminate policy, procedure, and practices that cause harm to students of color.
LGBTQ+ Sense of Belonging
September 20, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Zoom meeting
1.5 PD credit hours and 1.5 EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Alexander Griggs
Description: In this session, the presenter will discuss protective factors against gender and sexual minority stress for the purposes of supporting LGBTQ+ students' sense of belonging and creating community that will promote academic success.
Death and Dying: Traditions and Rituals
October 11, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Zoom meeting
1.5 PD credit hours and 1.5 EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Jud Hendrix (Interfaith Paths to Peace)
Description: This session will be a panel session representing diverse minority religious faiths embodied in the United States. This PD session impacts sense of belonging and provides students more support on an emotional as well as cultural level.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Classrooms
October 11, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Zoom meeting
One PD credit hour and one EILA credit hour
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Steven Back
Description: This session will examine how our language and words make a difference when interacting with LGBTQIA+ students, families, and peers.
Religion and Asian Philosophy
October 18, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Bloom Elementary
1.5 PD credit hours and 1.5 EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Dr. Brandon Harwood (UofL)
Description: With a focus on Asian traditions, this session examines a variety of thought and practices that do not fit neatly on one side or another of the standard Western division between philosophy and religion. This session will explore key philosophical and religious traditions that underlie Asian belief systems, historically as well as in the present.
Book Study: Rachetdemics: Recognizing Genius Outside the Box
October 18 (Seneca High), November 15 (virtual), and December 13 (virtual) (Participants are expected to attend all meetings.)
5 to 7 p.m.
Six PD credit hours
Facilitator: Bryan L. Smith
Description: Participants will read Rachetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success, by Christopher Emdin. In what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. considered "maladjusted," educators must identify, cultivate, and celebrate the genius in all students. When brilliance doesn't appear prepackaged as expected, educators must be able to perceive intellect beyond themselves. Participants will receive a free copy of the book.
Seeking Refuge: Forced to Flee
November 20, 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.
JCPS Shawnee Satellite Office (4018 West Market Street)
Two PD credit hours and two EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Peyton Rhea
Description: Seeking Refuge: Forced to Flee is a participatory simulation in which learners gain insight into the challenges associated with seeking refuge in a refugee camp. Participants will gain a new perspective and appreciation for students and families going through the process of being a refugee and trying to find a new home. Participants will engage in an experiential process that also fosters a sense of humility, grace-filled charity, and solidarity.
Bowing to the Past
November 29, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Zoom meeting
1.5 PD credit hours and 1.5 EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani, Jud Hendrix (Interfaith Paths to Peace), and Angela Scharfenberger
Description: In this panel session, participants will learn of underrepresented beliefs/cultures emphasizing the importance of honoring one's ancestors. Participants in this session will learn of various traditions/cultures reflective of their students/families.
Self Preservation
December 6, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Zoom meeting
1.5 PD credit hours and 1.5 EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Jud Hendrix (Interfaith Paths to Peace)
Description: This session explores cross cultural healing practices and remedies. Participants gain an understanding of the need for healing and have an increased understanding of BIPOC healing practices.
Religion and Sexuality (LGBTQ+)
February 19, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Zoom meeting
1.5 PD credit hours and 1.5 EILA credit hours
Facilitators: Dr. Monica Lakhwani and Dr. Brandon Harwood (UofL)
Description: Participants in this session will explore the relationship between issues related to the area of sexuality and religion/religious belief. This session aims to help participants understand the relationship between religion and LGBTQ+ people across time and place, within and between religions, and how various religions view different forms of identity.