North Babylon Teachers Become ‘Facilitators’ Of Learning

Press release from North Babylon Union Free School District:

January 20, 2021

Continuing its dedication to promoting equity within its schools and community, the North Babylon Union Free School District recently held a districtwide professional development workshop on culturally responsive classrooms.

The five-part series — prepared and presented by Natalie McGee, lead cultural proficiency consultant at Progression Partners Inc. — is designed to help teachers better understand what cultural proficiency is, as well as what is looks and sounds like in a classroom setting.

Using Google Breakout rooms, North Babylon teachers worked together to identify bias, recognize culturally responsiveness and develop strategies to add value to their classrooms and better connect with their students.

One takeaway that struck a chord with many of the teachers was the idea of becoming a “facilitator” of learning. “Instead of viewing students as empty vessels to fill with information, it’s about allowing students to steer their own learning through inquiry and personal connections,” McGee said.

This press release was produced by North Babylon Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.