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Cultural Competency Training Programs

The cultural diversity of Alberta’s student bodies requires teachers and schools to develop cultural proficiency enabling them to connect with, respond to and interact effectively with pupils and their families. Achievement gaps between diverse and mainstream students suggest communication disconnect occurring in classrooms due to cultural mismatch between teachers and students, teachers and families. Student learning or successful communication between instructor and pupil, occurs when teachers and student come to “shared understandings”; thus, teachers must approach the classroom as skilled cultural workers, not just neutral professionals on a culturally-detached playing field. Providing an environment where students and families flourish is fundamental to empowerment.

The John Humphrey Centre offers workshops and consultancy services for training teachers and schools by assessing then developing intercultural proficiency by providing tools that:

  • Examine the self and one’s own culture to understand how this impacts the perception and interaction of those who are different
  • Understand the guiding principles of cultural proficiency
  • Develop behaviours and practices for cultural proficiency – what does it look like? In the classroom? In a school?
  • Overcome barriers to cultural proficiency
  • Ensure teachers have the tools to commit to cultural proficiency

The John Humphrey Centre believes that professional development incorporating an anti-racism based approach enhances the experiences of students in the classroom and school. The strategy integrates an approach focusing on human dignity and respect for all instead of separating people into groups. An approach that embraces diversity and multiculturalism through understanding is critical–this training offers the tools to teachers and schools to build this understanding.

Additional Information about this Workshop:

The program contributes to the following ECSB goals:

  • 1.8 and 2.4 promotion of inclusion and fostering the ‘one human family’ approach
  • 2.6 increase high school completion rates
  • 4.3 provide training in cultural understanding in schools; teacher professional development

This workshop is customizable to meet the goals of the school or organization.

By admin 2:30 pm