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In an effort to increase the cultural sensitivity and awareness of its teachers and middle school teachers throughout Ottawa County, West Ottawa Public Schools is co-sponsoring with the National Diversity Education Program a series of professional development activities entitled "Becoming a Culturally Responsive Teacher". The film and panel discussion series begins Thursday, September 29th with a video presentation and discussion on the topic "Understanding Race", at 3:00 pm in the Central Office training room of West Ottawa Public Schools, located at 1138 136th Ave, Holland, Michigan.
The series of professional development activities is open to all teachers at West Ottawa Public Schools, but a special invitation is extended to middle school teachers throughout Ottawa County. The diversity program, a collaborative effort of Hope College CrossRoads Project and West Ottawa Public Schools, is part of the National Diversity Education Program sponsored by the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California. The National Diversity Education Program selected 12 educators from five states — Michigan, Arkansas, Illinois, Texas and California — to create diversity education programs for middle school teachers. Dr. Jeanine Dell’ Olio, Kim Douglas and David Douglas were selected to create a component of the program in Ottawa County. Dr. Dell’ Olio specializes in urban education at Hope College. Kim Douglas teaches Encounter with Cultures at Hope College. David Douglas is the Lead Trainer for Diversity in West Ottawa Public Schools.
The remaining presentations will feature panels of ethnically and culturally diverse speakers who will talk about their experiences with education and living in America. The schedule of film and panel discussions is as follows:
Thursday, September 29th, 3:00pm–4:30pm, "Understanding Race" (film)
WOPS Central Office Training Room, 1138 – 136th Ave. Holland, MI 49424
Thursday, October 13th, 4:00pm–5:15 pm, Migrant Families (panel)
Harbor Lights Library, 1024 N. 136th Ave. Holland, MI 49424
Thursday, November 3rd, 3:00pm–4:15pm, Middle Eastern Americans (panel)
Harbor Lights Library
Thursday, November 17th, 4:00pm–5:15pm, Native Americans (panel)
Harbor Lights Library
Thursday, December 1st, 3:00pm–4:15pm, Faith-Based Issues in the Classroom (panel)
Harbor Lights Library
Teachers interested in additional details should call David Douglas at 786-1175 or Dr. Jeanine Dell’ Olio at 395-7127.
