Changemaker Profile: Debbie Almontaser
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Dr. Debbie Almontaser is an internationally recognized, award-winning educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and authority on cross cultural understanding. She is an influential community leader and the Founder and CEO of Bridging Cultures Group Inc., a business that provides professional development and coaching for companies, universities, firms, and K–12 education personnel. Dr. Almontaser was the founding and former principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Brooklyn, NY. A twenty-five-year veteran of the NYC public school system, she taught special education, trained teachers in literacy, and served as a multicultural specialist and diversity advisor. Currently, she is the Board President of the Muslim Community Network and sits on the boards of the Yemeni American Merchants Association, Therapy and Learning Center Preschool, eMgage National, and ADC National. She frequently lectures, serves on panels, facilitates teacher and public workshops on cultural diversity, conflict resolution, Arab Culture, Islam, Muslims in America, interfaith coalition building and youth leadership at schools, universities, libraries, museums, faith-based organizations, churches, synagogues. Dr. Almontaser is also known for her leadership role in organizing the historic Yemeni Bodega Strike Rally and I Am a Muslim Too Rally with Russel Simmons.
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Valuing and Celebrating Our Religious Diversity through Religious Literacy
Nearly 315 religions and denominations exist in the United States alone, and as a result of this increasing diversity in American public schools, the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) has long held the belief that they should be a key part of the social studies curriculum. To meet this mandate, there is a great need for teacher access to high quality religious literacy training across the US. The NCSS states that "knowledge about religion is not only a characteristic of an educated person, but necessary for effective and engaged citizenship in a diverse nation and world." Charles Haynes, director of the Religious Freedom Center in Washington, rightly asserts that "millions of parents from diverse religious backgrounds entrust the education of their children to the teachers in our nation's public school" and that "teachers need to be fully informed about the constitutional and educational principles for understanding the role of religion in public education."
This workshop will train administrators, educators, guidance counselors, and youth workers how to talk and teach about religious diversity in a public school setting. The incorporation of religious literacy mitigates faith based prejudice and discrimination as well as create harmonious school communities.
This session is a 2-hour workshop. For 3 hours, the fee is $1,150, and for 5 hours, the fee is $1400. You will receive follow-up materials to support adoption of practices, and you can request further assistance after the session if needed.
Audience: Educators, school staff, and youth workers
Want a customized version of this learning module? Just contact us!
*Pricing is for NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. If outside of this metro area, additional travel fees may apply.
Culturally Sensitive Up-Stander Training
With the growing tide of Islamophobia and the number of hate crime incidents in communities and school settings, this workshop aims to educate individuals on how to be Up Standers without violating religious limitations. It provides step by step strategies on how to be an Up Stander for an observant Muslim by providing cultural sensitivity tips followed by Q/A.
These techniques can be used with anyone being targeted regardless of race, religion, age, etc. The workshop presents how and when to intervene in an incident, offer techniques to distract the harasser, and offer support to the individual who is being targeted. This training incorporates non-invasive techniques and promotes a safe way to stand up to intervene, get the victim to safety, and how to discretely contact police or others to aid the victim.
This session is a 2-hour workshop. For 3 hours, the fee is $1,150, and for 5 hours, the fee is $1400. You will receive follow-up materials to support adoption of practices, and you can request further assistance after the session if needed.
Audience: School staff, students, nonprofit staff, house of worship leaders, and general public
Want a customized version of this learning module? Just contact us!
*Pricing is for NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. If outside of this metro area, additional travel fees may apply.
Building Understanding and Compassion While Teaching History and Current Events
Many teachers and youth workers are unsure of how to cover sensitive topics in the news or historical events like 9/11 or the Holocaust, especially with diverse groups. Concerns range from accidentally singling out students to having to address emotions, biases, perceptions and misconceptions. Many adults find these topics difficult to discuss among peers, let alone with children and youth. This workshop offers the tools needed to discuss sensitive topics in an inclusive and productive manner.
This session is a 2-hour workshop. For 3 hours, the fee is $1,150, and for 5 hours, the fee is $1400. You will receive follow-up materials to support adoption of practices, and you can request further assistance after the session if needed.
Audience: Teachers, group leaders, and anyone working directly with children and youth
Want a customized version of this learning module? Just contact us!
*Pricing is for NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. If outside of this metro area, additional travel fees may apply.