Learning for Justice seeks to uphold the mission of the Southern Poverty Law Center: to be a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people.

The following Professional Learning Institutes are low-cost, week-long, immersive, place-based learning experiences that support educators’ capacities to implement social justice education in their practice. They aim to help every educator push back against the status quo and reimagine what’s possible for students, schools and communities in our diverse democracy. Below are some details about the institutes:

I. Critical Practices Professional Learning Institute - June 26-30, 2023 - Jackson, Mississippi

Educators will deeply engage with the four pillars of Critical Practices for Social Justice Education(Curriculum & Instruction, Culture & Climate, Family & Community Engagement, and Leadership) and develop plans to implement these practices in their contexts. Note: Critical Practices for Social Justice Education is currently under revision; the institute will utilize the updated version.

This institute is open to educators from the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi.

II. Teaching Hard History: American Slavery Professional Learning Institute - July 17-21, 2023 - Montgomery, Alabama

Educators will deeply engage with the Teaching Hard History: American Slavery framework and accompanying resources to grow their ability to accurately teach the impact and legacy of American slavery.

This institute is open to educators from across the United States, with preference given to those from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi.

More information about the institutes, including how to apply, can be found here:

https://www.learningforjustice.org/professional-development/professional-learning-institutes