About
Outreach & Professional Development

Cultural Competency Lab for Teachers

"This lab meets educators where they are. I've been steeped in this work for a long time, but engaging in this lab brought ideas back to the forefront in a meaningful and practical way." 
- Krista, The Lakeside School

About

Registration for the 2026 Cultural Competency Lab will open in January. Stay tuned!

Come join four days of dynamic learning and lab experience with Rosetta Lee, educators at Seattle Girls’ School, and colleagues from near and far!
In the ever-changing landscape of student demographics and diversity initiatives, teachers face the challenge of creating a classroom environment that goes beyond celebrations of heroes and holidays. Whether we are educators beginning the journey or far down the path into multiculturalism and inclusivity, there is always room to grow. What are some practical strategies and best practices to become the educator with whom all children thrive?

This multi-day learning experience accomplishes several goals:
  1. Engage in three in-depth workshops
  2. Reflect on learning and connect with fellow educators
  3. Workshop strategies and resources you can bring back to your classroom and use right away
During the Cultural Competency Lab, we will create and facilitate break-out spaces to meet the needs of specific groups:
  • Administrators or coaches who support teachers in growing their cultural competency
  • Elementary school educators
  • Educators of color
WA State Clock Hours available for Washington state certified teachers needing continuing education credits (18 hours).

List of 3 items.

  • Part 1: Strong Foundations

    Strong Foundations

    Humans communicate on many levels: spoken language, tone, body language, style and personality. The fact that we have complex cultural identities and a host of differing experiences increases the probability of miscommunication and conflict. Learn major cross-cultural communication theories, ways that cultural values, power, privilege and differences affect the way we communicate, tools for questioning assumptions, and ways to improve cross-cultural communication skills.

  • Part 2: Holding Space

    Holding Space: Interrupting with Care and Creating Brave Spaces

    Creating inclusive spaces means we step in when -- not if -- identity-based harm and conflicts arise.  What are the fears and common pitfalls that keep us from broaching courageous conversations? Gain practical skills for responding to hurtful experiences and facilitating courageous conversations.

  • Part 3: Every Subject, Every Day

    Every Subject, Every Day: Inclusive Classroom Practices

    Teachers create inclusive classrooms through curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and relationship.  Together, we will explore a four-point framework for inclusive classrooms - Do you see me?  Do you hear me?  Will you treat me fairly?  Will you protect me? - to affirm some of our best practices and collect new strategies.

Video Resources

If you would like to be placed on the mailing list for next year's Cultural Competency Lab, click the button below.
This was an incredible learning experience, where content felt like it could immediately be turned into practice! It felt unique in its balance of speaking both to pedagogy and curriculum in a way that was relevant to classroom teachers, administrators and beyond.

- Patrick, University Child Development School

Refund Policy

Please notify Phelana Pang (ppang@seattlegirlsschool.org) if you need to cancel your registration.  Cancellation on or before May 15, 2025 will be fully refunded minus a $25 administrative fee per participant.  Cancellation between May 15 and July 15, 2025 will result in a 50% refund.  Cancellation after July 15 will be non-refundable.

Seattle Girls' School

Located in the Central District, Seattle Girls' School is an independent school for girls and gender nonconforming students in grades 5-8. Our mission is to inspire and develop courageous leaders who think independently, work collaboratively, learn joyfully, and champion change.

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