Teaching Umoja

Students will build on prior experience and deepen their knowledge regarding Teaching Umoja. They will reflect on their practices with using this community-centered approach to tri-literacy development with Children of Color. Umoja, the Kiswahili word meaning unity, serves as the driving vision of a commitment to improve the quality of education – and of life – for children and families of color. Students will reflect deeply on the Teaching Umoja ten ideas and the concept of tri-literacy (strong sense of self and cultural identity – enculturation, learning the codes of power of dominant society – biculturation, and developing cross-cultural skills to be in collaboration with other communities of color - acculturation. They will analyze and discuss the Teaching Umoja Participatory Action Research (PAR) 15 Year Commitment. In this interactive and creative seminar, participants will engage with concepts, use cultural arts and creative exploration, practice techniques, and deeply reflect on their own work with children and families.