NJHEART delivers personalized training sessions, both in-person and virtually, for individuals and smaller teams, such as a PLC (Professional Learning Community) or department. We work directly with educators, coaches, or small group leaders to tailor a program that perfectly meets their specific professional goals based on the powerful topics described below. Complete our consultation form to schedule your initial design meeting.
To receive email notifications of upcoming public Short Training Sessions, complete the short form using this link.
Foundational Topics
Fostering a Respectful and Inclusive Learning Environment
Educators have long worked to build classrooms where all students feel valued and heard. This session explores how to cultivate an environment that supports thoughtful dialogue, encourages diverse perspectives, and promotes mutual respect. Participants will consider strategies to engage students in conversations that may involve differing viewpoints in a constructive, inclusive, and supportive manner. This session is an introduction to creating classroom dynamics that are open, reflective, and growth-oriented.
Facilitating Respectful and Productive Classroom Discussions on Challenging Topics
This session equips educators with practical strategies for guiding students through complex or sensitive conversations in a respectful and constructive way. Participants will explore how to establish classroom norms that support open dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect, while helping students feel confident in expressing their ideas and listening to differing perspectives. The session will also address how to help students navigate discomfort, take responsibility for missteps, and grow from dialogue that may challenge their assumptions.
Navigating Sensitive Comments in Class
Classroom conversations on complex social issues can sometimes lead to student comments that reflect underlying biases or misunderstandings, even when not intended to cause harm. This session will offer strategies for addressing such moments in ways that support student learning, promote respect, and encourage deeper understanding. Educators will explore how to guide dialogue constructively while maintaining a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Responding Effectively to Student Concerns About Bias
Educators may sometimes receive feedback from students indicating that something said or presented in class felt biased or exclusionary. Whether these concerns are raised directly or indirectly, it’s essential to respond with openness, reflection, and professionalism. This session will provide practical strategies for navigating these moments constructively, promoting mutual understanding, and turning challenging interactions into opportunities for personal and classroom growth.
Understanding Unintentional Influences on Teaching and Learning
Even with the best intentions, we all carry unconscious patterns of thinking that can subtly shape our interactions and decisions. In this session, educators will examine how these automatic responses, often rooted in personal experiences and cultural contexts, influence student engagement and classroom dynamics. The training will provide practical tools to enhance self-awareness, foster stronger relationships with students, and cultivate more equitable and supportive learning environments.
Identity-Focused Sessions
Understanding and Addressing Antisemitism in Educational Settings
This session provides educators with a foundational understanding of antisemitism, including its historical roots and its contemporary manifestations. Participants will explore how antisemitic beliefs, symbols, and rhetoric have evolved and how they may surface in schools, media, or current events. The session will offer practical strategies for recognizing and responding to antisemitic incidents or comments in the classroom. Educators will also learn how to foster respectful dialogue, support students affected by these issues, and integrate accurate historical and cultural content into lessons to counter stereotypes and misinformation.
Recognizing and Responding to Anti-Muslim Bias in Schools
This session provides educators with the tools to identify and address anti-Muslim bias, both in overt and subtle forms, that may impact students in the classroom and the broader school community. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of Islam and the diversity of Muslim identities and experiences in the U.S., helping dispel common misconceptions and stereotypes. Educators will learn how to respond constructively to instances of anti-Muslim rhetoric and behavior and how to support students who may be affected by these experiences.
Addressing Discrimination and Bias Toward Asian American Communities
Discrimination and bias against Asian American individuals have deep historical roots and have seen a troubling rise in recent years. This session will help educators recognize signs of prejudice and exclusion, both subtle and overt, and provide tools to foster understanding and empathy among students. Participants will explore age-appropriate strategies for discussing these issues in the classroom and promoting a respectful, inclusive learning environment for all.
Please note: This topic is available only in combination with other topics from this list to create a comprehensive training session. If you are seeking training focused solely on this topic, we highly recommend our partner organization, Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS).
Teaching the History and Impact of the N-Word
Language carries deep historical and cultural significance, and some words, though commonly heard in schools, can cause harm or reflect a legacy of oppression. This session focuses on practical, age-appropriate strategies for teaching students about the historical roots and social impact of one particularly charged term, the N-word. Educators will explore how to approach this topic with sensitivity, accuracy, and care, helping students develop a deeper understanding of language, identity, and respect in diverse learning communities.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students: Addressing Bias and Fostering Inclusion
This session provides educators with foundational knowledge about the forms of discrimination and bias that LGBTQ+ students may encounter, both within and outside the school environment. Participants will explore inclusive terminology, learn about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, and discuss how language, representation, and school culture impact students' sense of safety and belonging. Practical strategies will be shared for creating a classroom climate that supports open dialogue, affirms diverse identities, and upholds respectful interactions. Participants will leave with tools to foster a more inclusive environment where all students feel seen, respected, and valued.
Examining the Intersection of Race and Special Education
This session explores the persistent overrepresentation of students from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds in special education programs. Participants will examine the historical, structural, and instructional factors that contribute to this trend, including referral practices, assessment tools, cultural misunderstandings, and access to early intervention and support services. The session will also provide actionable strategies for both individual educators and school-wide teams to improve referral accuracy, enhance culturally responsive practices, and ensure that all students receive appropriate, high-quality support without stigma or misplacement.
Exploring the History and Symbolism of the Confederate Battle Flag
This session offers educators a concise overview of the historical origins, evolving meanings, and contemporary perceptions of the symbol commonly known as the "Confederate flag." Participants will gain background knowledge they can use to guide student discussions about how symbols acquire different meanings over time, often shaped by social, cultural, and political contexts. The session also provides strategies for addressing student questions and fostering respectful dialogue around complex aspects of American history.
Curriculum & Pedagogical Tools
Understanding the Impact of Harmful Humor in the Classroom & Beyond
This session discusses how to talk to students about disparaging humor, Humor can build connections, but it can also cause harm. This session explores how to recognize and address disparaging humor, especially jokes that target aspects of identity such as race, gender, religion, ability, or appearance. Educators will examine current research on the effects of identity-based humor, including how repeated exposure can reinforce stereotypes and contribute to a hostile or exclusionary environment. Participants will gain strategies for responding in ways that encourage reflection and empathy rather than shame.
Understanding Identity Development Models to Support Student Growth
This session introduces participants to key models of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ identity development, with a focus on how individuals may experience these processes differently based on their background and lived experiences. Educators will explore frameworks related to the development of identity among BIPOC, white, Latinx, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Through guided practice, participants will learn how to recognize where students may be in their identity development and how that understanding can inform more effective, empathetic, and developmentally appropriate classroom discussions. The session will also explore the benefits of teaching these models directly to students, empowering them with language and tools to better understand themselves and others, build resilience, and engage respectfully in diverse learning communities.
Building Inclusive Classroom Libraries: Selecting and Teaching Diverse Literature
This session equips educators with practical strategies for curating classroom libraries that reflect a wide range of voices, experiences, and identities. Participants will explore how inclusive literature can foster empathy, spark critical thinking, and increase student engagement across grade levels. Resources and book recommendations will be provided for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, with a focus on selecting high-quality texts that represent diversity in terms of race, culture, language, gender, and ability. The session will also address how to integrate these texts into the curriculum in ways that promote respectful discussion, deepen comprehension, and affirm the identities of all students. Educators will leave with tools to evaluate books for representation and quality and to build reading environments where every student can see themselves and others reflected in the stories they read.
Enhancing Literary Analysis Through Identity Frameworks
This session introduces educators to two powerful tools: the Identity Wheel and Racial-Ethnic Identity Development Models, which can enrich students' analysis of literature and historical texts. These frameworks help students think critically about how identity shapes characters' experiences, motivations, and worldviews, while also encouraging them to reflect more deeply on their own perspectives and assumptions. Participants will learn how to integrate these tools into lessons to support literary interpretation, character analysis, and classroom discussion, especially when exploring texts featuring characters from diverse racial, cultural, and social backgrounds. The session also provides guidance on utilizing these models to foster empathy, promote student voice, and establish meaningful connections between course content and students’ lived experiences.
Special Education and Race
There continues to be a disproportionately high representation of BIPOC students in Special Education programs throughout our educational system. This session will look at the causes of this systemic issue and provide strategies that individual educators and entire school districts can use to counter the issue.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Special Education and Race
There continues to be a disproportionately high representation of BIPOC students in Special Education programs throughout our educational system. This session will look at the causes of this systemic issue and provide strategies that individual educators and entire school districts can use to counter the issue.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Implicit Biases & Microaggressions in Schools
Consciously, most of us strive to treat everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc… The reality is that we have many unconscious biases that impact our thoughts and actions daily. While this training cannot eliminate your implicit biases, it can start the process of making you more aware of how they influence your role as an educator and provide strategies to diminish their impact on you.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free.
Implicit Biases & Microaggressions in Schools
Consciously, most of us strive to treat everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc… The reality is that we have many unconscious biases that impact our thoughts and actions daily. While this training cannot eliminate your implicit biases, it can start the process of making you more aware of how they influence your role as an educator and provide strategies to diminish their impact on you.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free.
What to Do if You Are Called a Racist
Every teacher faces the possibility of being accused directly or indirectly of being racist, sexist, or homophobic by students. Whether it is in response to something the teacher said or in response to material or resources provided to the class, it is important that educators know how to respond. At this session, participants will learn the steps to take to turn the incident into a valuable learning and personal growth opportunity.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
What to Do if You Are Called a Racist
Every teacher faces the possibility of being accused directly or indirectly of being racist, sexist, or homophobic by students. Whether it is in response to something the teacher said or in response to material or resources provided to the class, it is important that educators know how to respond. At this session, participants will learn the steps to take to turn the incident into a valuable learning and personal growth opportunity.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
The N-Word: How to Teach the History and Impact of the N-Word
The use of the N-Word is often heard in school cafeterias, locker rooms, hallways, and even classrooms. Most students have never been taught about the racist history of the word, nor about the trauma the word can cause others. This session will provide strategies for teaching students about the N-Word, a lesson everyone should participate in during their education.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
The N-Word: How to Teach the History and Impact of the N-Word
The use of the N-Word is often heard in school cafeterias, locker rooms, hallways, and even classrooms. Most students have never been taught about the racist history of the word, nor about the trauma the word can cause others. This session will provide strategies for teaching students about the N-Word, a lesson everyone should participate in during their education.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Addressing Anti-Muslim Discrimination
Participants will be provided with an overview of Islam in the U.S. and how to help Muslim students exposed to anti-Islamic rhetoric, actions, and policies.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free.
Addressing Anti-Muslim Discrimination
Participants will be provided with an overview of Islam in the U.S. and how to help Muslim students exposed to anti-Islamic rhetoric, actions, and policies.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free.
Creating a Safe and Brave Environment for Antiracist Education
For years, educators have strived to create safe spaces for their students to feel appreciated and respected. However, we need to ensure that our safe spaces are also brave spaces where students feel they can both challenge and be challenged. Brave spaces allow students to put forth ideas and arguments that may be controversial so that we can address them in an appropriate environment. This session is designed to start the process of creating such an environment.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Creating a Safe and Brave Environment for Antiracist Education
For years, educators have strived to create safe spaces for their students to feel appreciated and respected. However, we need to ensure that our safe spaces are also brave spaces where students feel they can both challenge and be challenged. Brave spaces allow students to put forth ideas and arguments that may be controversial so that we can address them in an appropriate environment. This session is designed to start the process of creating such an environment.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Addressing Antisemitism
Participants will be provided with an overview of antisemitism, including a brief history and how to discuss antisemitic incidents in the world today.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Addressing Antisemitism
Participants will be provided with an overview of antisemitism, including a brief history and how to discuss antisemitic incidents in the world today.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Diverse Literature in the Classroom
Participants will learn how to create classroom libraries that celebrate diversity. Suggestions will be provided for elementary, middle, and high school level classrooms.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Diverse Literature in the Classroom
Participants will learn how to create classroom libraries that celebrate diversity. Suggestions will be provided for elementary, middle, and high school level classrooms.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Responding to Racist Comments in Class
Class discussions centered on controversial issues like racism and sexism, whether planned or in response to a current event, will often lead to comments or questions from students that reflect prejudicial ideas without intending to cause harm. This session will address how to turn those moments into opportunities to break down prejudices while maintaining a safe and brave classroom environment.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Responding to Racist Comments in Class
Class discussions centered on controversial issues like racism and sexism, whether planned or in response to a current event, will often lead to comments or questions from students that reflect prejudicial ideas without intending to cause harm. This session will address how to turn those moments into opportunities to break down prejudices while maintaining a safe and brave classroom environment.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Implicit Biases & Microaggressions in Schools
Consciously, most of us strive to treat everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc… The reality is that we have many unconscious biases that impact our thoughts and actions daily. While this training cannot eliminate your implicit biases, it can start the process of making you more aware of how they influence your role as an educator and provide strategies to diminish their impact on you.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Implicit Biases & Microaggressions in Schools
Consciously, most of us strive to treat everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc… The reality is that we have many unconscious biases that impact our thoughts and actions daily. While this training cannot eliminate your implicit biases, it can start the process of making you more aware of how they influence your role as an educator and provide strategies to diminish their impact on you.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Creating a Safe and Brave Environment for Antiracist Education
For years, educators have strived to create safe spaces for their students to feel appreciated and respected. However, we need to ensure that our safe spaces are also brave spaces where students feel they can both challenge and be challenged. Brave spaces allow students to put forth ideas and arguments that may be controversial so that we can address them in an appropriate environment. This session is designed to start the process of creating such an environment.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Creating a Safe and Brave Environment for Antiracist Education
For years, educators have strived to create safe spaces for their students to feel appreciated and respected. However, we need to ensure that our safe spaces are also brave spaces where students feel they can both challenge and be challenged. Brave spaces allow students to put forth ideas and arguments that may be controversial so that we can address them in an appropriate environment. This session is designed to start the process of creating such an environment.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Establishing Safe & Brave Space for Difficult Classroom Discussions
Participants will be provided with specific talking points and strategies to teach students how to have discussions on difficult topics. From learning that it's okay to make mistakes to understanding the difference between a legitimate and illegitimate argument, participants will be given the tools to foster open and honest discussions.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Establishing Safe & Brave Space for Difficult Classroom Discussions
Participants will be provided with specific talking points and strategies to teach students how to have discussions on difficult topics. From learning that it's okay to make mistakes to understanding the difference between a legitimate and illegitimate argument, participants will be given the tools to foster open and honest discussions.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Prejudice Development & Xenophobia
Teaching students how prejudices develop is essential in the process of reducing them. This session will discuss common causes of prejudices and how to start the process of countering them. We will also address common misconceptions about immigration and immigrant groups.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Prejudice Development & Xenophobia
Teaching students how prejudices develop is essential in the process of reducing them. This session will discuss common causes of prejudices and how to start the process of countering them. We will also address common misconceptions about immigration and immigrant groups.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Asian American Discrimination & Hate Speech
The issue of Asian American discrimination and hate speech has been around for a long time, but the COVID epidemic has increased the problem significantly. During this session, participants will learn to recognize evidence of Asian American discrimination and learn strategies to teach students about how to counter it.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Asian American Discrimination & Hate Speech
The issue of Asian American discrimination and hate speech has been around for a long time, but the COVID epidemic has increased the problem significantly. During this session, participants will learn to recognize evidence of Asian American discrimination and learn strategies to teach students about how to counter it.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Literary Analysis Using the Identity Wheel and Racial Identity Models
Participants will become more familiar with two tools – the Identity Wheel and the Racial-Ethnic Identity Models – for students to apply to their analysis of literature and historical material. These tools aid students in thinking critically about characters from diverse backgrounds and reflect on their own views. This session builds on material covered in the “Racial-Ethnic Identity Models” and the “Diverse Literature in the Classroom” session, but can be taken on its own.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.
Literary Analysis Using the Identity Wheel and Racial Identity Models
Participants will become more familiar with two tools – the Identity Wheel and the Racial-Ethnic Identity Models – for students to apply to their analysis of literature and historical material. These tools aid students in thinking critically about characters from diverse backgrounds and reflect on their own views. This session builds on material covered in the “Racial-Ethnic Identity Models” and the “Diverse Literature in the Classroom” session, but can be taken on its own.
To register for either session, click here. All sessions are free and are held virtually.