Fostering Belonging and Welcoming Newcomers: An Exploration of Identity Storytelling

Come together with members of the Facing History Chicago Teacher Leadership Team and Partner Schools Network for our Spring Colloquium, “Fostering Belonging and Welcoming Newcomers: An Exploration of Identity Storytelling.”  

Adolescence is a time when young people are crafting stories about who they are, how they understand the world, and how they fit into society. At a time when many schools welcome newcomers nearly every day, making time and space to hear others’ stories and share our own can help develop empathy and foster school spaces where everyone can thrive. 

Join Facing History and special guests Jean Michel Dissard, the director and producer of the film, “I Learn America,” and I Learn America facilitators, for a unique and collaborative event celebrating building diverse and inclusive communities through self-reflection and shared narratives. 

I Learn America follows a youth-led storytelling model, focusing on using community dialogue to spark conversations about identity, migration, and schools. We will hear from young adult facilitators who were once newcomers in their school communities, and explore strategies to engage adults and students in constructing spaces of belonging together. 

Participants will have a chance to share their successes and challenges with fellow Facing History teachers, and explore resources and tools to strengthen their school and classroom communities.