GPA celebrates MLK across Philadelphia

Simultaneously that day, Global Philadelphia participated in a workshop for educators who desire to serve and support their immigrant students. The "Immigrant Advocacy Training for Educators" workshop was organized by a Philadelphia teacher, Francesca de la Torre in partnership with GPA, the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, and the United Nations Association of Greater Philadelphia. Held at the University of Pennsylvania's Greenfield Intercultural Center, the workshop brought together 25 educators and school support personnel from throughout the Philadelphia area. Francesca de la Torre presented background information on the immigrant population in Philadelphia and details on how to best support immigrant students and their families, including resources and services available in Philadelphia and online. Nikki Pumphrey from the Welcoming Center also presented on their services and opportunities and shared data on the contributions that immigrant communities have made to Philadelphia. Both of these presentations recognized the difficulties facing immigrant students and the effect that these difficulties have on learning, but overall, the focus was on the significant potential that immigrant students have and how to create a learning environment that unlocks that potential. GPA World Heritage Coordinator Melissa Stevens presented on the Philadelphia World Heritage Education Program and GPA Education Consultant Sarah Sharp led a discussion by asking participants "How can we use World Heritage to create a more supportive, welcoming, and inclusive global classroom?" In the presentation and discussion it was recognized that immigrant students are global citizens and can provide the foundation to a truly global classroom. Workshop participants were able to share their experiences and best practices in encouraging inclusive dialogue around the issues facing immigrant students and in celebrating the diversity within their classrooms and schools.