Curricula is one of the most powerful tools we have as educators. That is why there is an attack on antiracist curricula, schools and institutions of higher learning–because these have been and can be powerful sites of resistance to injustice.

To ensure we move from a place of power and not paranoia in our curricula requires
 

1. courage to teach truth which includes teaching multiple histories and using curricula to identify injustice and resistance; and

2. knowledge of these truths and histories and how to teach them in age and developmentally-appropriate ways.

To build this necessary competence and confidence, UPID is launching TEACH TRUTH!: An Academic Freedom Summer—a spring/summer of professional learning that will
 

1. delve into culturally relevant and fugitive pedagogies;

2. help educators learn and teach the many curricular mandates we have in IL; and

3. provide opportunities for educators to build supportive networks since surviving this era of censorship and attempted erasure will require a collective effort.

Courses will be provided by both IFT staff and vetted partners in multiple formats: virtual and in-person; some as short as 90 mins while others will be held over multiple days. Some courses will be offered multiple times; most are free of charge but some have registration fees. Most, if not all, offer PD credit.