Alternatives to DEI Training: How it Works

Hardwired is a non-profit educational organization that provides professional development opportunities to promote respect and human rights for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.  We have worked with local and national governments as well as educational associations in the United States, Canada, and nearly 30 other countries to provide a variety of opportunities for educators to enhance their skills. Professional development programs are based on research and best practices, we have a proven track record and outcomes across the globe in diverse settings, and the impact of our work has been published widely, including in the Journal of Social Science Education.  Our professional development programs equip educators in the following areas:

(1) Integrating the values of pluralism into their existing curriculum,

(2) Applying conceptual change theory to their lessons and curriculum, 

(3) Developing skills to support critical thinking, civil dialogue, and active engagement among students in the classroom,

(4) Implementing lessons on human rights that build empathy and respect for the dignity and rights of others in the classroom, 

(5) Supporting student efforts to overcome bullying, self-censorship, intolerance, isolation, and conflict in the classroom, and 

(6) Practicing methods to more effectively evaluate student learning and conceptual change.

Hardwired’s professional development programs equip educators with the skills to foster pluralism and human rights in communities affected by intolerance, division and violence. Teachers can integrate the pedagogy and lessons into their existing curriculum, while also addressing various local and national standards in a variety of areas from critical thinking to geography, and issues in government, the rule of law and individual rights. 

Alternatives to DEI Training: Our Impact

Through Hardwired’s professional development programs, we have witnessed what is possible when children are taught to move beyond tolerance and embody pluralism – active engagement with people who are different than them based on sincere respect for their fundamental freedoms and dignity. Through our professional development programs, educators are equipped to integrate the values of pluralism - equality, human dignity, freedom of conscience, speech and expression, among other rights – in their classroom.  Through the application of a rights-based educational curriculum, teachers can help students develop a deeper respect for the freedoms which are essential for pluralistic societies to flourish. And by modelling the values of pluralism in their teaching and curriculum, educators can lead students toward greater empathy, understanding, and engagement with people of different backgrounds and beliefs.

The professional development program prepares both educators and students to respond to real-life challenges to peace and pluralism in the classroom and school community.  Students become better equipped to engage in meaningful dialogue with one another, especially those they do not agree with, and mitigate conflict and overcome bullying, intolerance, self-censorship, and isolation among their peers.  The goal is not merely to impart knowledge but to bring about behavioral change by fostering empathy, reducing intolerance, and promoting active engagement with people of different backgrounds and beliefs, especially those they may disagree with. Teachers and students alike learn to respect differing viewpoints and the freedom of expression, speech, conscience, religion and belief. 

Alternatives to DEI Training: What We Offer

The Peaceful Garden Project is an educational initiative by Hardwired Global aimed at fostering a culture of dignity and respect for people of all backgrounds and beliefs, leading to increased engagement within the classroom and school among students across their deepest differences. It equips educators with innovative tools to teach youth about human rights, pluralism, and empathy through engaging content. Professional development courses for rights-based teaching include Multi-Session training courses, Full Day In-Service Training, and the “Peaceful Garden Express” and may qualify for professional development credit with your local school district. 

Through the Multi-Session professional development course, educators experience Hardwired's unique simulation that models pluralism and are equipped to apply it in their classrooms and curriculum. Experienced Hardwired staff guide and support teachers throughout the process, including an evaluation of the program with students.  During the Full Day In-Service professional development training, educators experience Hardwired's unique simulation, are equipped to apply it in their classrooms and curriculum and develop additional skills to cultivate the values of pluralism – equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression, speech, and belief among other rights – into their classroom and curriculum.  The Peaceful Garden Express is a streamlined option where teachers use Hardwired’s library of children's books and corresponding activities to teach about human dignity and pluralism. This is designed for teachers with limited time.

Resources

Hardwired has developed various resources for ongoing professional development of educators through The Peaceful Garden Project.  Our resources are adaptable to different formats and age-groups and guided support is available.  This includes the following resources: 

• Children’s Book Series: These books help children understand the importance of respect for the dignity and freedoms of others, supported by interactive lessons.  The books are designed to be read with children in Kindergarten through Fifth grade and can be easily integrated into the existing curriculum and standards.
• Fruitopia Simulation: Fruitopia is our unique and proprietary simulation that uses the analogy of fruit groups to better understand the concept of pluralism.  Students develop their own fictitious cultures to develop a deeper understanding of the values and freedoms need to live with dignity throughout the world.  Students develop empathy, cultural awareness, and respect for the rights of others as they face various challenges and learn how to interact with other fruit cultures.
• Growing Together Play Script: Through an engaging play, students become immersed in the fictitious island of Fruitopia and learn how to “Grow Together” in a way where each student maintains their unique perspective and values about life. 
  

Testimonials

What a great way to showcase ideas of equity, respect, dignity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence to children. The illustrations are wonderful, engaging, and pair perfectly with the storyline. The exercises at the back of the book give additional options for continued exploration of the ideas presented in the book. My little one and I definitely recommend.

Mother and Child

Hardwired is saving lives and changing the world. They are teaching people across the globe that they are valued and deserve to be free.

Kathy Ireland,

Founder and Chief Designer of kiWW

(Kathy Ireland WorldWide) 

Today I learned from Hardwired’s Fruitopia how to accept other people in the community, how to understand them and accept them for their ideas, their colors, their religion; respect their traditions and their rights.  I thought this was a great activity to do as a staff and makes it much easier to implement in the class when you’ve actually done it!

Teacher at Kidinnu Academy,

El Cajon, California