Together, We’re Better Learning Series
Creating a community of welcome, support, and belonging for newcomer students and families requires a holistic approach that considers the strengths and expertise of all stakeholders including: refugee families and students, teachers, administrators, scholars, community organization experts and staff, resettlement agencies, and state staff.
Join us in our Pennsylvania Refugee Education Program Learning series—Together We’re Better, to deepen your understanding of best practices in serving newcomer youth and families in your schools and communities.
There is no cost to attend. Act 48 credit available.
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Disclaimer: Learning Series sessions are created by individual providers. The opinions presented herein do not necessarily represent the official stance or policies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and no official endorsement by the PDE should be inferred.
Friday, January 30, 2026, 11:00AM-12:00PM
Legal Rights of Immigrant Students in Pennsylvania Schools
Receive a legal overview and best practices to create a school environment that respects the rights of immigrant students, and an update on the status of national legal challenges that could impact schools serving immigrant students. In January 2025, the U.S. government rescinded the longstanding “Sensitive Locations” policy, which has resulted in disruptions at schools. We will cover immigrant students’ rights in enrollment, attendance, non-discrimination, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protections, and warrant requirements for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at schools. We will review a model Welcoming Schools policy and protocol.
Meet Our Presenter
Kristina Moon
Senior Attorney
Education Law Center
Kristina Moon (she/her) is a Senior Attorney in the Philadelphia office of the Education Law Center. She supports ELC’s litigation and policy advocacy across all issue areas. Kristina’s current and recent work includes ELC’s lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a more adequate and equitable school funding system and ELC’s campaign for Inclusive Schools and Honest Education, and advocacy on behalf of immigrant students and English Learners, and LGBTQ students.
Recorded Webinars
Trauma-informed Engagement for Newcomer Youth who have Experienced Forced Displacement
Presenter: Jessica Dalpe, CARRE
[Recorded March 2025] In this module, build on your learning from part one by deepening your understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care and identify ways in which we might apply strategies for reducing client stress during service delivery using trauma-informed principles. Examine the effects of trauma and toxic stress on clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, particularly the impacts on children and families.
Elevate Your Teaching: Supporting and Welcoming Multilingual Learners to Our School Communities
Presenter: Mayra Canizales Cruz, The Canizales Group
[Recorded April 2025] Multilingual students bring incredible strengths to our schools – how can we ensure they feel welcomed and supported? Join us for a thought-provoking webinar with an equity-driven leader who will share practical insights and strategies to foster a sense of belonging and academic success for multilingual learners.
From Conflict to Classroom: The Refugee Journey and Building Belonging in PA Schools
Presenter: Durre Sharif, Church World Services Harrisburg
[Recorded May 2025] Learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), common pathways to legal status (including refugees, SIVs, humanitarian parolees, and asylum seekers), and the resettlement services provided upon arrival. We’ll explore how trauma, transition, and strength shape the experiences of newcomer students, and identify actionable ways schools and communities can foster belonging and cultural affirmation.
Language Justice: The Path to Engaging Communities
Presenter: Amer Al Fayadh, CEO of Communication Essentials LLC
[Recorded October 2025] This presentation is designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to implement language justice as a key principle for fostering healthier and more equitable communities. Language justice, defined as equitable access to communication and information for individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds, ensures dignity, inclusion, and active family engagement in intervention processes.
Supporting Refugee Youth and Families by Understanding Forced Displacement, Trauma and Mental Health
Presenter: Jessica Dalpe, CARRE
[Recorded February 2025] Learn the stages of displacement, flight, and refuge, with an emphasis on the stressors experienced at each stage and their impact on mental health across the lifespan. Explore culturally appropriate, strengths-based, and person-centered approaches in addressing displaced and newcomer populations, and gain an introduction to trauma-informed care practices.
Trauma-informed Engagement for Newcomer Youth who have Experienced Forced Displacement
Presenter: Jessica Dalpe, CARRE
[Recorded March 2025] In this module, build on your learning from part one by deepening your understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care and identify ways in which we might apply strategies for reducing client stress during service delivery using trauma-informed principles. Examine the effects of trauma and toxic stress on clients’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, particularly the impacts on children and families.
Elevate Your Teaching: Supporting and Welcoming Multilingual Learners to Our School Communities
Presenter: Mayra Canizales Cruz, The Canizales Group
[Recorded April 2025] Multilingual students bring incredible strengths to our schools – how can we ensure they feel welcomed and supported? Join us for a thought-provoking webinar with an equity-driven leader who will share practical insights and strategies to foster a sense of belonging and academic success for multilingual learners.
From Conflict to Classroom: The Refugee Journey and Building Belonging in PA Schools
Presenter: Durre Sharif, Church World Services Harrisburg
[Recorded May 2025] Learn about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), common pathways to legal status (including refugees, SIVs, humanitarian parolees, and asylum seekers), and the resettlement services provided upon arrival. We’ll explore how trauma, transition, and strength shape the experiences of newcomer students, and identify actionable ways schools and communities can foster belonging and cultural affirmation.
Language Justice: The Path to Engaging Communities
Presenter: Amer Al Fayadh, CEO of Communication Essentials LLC
[Recorded October 2025] This presentation is designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to implement language justice as a key principle for fostering healthier and more equitable communities. Language justice, defined as equitable access to communication and information for individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds, ensures dignity, inclusion, and active family engagement in intervention processes.