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 2025 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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Language Justice: The Path to Engaging Communities
Thursday, October 23 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Presenter: Amer Al Fayadh, CEO of Communication Essentials LLC
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.
Key points will guide this session:
- Understanding the Intersection of Language and Culture: Attendees will delve into how language shapes cultural identities and influences decision-making, particularly in diverse populations.
- Collaboration with Interpreters: Practical techniques will be explored to work effectively with interpreters, ensuring respectful, clear, and accurate communication in intervention settings.
- Empowering Families Through Engagement: Strategies for actively involving families in planning and decision-making processes will be discussed to enhance trust and create tailored solutions.
Additionally, the session emphasizes the profound impact of culture and language on decision-making and interpersonal communication, underscoring the importance of recognizing cultural identities to build trust and foster effective partnerships. Participants will gain actionable insights into addressing cultural and linguistic challenges, creating tailored solutions, and championing language justice to nurture family partnerships. This knowledge will empower staff to enhance engagement and improve outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Meet Our Instructor
Amer Al Fayadh, CEO of Communication Essentials LLC, is a licensed trainer of interpreters and a language justice consultant. With over fifteen years of experience as an interpreter, Amer has worked with refugees from more than thirty countries. This extensive experience has shaped his perspective on the vital role of culture in daily decision-making and has allowed him to witness accessibility challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse residents. He strongly advocates for fostering deep cultural understanding to enrich conversations and achieve better outcomes. Amer holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Roehampton in England.
Recorded Webinars
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.
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.