WAESN Summer Institute: Foundations of Ethical & Liberatory Ethnic Studies Instruction
The WAESN Summer Institute is a five-day, immersive professional learning experience for K–12 educators committed to implementing Ethnic Studies with integrity, rigor, and accountability.
Designed around WAESN Modules 1–3, the Institute establishes the foundational mindset, pedagogies, and content knowledge required to teach Ethnic Studies as more than a course—as an orientation, a framework, and a liberatory way of teaching and learning.
Through a pan–Ethnic Studies approach, educators engage with Black, Chicanx/Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Filipinx Studies while learning how to apply these disciplinary areas across grade levels and subject areas.
Participants examine the historical roots of race and racism, engage with Indigenous epistemologies such as Nahui Ollin and Sankofa, and strengthen pedagogical practices that resist curriculum violence, cultural appropriation, and deficit-based narratives.
The Institute emphasizes:
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Mindset → Pedagogies → Content
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Fugitive, community-rooted, and anti-racist teaching practices
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Youth partnership and leadership
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Reflective practice through affinity-based spaces
Educators spend the week learning from scholars, youth leaders, cultural workers, and WAESN facilitators while participating in interactive modules, reflective dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving.
By the End of the Institute, Educators Will:
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Understand the foundations and purpose of Ethnic Studies
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Build confidence teaching intersecting racial and ethnic histories
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Apply Indigenous and decolonizing frameworks to instruction
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Develop pedagogical approaches aligned with Ethnic Studies values
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Integrate WAESN frameworks and content into their classrooms
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Join a statewide community of educators committed to justice-centered education
Registration Includes:
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Five days of immersive professional learning
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Up to 36 clock hours
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Synchronous WAESN Modules 1–3
- Asynchronous WAESN Modules 4-9
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One free WAESN Ethnic Studies lesson plan
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Connection to a growing statewide Ethnic Studies educator network
This Institute is ideal for educators, instructional leaders, and district teams seeking deep, principled Ethnic Studies professional learning grounded in community, care, and accountability.
Location:
New Freeway Hall (Columbia City)
5018 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118