BIPOC Connex: An Educator Collaborative

PSA are pleased to announce  BIPOC Connex: An Educator Collective. Our new program is a bi-monthly online peer discussion group for BIPOC educators who teach Sociology courses with a concentration in race, ethnicity, class and gender, and/or lead in areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion at their respective institutions. 

Our work is intense yet gratifying. It can also be isolating and misunderstood. For example, research shows that women of color who are trained in anti-racist curriculum development/pedagogy do not readily have adequate support from their leadership in predominantly white institutions because our field is highly specialized, marginalized and diminished (Fryberg and Martínez, 2014). In addition, our social group identities (encompassing race, class, gender, sexuality, and more), significantly shape how students perceive us and whether we are embraced by our colleagues. All the while, we are striving to transform the academic environment by creating space for inclusive learning and advocating for social justice.

Considering this moment in U.S. and global history and the relevancy of our collective teaching experiences, we are offering a collaborative space. Virtually, we can convene bi-monthly online, fostering connections and cultivating a sense of community, leading-up to the PSA Annual Conference (where we can meet in-person). Our time together will include discussing promising practices, exchanging resources, reflecting and telling stories of healing and hope.

Learn more about BIPOC Connext and meet our facilitators Patricia Lara and Tanya Velasquez by watching the video from our Information session. If interested, submit an interest from by clicking here and you will recieve a calendar invite to the next meeting. 

New for 2024-2025 Academic Year

BIPOC Connex is an online discussion forum designed for educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color and teach courses revolving around race and ethnicity or lead diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at their institutions. The group aims to foster a supportive environment by keeping discussions small and meeting multiple times, allowing participants to ask questions, share insights, and discuss concerns in a comfortable space. 

Each month, we focus on a specific theme that guides our two meetings. Even if you're only able to attend a few, you're more than welcome to join! The schedule features a guest speaker on Tuesdays with open conversation, while Wednesday meetings are centered around continuing group discussions.

2nd Tuesday of the Month ‘Tuesday Talks”  

• Sept 17th 11am to Noon “Use of social media for teaching tools” Guest Speaker: Dwaine Plaza (Click here to view on YouTube)

• Oct 8th 11am to Noon  “The Future is Now:” The use of A.I. Guest Speaker: Karen Sabbah (Click here to view on YouTube)

• Nov 12th 11am to Noon Amidst DEI Challenges: Responding to the Post-Election Climate. Guest Speaker: TBD

• Jan 14th 11am to Noon  “Under the microscope”: Teaching evaluation as a Person of Color. Guest Speaker: TBD

• Feb 11th 11am to Noon "Too Black and Brown for Research” Researching unique areas. Guest Speaker: To Be Confirmed

3rd Wednesday of the Month “Wednesday Wrap-up” BIPOC Connex Conversation

• Sept 25th 11am to Noon “Use of social media for teaching tools.” (Please note, this week is on the 4th Wednesday)
• Oct 16th 11am to Noon  “The Future is Now:” The use of A.I. 

• Nov 20th 11am to Noon  Amidst DEI Challenges: Responding to the Post-Election Climate

• Jan 22nd 11am to Noon “Under the microscope”: Teaching evaluation as a Person of Color.

• Feb 19th 11am to Noon "Too Black and Brown for Research” Researching unique areas.

We are currently looking for guest speakers for our upcoming "Tuesday Talks" sessions and would love to know if you’d be interested and available in sharing your expertise on one of the topics we have selected: Nov. 12^th and Jan 14^th . Let us know if you’d like to participate!