To start off the new year in this primary session, participants will be able to identify their own DEI growth potential and explore the core concepts of dignity and respect– and investigate the hallmarks of intersectionality. Participants will also redefine their major-identity markers and unpack why it’s so hard for many of us to adapt to changes and challenges regarding race, gender, religion, class and sexual orientation in the world around us. We will also explore the ‘-isms’ we are collectively up against, and open ourselves up to identify what we need to learn more about in our quest to grow as educators. We will also discuss finding common ground and uncover why it is our job to help others change.