About This Webinar
Creating a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and academically supported is not accidental—it’s intentional. In this first episode of the Identity Affirming Classroom Thought Partner Series, education experts Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas and Dr. Debbie Zacarian join AFT leaders and practitioners to explore what it truly means to build identity-safe spaces at home and school.
Drawing from their book Identity Safe Spaces at Home and School: Partnering to Overcome Inequity, the speakers break down why identity safety is critical for student belonging, motivation, and success—especially for students from marginalized groups. Participants will hear real examples from schools across the country, learn how to move beyond “color-blind” practices, and gain strategies for affirming students’ diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, and gender identities.
The webinar also features educator and consultant Dr. Vinnie Pompeii, who shares personal insights into supporting LGBTQ+ youth and navigating today’s increasingly restrictive educational climates. The panel emphasizes the importance of strength-based approaches, collaborating with families, and forming diverse working groups that elevate community voice and foster trust.
Educators will walk away with practical tools to create caring, inclusive cultures where every student experiences belonging—and every identity is treated as an asset.
