Speaker
Michelle Turner
IETC Lead Action Researcher, Madison College
Dr. Michele Turner is an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer services and higher education industries, with 30+ years’ involvement in Early Childhood Education. She is the owner and director of a nationally accredited large-group early care and education center in Milwaukee. In 2016, UW–Whitewater hired Dr. Turner to create a 12-credit, four-course diversity credential for early childhood teachers and administrators; these courses are currently being taught throughout the state of Wisconsin. Dr. Turner came to Madison College as an Early Childhood Education faculty member after teaching ECE courses part-time for UW–Platteville. She currently serves as the Lead Research Partner for Madison College’s Institute for Equity and Transformational Change. In that capacity, she leads the Action Research initiative; designs, develops, and delivers a four-part culturally responsive teaching workshop series; and co-facilitates workshops centered around antiracism, psychological safety, and inclusive practices.
Speaking in
Fostering Psychological Safety to Enhance Belonging and Community
Fostering Psychological Safety to Enhance Belonging and Community explores the critical role of psychological safety in fostering inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and able to bring their full selves to the community. Drawing from Madison College’s Psychological Safety training program, we will delve into best practices for creating and sustaining psychologically safe spaces that promote diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. Our workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of psychological safety and its significance in creating inclusive environments that facilitate belonging and success. Through engaging activities and discussions, we’ll deepen understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and explore effective culturally responsive practices. Our session integrates principles of psychological safety, restorative practices, and intersectionality to drive meaningful change. Attendees will learn about the foundational concepts covered in the program and leave with actionable steps and innovative tools for building inclusive communities and fostering belonging for all.
Session Objectives
- Understand psychological safety’s role in fostering inclusive environments
- Identify barriers to psychological safety and their impact on underrepresented groups
- Explore evidence-based strategies for promoting DEI
- Integrate restorative practices and intersectionality into DEI efforts
- Develop actionable steps for creating a culture of belonging
- Acquire innovative tools for addressing performance gaps and implementing DEI initiatives
- Align DEI training and equity assessments for organizational change
- Foster collaboration to share insights for advancing DEI goals