Microaggressions: Identifying, Understanding, and Responding

Microaggressions come up frequently, both inside and outside the classroom. They often target students, teachers, and staff based on perceived or actual gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or other identity markers.

Microaggressions are often subtle and difficult to identity and even more difficult to respond to in a way that builds knowledge and empathy. This course will provide an overview of what microaggressions are, the impact they have on students and staff, and effective ways to respond to them in ways that facilitate learning, reflection, and growth.

Time will be taken for participants to practice responding to microaggressions and gaining confidence in their ability to be responsive and inclusive educators.

Intended Audience

School Counselors, Teachers, Administrators

ISCA Student Standards

Social Emotional Domain

Standard A: Students will demonstrate the dispositions, knowledge, and skills to develop and maintain positive relationships with self and others

Global Perspective & Identity Development Domain

Standard A: Students will demonstrate the dispositions, knowledge, and skills needed in order to be culturally competent global citizens

Standard C: Students will advocate for a world where all identities are affirmed and validated

ASCA Professional Standards and Ethical Standards and Practices

A.1. Supporting Student Development

A.10. Underserved and At-Risk Populations

A.11. Bullying, Harassment and Child Abuse

B-PF 6. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of cultural, social and environmental influences on student success and opportunities

B-SS 5. Consult to support student achievement and success

Essential Questions

1. What are microaggressions?
2. How are students and staff impacted and harmed by microaggressions?
3. How can I identify microaggressions?
4. What are some common response strategies for when I hear microaggressions?
5. How can I reduce the chances of microaggressions happening in my community?

Participants will have knowledge about:

1. What microaggressions are
2. The impact microaggressions have on students and staff
3. Why microaggressions happen and their roots in bias & stereotypes
4. The cumulative impact of microaggressions on a community

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify, name, and implement strategies to respond to microaggressions
2. Explain to students why microaggressions cause harm
3. Implement institutional strategies to reduce the chance of microaggressions happening
4. Identify their own bias and potential use of microaggressions in their own work

Andrew McGeehan

Andrew McGeehan is an engaging, dynamic, and energetic trainer and consultant who is currently living and working in Denver, Colorado in higher education. Andrew also owns and runs Trident Training & Consulting, an organization that focused on sexual misconduct & consent culture, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and restorative practices in education.

Andrew has a background in higher education for 12 years, at various institutions in the USA and in Singapore. Andrew believes that each person can play an important role in making school environments safer, more welcoming, and more affirming for students and strives to provide educators the knowledge and skills to actualise that in their communities.

ISCA Member Price: $180

Non-Member Price: $260

Dates and times of offerings: March 4, 2027; 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM UTC

Contact Hours: 3-hour course

Time commitment between sessions: N/A

Required Resource(s):Working Zoom & Internet Connection