AUSTIN, Texas—Professors from The University of Texas at Austin will explore educational issues such as racial stereotypes and gender biases with teachers at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.
More than half of the school’s entering students are Hispanic and about 13 percent are African American.
The university’s Center for Women’s and Gender Studies will bring together faculty members from across campus to help new teachers at the Ann Richards School examine gender and diversity issues from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 1, at the George I. Sánchez Building at the corner of University Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
This training is part of a three-year partnership between the Ann Richards School and the center, which will provide curriculum and program support to the school for sixth through 12th grade students. In addition, university students will gain research and educational experiences through internship programs at the school.
"Our work with the school will deepen our understanding of the challenges that girls and women face as they strive to succeed," Gretchen Ritter, director of the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, said. "The partnership will support the school’s mission to provide young women with the skills and self-confidence they need to complete school, attend college and become leaders in their chosen fields."
Rebecca Bigler, professor of psychology, will facilitate "Personal Stereotypes and Biases: A Dialogue around Racism and Gender Roles" from 8:45 to 10 a.m.
Kevin Foster, assistant professor of educational administration, and Michele Guzman, assistant professor of educational psychology, will discuss "Working with Latino and African American Families: Cultural Norms, Gender Role Socialization and Interpersonal Relations" from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Faculty and staff members from the university’s kinesiology and health education program will lead the "Health Risks, Wellness, Fitness and Athletics for Girls" presentation, including a yoga exercise, from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
For more information contact: Carol Petrucci, program coordinator, Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, 512-731-5491; Christian Clarke Cásarez, director of public affairs, College of Liberal Arts, 512-471-4945.
