Dear Colleagues:
I would like to acknowledge the difficult moment we find ourselves in with so many in our community deeply affected by the horrific events and conflict unfolding in the Middle East. I recognize that you, your students, peers, friends and loved ones may be experiencing a profound combination of painful emotions right now including trauma, heartache, anger, despair, anxiety, stress and fear that carry over into all aspects of our lives. I want you to know you are supported and campus resources are available to you. This teaching guide provides information and strategies to help in navigating this time of uncertainty, crisis and trauma in our classrooms.
The link to the guide below will take you to Box first, then redirect you to Google Docs — you will need to sign in using your UCLA Logon ID: Teaching Guide
This teaching guide was developed through a collaborative effort by UCLA’s teaching support community. It was designed from the perspective of pedagogical wellness, which emphasizes the role of care, compassion and respect in shaping an inclusive, safe, affirming and resilient learning environment.
This guide is intended to be broadly applicable to teaching and supporting academic continuity through difficult times. The appendix includes resources specific to the Middle East conflict for those who would like to inform and deepen their learning based on the scholarship and research of experts.
I hope this teaching resource helps to support our diverse community of educators in building a learning environment where diverse lived experiences are valued and trust and identity safety are the underpinnings of respectful communication and interpersonal connections made in the classroom. These conditions are essential for engaging our students in thoughtful and critical conversations about complex, relevant and timely issues embedded in the curriculum we teach.
I thank you for your support of our students and of one another during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Erin Sanders O’Leary
Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning