LGBTQ+ students are still at disproportionate risk for persistent bullying, harassment, and victimization. In response to requests from school districts across Michigan, the MDE LGBTQ+ Students Project staff created a suite of online professional development workshops to build the capacity of schools to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive culture and climate where all students can thrive. We are honored to partner with school districts and parents to make these highly requested workshops available to school staff for the 2025-26 school year.
Below is the link to the list of Winter/Spring 2026 Offerings, which includes more about the workshops and links to register.
2025-26 Virtual Offerings from the MDE LGBTQ+ Students Project – Google Docs
Once your registration has been accepted, you will receive an email with an individualized Zoom link. Spots are limited, so not everyone who registers will automatically be approved.Participants who attend the workshops in their entirety will be eligible to receive State Continuing Education Clock Hours—SCECHs and Social Work CEs.
WorkshopDates and Times:
| Laying the Foundation: Understanding the Identities and Experiences of LGBTQ+ Students in Michigan | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 8-10 AM |
| Stay Current: Legal and Policy Issues Pertaining to LGBTQ+ Students and School Staff | Tuesday, February 10, 2026|8-10 AM |
| The Power of GSAs: Getting your School’s Club Up and Running! | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 3:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Listening to Understand: LGBTQ+ Students Discuss Their Experiences in Michigan Schools | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 8-9:30 AM |
| Safe, Supportive and Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Strategies for Affirming LGBTQ+ Students (Secondary Focus) | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 |3:30-5:30 PM |
| Safe, Supportive and Inclusive Classrooms: Practical Strategies for Affirming LGBTQ+ Students (Elementary Focus) | Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 3:30-5:30 PM |
| When Bias Gets in the Way: How to Recognize and Address Barriers to Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |8-10 AM |
| From the School Bus to the School Board: School-Wide Policies and Best Practices to Support LGBTQ+ Students | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 |8-10 AM |
If you are interested in inquiring about district or building-specific professional development, please reach out directly to the Project Lead, Kim Phillips-Knope, at Kim@rootsofchange.org. Limited grant funds support statewide and select regional workshops, and a fee-for-service schedule has been established to respond to additional local needs.