Session 1
October 2023
How do we challenge gender stereotypes at school?
Using the Man Box framework, this session identifies the unique pressures facing masculine-identifying youth and the particular contexts where harmful attitudes and behaviours are reinforced at school. What does it look like when boys seek to prove themselves through the tenets of ‘toxic masculinity’? What can we do to shift boys’ culture?
Session 2
November 2023
How do we recognize boys as deeply relational learners?
This session challenges myths about boys' academic disengagement, emotional insensitivity and relational indifference, and examine the significance of connection between educators and masculine-identifying students. How do we develop school practices for impactful learning relationships? How do we reach unreachable boys?
Session 3
December 2023
How do we respond to anti-feminist pushback like Andrew Tate?
This session proposes that educators should be aware of anti-feminist influences surrounding boys, and be ready and willing to explore them alongside boys themselves. What do educators need to know about voices like Andrew Tate? How do we use an affirming, strengths-based approach to respond to tough boys while still maintaining the safety of our classroom?
Session 4
January 2024
How do we connect boys to resources on mental wellbeing?
This session uncovers how cultural narratives of masculinity can lead to relational disconnection, emotional illiteracy, increased risk and decreased help-seeking behaviours as boys grow up—and what educators can do to make a difference. How can mental health supports in schools more effectively reach masculine-identifying students?
Session 5
February 2024
How do we engage boys in effective consent education?
This session focuses on the reasons why consent education often isn’t as relevant, resonant or realistic as it should be for boys and young men. How do we teach consent in a way that reflects the complexity of real relationships? How do we equip boys with skills that remain largely invisible in traditional representations of manhood?
Session 6
March 2024
How do we embed restorative justice within our school community?
This session explores one of the most important frameworks being practiced by schools who are leading the way on gender justice and positive masculinity: restorative justice in education. How can we better respond when boys cross the line? How can we engage them as allies while also holding them accountable for harm?