Welcome to Beyond Differences Learning Community

Let's reimagine professional development. 

Beyond Differences brings together educators from around the globe to inspire students to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging so that we can create a world where all youth are accepted, valued, and included. 

Beyond Differences Learning Community is a growing community of educators coming together to navigate challenges, share resources & ideas, celebrate wins, embrace mistakes & failures, and take our teaching practices to the next level to transform our classrooms.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the key to disrupting social isolation, and everyone at Beyond Differences believes that young people have the power to change the world, starting with how they treat each other at school and online. We’re grateful you’re committed to helping them do just that.

What Makes Beyond Differences 
Learning Community Unique

• Learn about curricula, resources, tools and SEL strategies to create cultures of belonging

  • Access our award-winning signature programs and SEL curricula – Know Your Classmates®, No One Eats Alone®, and Be Kind Online® – for free! You’ll also get lessons focused on our Framework for Creating Cultures of Belonging, and exclusive access to featured curricula, like Disability Visibility, created by students on Beyond Differences National Teen Board. 

• Build confidence in your SEL, mental health and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion knowledge and practices

  • Whether you’re still in school to become a teacher or are a seasoned professional, everyone has areas of growth. We’re excited to facilitate real, honest conversations about classroom realities and how to apply evidence-based skills and strategies to best meet your students’ needs.

• Recognize early warning signs of students who may be struggling with social isolation

  • Public health research shows that social isolation manifests in youth as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and an increased risk of substance abuse. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you intervene and ensure that all students have a sense of belonging and connection.

• Engage with Beyond Differences National Teen Board on creating cultures of belonging

  • Beyond Differences National Teen Board is a great opportunity for your students to network with other passionate youth activists from across the United States and contribute to featured curricula that reaches thousands of educators annually. Encourage your students to check us out on Instagram today!

• Connect with and learn from like-minded educators from around the world

  • Beyond Differences curricula has been utilized in schools in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, England, Fiji, Germany, Greece, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and all 50 states!

• Share your expertise and collaborate with educators who may be struggling 

  • Research shows that when someone is struggling, knowing they’re not alone is one of the foundations of self compassion. If you’ve got spoons to spare, put your energy and experience to good use and support your fellow teachers. 

• Join live webinars/training to learn from and ask questions of industry experts

  • Throughout the school year Beyond Differences hosts industry experts on a variety of topics. Past speakers include award-winning educator, equity leader, and SEL expert Aija Simmons, author of Turtle Boy Evan Wolkenstein, and restorative justice expert and Executive Director of Youth Transforming Justice Don Carney.  

• Reflect on replays of webinars/training featuring industry experts

  • Can’t make it to a live session? Itching to revisit the amazing questions that were asked during a previous training? No problem! Every session will be recorded and uploaded within a week, along with any slides and resources shared. 

• Maximize participation for Know Your Classmates®, No One Eats Alone® & Be Kind Online®

  • Resources for each day of action include curated SEL lesson plans, student leadership suggestions, student-facing materials available in Spanish, and more! Schools in the United States and Canada can also request activity kits for Know Your Classmates® and No One Eats Alone® to be mailed to you.

• Create space for your own mental health and take time to slow down and reflect

  • We know no one works harder than teachers, but you need, and deserve, time for yourself, too. Practicing mindfulness and creating a culture of belonging for educators starts here, with us.