The power we have as teachers gives us a moral imperative to honour each student.
This work invites educators to explore the deep connections between learning and teaching while using the Web of Rights as a practical framework to bring these ideas into their classrooms. Dr. McCuaig helps participants examine how identity, equity, and student voice shape daily learning experiences and classroom dynamics.
Through conversation, reflection, and hands-on application of the Web of Rights, educators are guided in designing learning environments where students feel safe, seen, and valued. The framework provides concrete strategies for navigating conflicts, fostering collaboration, and honouring every student’s rights. The Web of Rights equips educators to harness these elements thoughtfully, creating classrooms where both teachers and students thrive.
Learning does not happen in isolation. Teaching does not happen without power, responsibility, and relationship.
For Intentional Educators
An invitation for educators to explore what it means to teach with intention, learn with curiosity, and build classroom communities where every student belongs.
Learning as a Human Experience
Learning is not just the absorption of content. It is shaped by safety, belonging, identity, and relationship. This work invites educators to reflect on how students actually learn and what conditions must be present for learning to take place in meaningful and lasting ways.
Teaching with Intention and Responsibility
Teaching is more than delivering curriculum. It involves power, decision-making, and moral responsibility. Educators are encouraged to examine what they believe about teaching, how those beliefs show up in practice, and how intentional choices can better support all learners.
Relationships, Equity, and Student Voice
Strong relationships are foundational to learning. When student voice is honoured and identity is respected, classrooms become spaces of trust and belonging. This work supports educators in building inclusive environments where equity is lived, not just stated.
Democratic Classrooms in Practice
Democracy in education is not theoretical. Through frameworks like the Web of Rights and the Democratic School Model, educators explore practical ways to share power, guide decision-making, and build classroom communities rooted in fairness, accountability, and respect.
Voices of Our Educator Community
Community Testimonials
The feedback shared here comes directly from educators following seminars and presentations. These reflections highlight how centering student voice, rights, and relationships can shift both thinking and practice.
What did you learn from this webinar?
"I learned a lot. It was the first time I had heard of the democratic school model. It sounded like the next right step for my future classes. I also learned that students' voices aren’t always as complicated as they might seem. However, amplifying them requires the right intentions and a genuine commitment to the best interests of both the students and the community."
What was missing?
"Nothing was missing. In fact, I wanted to learn even more about it, so I’ll definitely look it up for future applications. Moreover, I liked the use of icons on every slide. It was a great example of providing instructions and using visual cues that are easily understood by everyone. I thought it was brilliant. I definitely thought of implementing the strategy in my classes, and now that I’m inspired, I’ll definitely use it. I can also see how it can be used broadly across the school."
How can you implement these teachings?
"Thank you for coming to KAUST to deliver such impactful and memorable presentations. For the implementation, I would feel confident implementing the Web of Rights, as it was a great visualization for me as a new perceiver of this approach—and it would definitely be for the students as well. A possible barrier could be time; however, I see such approaches as foundational in setting the tone for the rest of the year. Even if they don’t fully take hold immediately, they allow room for conversation and negotiation to ensure that key aspects, such as equity and other values important to us, are addressed."
