Our Impact

Testimonal from Rosemary W. Barta

I would like to take the opportunity to share my reflections on the “Educator Training on Managing Religious Diversity Issues in a Public School Setting” experience.  First let me say thank you for developing, piloting and then providing this incredible learning experience for educators.  I was fortunate enough to be in the initial ‘pilot’ group, thus giving me an opportunity to ‘spread the word’ to various district staff members.  Since my initial training, I have eagerly shared the training dates with teachers and administration and in many cases provided funds for substitutes so our 6-12 Social Studies staff and K-12 ELL could participate.  I also wanted to attend the shortened Lunch and Learn session at our district administrative offices.

Project Interfaith has opened a dialogue among and outside of our district staff.  It has provided the vehicle to begin a renewed awareness and understanding of the metro area’s richness of cultural and religious diversity.  The experience has also helped me personally and professionally to see that religious diversity goes well beyond your faith or religion.  The stereotypes and related activities and discussions were truly the awakening for me.  Everyone that I have spoken to that has attended either session has said that the activities and ‘learnings’ will definitely be taken back and used in their classrooms.  Staff participants have also encouraged administrators to bring the opportunity into individual buildings so all staff may benefit from the training.  That in itself is a powerful message!  At a difficult time globally and most recently educationally in our community, this training is an invaluable tool, one that I can’t support strongly enough.

I personally will continue to provide support, be it communication, funds for substitutes, arranging the full-day or abbreviated session for staff that I am responsible for or by sharing my very positive thoughts regarding the training in anyway I can.  My final thought that this opportunity should be required by all educators in the metro and surrounding areas!!  Thanks again Beth to you and those responsible for developing such a wonderful learning and awakening tool.

Rosemary W. Barta
Curriculum Facilitator (Retired)
Millard Public Schools
May 31, 2007

Click here to read more testimonials about Project Interfaith's work in the community.