Facilitator Script: Allyship In Action

Slide 1: Allyship In Action

“Welcome, everyone! Thank you for joining our session Allyship In Action: Fostering Peer Support and Allyship in Your Classroom. I’m [Your Name], and today we’ll spend the next hour exploring how to build stronger, more inclusive classroom communities through allyship.

Before we begin, a quick reminder: this is an interactive session. Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, and learn from one another. Let’s dive in!”

Slide 2: Agenda

“Here’s our roadmap for the next 60 minutes:

• Warm-Up: Defining Allyship (5 minutes)
• Video Exploration (10 minutes)
• Reading & Discussion (10 minutes)
• Scenario Activity (15 minutes)
• Project Planning (10 minutes)
• Quiz & Knowledge Check (5 minutes)
• Cool-Down Reflection (5 minutes)

I’ll guide us through each segment, and we’ll stick to these time frames so we can complete everything. Sound good? Great.

Check for understanding: Any questions about our agenda?”

Slide 3: Learning Objectives

“By the end of our hour together, you’ll be able to:

1. Define allyship and understand its role in creating inclusive classrooms.
2. Identify practical strategies to foster peer support among students.
3. Apply allyship practices through scenario-based role-plays.
4. Draft an actionable allyship action plan aligned to clear criteria.

Keep these goals in mind as we move forward—our activities build toward that final action plan.

Prompt: Which of these objectives feels most important for your current work? (Pause for 1–2 responses.)”

Slide 4: Warm-Up: Defining Allyship

“Let’s start by capturing your own definitions of allyship.

1. I’m handing out the Warm-Up Prompt: Defining Allyship.
2. Please spend three minutes writing down your personal definition of allyship and one or two concrete examples from your experience.

Alright, time’s up—thank you! Who would like to share their definition or example? (Allow 2–3 volunteers.)

Follow-up prompts:
• “Can you elaborate on why that example stood out to you?”
• “How might this definition guide your work in the classroom?”

Fantastic. Let’s keep those ideas in mind as we watch our next videos.”

Slide 5: Video: Understanding Allyship

“Next up is our first video, Understanding Allyship. As you watch, jot down one key takeaway and one question that arises.

Let’s play the video now. (Play video: 5 minutes.)

Pause and allow participants to finish their notes.

Check-in: Who can share one takeaway? (Invite 2 volunteers.)
Follow-up: “What makes that takeaway powerful for you?”
“What question did this video spark?” (Invite 1–2 questions.)

Thank you for that great discussion.”

Slide 6: Video: Creating Inclusive Environments

“Our second video focuses on Creating Inclusive Environments. Again, notice strategies that shape inclusion and any questions you have.

Let’s play it now. (Play video: 5 minutes.)

Pause for note-taking.

Prompt: What stood out about the role of environment in allyship?
(Invite 2 responses.)
Probe: “How could you adapt one of these strategies to your setting?”

Great insights! Let’s build on those in our reading activity.”

Slide 7: Reading & Discussion

“I’m handing out Foundations of Allyship and our Discussion Guide: Allyship In Practice.

1. Pair up with someone next to you.
2. Spend 7 minutes reading and using the guide to discuss:
   • Key principles of allyship
   • Practical steps to implement allyship in a classroom

Time’s up! I’d love to hear one key takeaway or strategy from each pair. Who would like to go first? (Invite 3 pairs.)

Follow-up: “How might you introduce this strategy in your next lesson?”

Excellent. Now let’s see these ideas in action through scenarios.”

Slide 8: Scenario Activity

“Let’s apply allyship strategies with a role-play.

1. Form groups of 3–4.
2. I’m giving each group the Peer Support Scenarios handout.
3. Choose a scenario, assign roles, and role-play how you would respond as an ally.
4. You have 10 minutes to prepare. Then each group will present a brief demo (2 minutes) of your approach.

Let’s start presentations! Group 1, you’re up.
(After each presentation:)

Feedback prompt: “What went well in that demonstration?
What’s one suggestion to deepen the allyship approach?”

Wonderful work—thank you all for your creativity.”

Slide 9: Project Planning

“Now we’ll draft a real-world plan.

1. Here are the Project Outline: Allyship Action Plan and Rubric: Allyship Project Assessment.
2. Individually—or stay in pairs—use the outline to draft a peer support or allyship initiative suited to your context.
3. Refer to the rubric to ensure your plan includes clear goals, steps, and measures of success.
4. You have 8 minutes.

Time’s up! Would anyone like to share a highlight from their draft plan? (Invite 2–3 volunteers.)

Follow-up: “What’s your next step to bring this plan to life?”

Great commitment—let’s check our understanding with a quick quiz.”

Slide 10: Quiz & Knowledge Check

“Please take the Quiz: Allyship Concepts (or the Test: Allyship Knowledge Check). You have 4 minutes to complete it. I’ll circulate to collect your responses.

All done? Thank you. If you’d like, we can quickly review answers using the Answer Key. (Review as time allows.)

Slide 11: Cool-Down Reflection

“Finally, let’s reflect on a personal commitment.

1. Here’s the Cool-Down Reflection: Building Allyship handout.
2. Write down one concrete action you will take in the coming week to foster allyship.
3. I’ll invite a few of you to share your commitment aloud.

Who would like to share their commitment? (Invite 3 volunteers.)

Encouragement: “Thank you—that’s a powerful step forward.”

Slide 12: Thank You & Next Steps

“We’ve covered a lot in one hour—definitions, videos, discussions, role-plays, and action planning. Thank you for your engagement!

• Implement your allyship action plan in the coming weeks.
• Access all session materials and recordings online.
• Reach out if you need support or coaching.

Together, we’ll foster classrooms where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. Have a great day!”

Allyship Strategies Worksheet

1. Core Definitions

In your own words, define allyship based on what you learned today:

2. Key Strategies

List at least five allyship strategies discussed in the session. For each, write a brief description or example of how it can be used:

1. Strategy 1: ____________________________
   
   
   
2. Strategy 2: ____________________________
   
   
   
3. Strategy 3: ____________________________
   
   
   
4. Strategy 4: ____________________________
   
   
   
5. Strategy 5: ____________________________
   
   
   

3. Reflection

Which of the above strategies resonates most with you, and why?

How might you adapt this strategy to fit the needs of your classroom or school community?

4. Action Planning

Choose two strategies from above to implement within the next month. For each strategy, complete the planning prompts below:

Strategy A: ____________________________

• Steps to implement this strategy:
  
  
  
  
  
• Anticipated challenges and possible solutions:
  
  
  
  
  
  

Strategy B: ____________________________

• Steps to implement this strategy:
  
  
  
  
  
• Anticipated challenges and possible solutions:
  
  
  
  
  
  

5. Personal Commitment

Write one concrete action you will take this week to foster allyship among your students or colleagues:

Date: ______________________

Instructor’s Note: Use this worksheet alongside the activities in Allyship In Action Lesson Plan to guide your implementation and reflection.

Foundations of Allyship

Introduction

Allyship is a continual process of learning, reflection, and action geared toward supporting and uplifting individuals and groups facing marginalization. At its core, allyship requires both empathy and humility—empathy to understand others’ experiences, and humility to recognize one’s own biases and limitations. This reading explores the foundational principles, research insights, and practical approaches that underpin effective allyship in educational settings.

Educators play a pivotal role in modeling and nurturing allyship within their classrooms and school communities. By understanding the why and how of allyship, teachers and school leaders can foster inclusive environments where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to participate fully.

What Is Allyship?

Allyship goes beyond passive support. It is an active commitment to challenging discrimination, amplifying marginalized voices, and dismantling systemic barriers. Allies use their own social power—arising from race, gender, socioeconomic status, or institutional role—to advocate for justice and equity. In practice, this means speaking up when witnessing bias, creating spaces for diverse perspectives, and continuously educating oneself on issues of equity.

Research in social psychology shows that ally behaviors reduce feelings of isolation for marginalized students and build a sense of belonging for all learners. When students see adults and peers standing together against injustice, they internalize values of respect and cooperation, leading to stronger school cultures and improved academic outcomes.

Why Allyship Matters

• Promotes Inclusive Culture: Schools that prioritize allyship cultivate environments where diversity is celebrated rather than merely tolerated. Students develop empathy and cultural competence, preparing them for a global society.
• Reduces Bullying and Harassment: Active allyship disrupts harmful behaviors by encouraging bystanders to intervene. This collective vigilance deters bullying and fosters emotional safety.
• Empowers Marginalized Students: When educators ally with students facing systemic barriers—such as racism, ableism, or homophobia—they validate those students’ experiences and help dismantle oppressive norms.

Studies show that students who experience allyship report higher levels of engagement, self-esteem, and academic achievement. By embedding allyship into school culture, educators contribute to both social and cognitive growth.

Principles of Effective Allyship

1. Listen and Learn: Begin by listening to the stories and perspectives of marginalized individuals. Approach conversations with curiosity, not defensiveness.
2. Acknowledge Power and Privilege: Reflect on the ways your identity affords you advantages. Use that awareness to ensure your voice supports, rather than silences, others.
3. Speak Up: When you witness bias or exclusion—whether in the hallway or on the playground—intervene respectfully. Your action signals that such behavior is unacceptable.
4. Center Marginalized Voices: Create space for students from underrepresented groups to lead discussions, share experiences, and influence decision-making.
5. Commit to Continuous Growth: Allyship is not a one-time activity. Engage in ongoing professional learning, self-reflection, and community dialogue.

The Educator’s Role

Educators must design lessons and interactions that model ally behaviors. This can include:

• Curriculum Choices: Selecting texts and examples that reflect diverse cultures, languages, and histories.
• Classroom Norms: Co-creating guidelines with students that emphasize respect, active listening, and bystander intervention.
• Restorative Practices: Facilitating conversations that repair harm and rebuild trust when conflicts arise.

By embedding allyship into daily routines—morning meetings, group work, conflict resolution—teachers reinforce that supporting one another is a shared responsibility. School leaders can further sustain this work by providing professional development, allocating resources for equity initiatives, and celebrating successful allyship efforts.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing allyship can surface discomfort—fear of saying the wrong thing, uncertainty about how to act, or resistance from colleagues. Embrace these moments as learning opportunities. Seek feedback from students and peers, consult equity resources, and remember that genuine effort and humility often matter more than perfect execution.

Conclusion

Allyship transforms classrooms into thriving communities where every student’s voice matters. Grounded in empathy, reflection, and action, effective allyship equips educators to dismantle barriers and uplift each learner. As you explore the strategies in this session, consider how you will integrate allyship into your teaching practice and school culture. Return to this reading whenever you need to re-ground your efforts in the fundamental principles that drive lasting change.

For further exploration, consider revisiting the Video: Understanding Allyship and discussing insights with your peers.

Discussion Guide: Allyship In Practice

Purpose: Support participants in unpacking the key principles of allyship from the reading and exploring practical applications in their own contexts.

Materials:
• Foundations of Allyship reading

Time: 10 minutes

1. Setup (1 minute)

• Pair participants or form triads.
• Ensure each group has access to the reading.

2. Key Discussion Questions (6 minutes)

1. Core Principles
   • What principle of allyship from the reading resonated most with you? Why?
   
   
   
2. Power & Privilege
   • How did the section on acknowledging power and privilege challenge or affirm your current practices?
   
   
   
3. Speaking Up
   • Share an example (real or hypothetical) of a time you intervened as an ally. What went well, and what would you change?
   
   
   
4. Centering Voices
   • How can you create more opportunities for marginalized voices to lead in your classroom or school community?
   
   
   
5. Continuous Growth
   • What’s one personal learning goal you will set to advance your allyship practice?
   
   
   

3. Follow-Up Prompts (as needed)

• “Can you give a concrete example of what that might look like in your setting?”
• “What supports or resources would help you implement this idea?”
• “How can colleagues or school leaders partner with you on this goal?”

4. Application Activity (2 minutes)

• Each group selects one strategy discussed and outlines a quick action step to implement it in the next week.
• Use a flip chart or shared document to record:
  • Strategy name
  • First action step
  • Person(s) responsible

5. Reflection & Next Steps (1 minute)

• Invite 2–3 groups to share their action step.
• Encourage participants to revisit these commitments during the Project Planning phase of Allyship In Action Lesson Plan.

Facilitator’s Note: Keep time checks visible. Aim for rich, solution-oriented dialogue. Encourage specificity in examples and action steps.

Activity Handout: Peer Support Scenarios

Use this handout in small groups to role-play and apply allyship strategies. For each scenario:

1. Assign roles (e.g., Target Student, Ally, Bystander, Observer)
2. Identify specific ally actions you will demonstrate
3. Create a brief script or steps to enact your response
4. Debrief: Note what went well and what could be deepened

Scenario 1: Exclusion on the Playground

During recess, a group of students has formed a circle playing a game. They notice that Alex, who uses a wheelchair, is nearby and quietly talking to a friend. One student says, “Alex can’t join us; they’ll slow us down.” The group continues without inviting Alex.

Group Planning

• Roles:
• Ally Actions (what will your ally say or do?):
  
  
  
• Script/Steps (what happens next?):
  
  
  
  
  
• Debrief Notes (what went well? what to improve?):
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Academic Struggle & Isolation

In a science class, Maria consistently offers to work with classmates but they ignore her because she struggles with reading. During a group assignment, the teacher pairs Maria with three peers who immediately start working without explaining the task, leaving her unsure how to help.

Group Planning

• Roles:
• Ally Actions:
  
  
  
• Script/Steps:
  
  
  
  
  
• Debrief Notes:
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Language Barriers and Exclusion

Miguel, an English Language Learner, has a strong accent and occasionally mixes up words. At lunchtime, some students tease him with imitated accents and exclude him from conversation.

Group Planning

• Roles:
• Ally Actions:
  
  
  
• Script/Steps:
  
  
  
  
  
• Debrief Notes:
  
  
  

Scenario 4: Rumors and Social Media

A rumor spreads online that Jordan—who identifies as nonbinary—is “confused” about their identity. Several classmates post mocking comments. Jordan notices and feels hurt but keeps scrolling.

Group Planning

• Roles:
• Ally Actions:
  
  
  
• Script/Steps:
  
  
  
  
  
• Debrief Notes:
  
  
  

Reflection Questions

1. Which allyship strategies did your group use most effectively?
   
   
   
2. How did your ally actions encourage inclusion and respect?
   
   
   
3. What would you add or adjust to deepen the allyship response in future scenarios?
   
   
   

Instructor’s Note: After role-plays, invite observers to share feedback and connect insights to the strategies in Worksheet: Allyship Strategies and the discussion in Allyship In Practice.

Warm-Up Prompt: Defining Allyship

Instructions: Take 3 minutes to reflect and write your responses below.

1. In your own words, define allyship in the context of your classroom or school setting.
   
   
   
   
2. Provide one concrete example of allyship you have observed or practiced.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Explain why allyship is important for building an inclusive classroom community.
   
   
   
   

Be prepared to share your thoughts when we reconvene!

Project Outline: Allyship Action Plan

Purpose: Guide participants in creating a concrete, context-specific plan to implement a peer support and allyship initiative in their school or classroom.

1. Project Title

Write a concise name for your allyship initiative:

2. Project Description

Briefly describe what your initiative will involve and who it will serve:

3. Goals & Outcomes

List 2–3 measurable objectives for your plan (e.g., increase peer check-ins by X%, establish a student ally team):

1. Objective 1: ____________________________
   
   
2. Objective 2: ____________________________
   
   
3. Objective 3 (optional): ___________________
   
   

4. Key Strategies & Actions

For each strategy, describe the steps you will take and the timeline. Use the rubric criteria in Rubric: Allyship Project Assessment to ensure clarity and alignment.

5. Resources & Supports

Identify materials, personnel, or partnerships needed to implement your plan. Include any professional development, technology tools, or community connections:

• Resource 1: ____________________________
  
  
• Resource 2: ____________________________
  
  
• Resource 3 (optional): ___________________
  
  

6. Indicators of Success

Describe how you will measure the impact of your initiative (surveys, observations, student reflections, discipline data, etc.):

7. Timeline & Milestones

Outline key dates and checkpoints for planning, launching, and evaluating your project:

• Week 1–2: ____________________________
  
  
• Week 3–4: ____________________________
  
  
• Week 5–6: ____________________________
  
  
• Ongoing/Evaluation: ___________________
  
  

8. Reflection & Next Steps

After implementing your plan, reflect on lessons learned and propose next steps for sustaining or expanding allyship efforts:

Instructor’s Note: Use this outline during the Project Planning phase of Allyship In Action Lesson Plan. Align each section to the criteria in Rubric: Allyship Project Assessment to ensure a clear, actionable, and assessable plan.

Rubric: Allyship Project Assessment

Use this rubric to evaluate Allyship Action Plans created with the Project Outline: Allyship Action Plan. Score each criterion on a 1–4 scale.

Scoring Guide: Add the scores for each criterion (maximum 24 points).
• 20–24 = Exemplary Overall
• 14–19 = Proficient Overall
• 8–13 = Developing Overall
• 6–7 = Beginning Overall

Instructor’s Note: Share feedback aligned to each criterion. Encourage revisions that strengthen clarity, alignment, and sustainability.

Answer Key: Quiz on Allyship Concepts

Use this key to review correct responses and the reasoning behind each answer for the Quiz: Allyship Concepts.

Question 1

Prompt: In 1–2 sentences, define allyship in the context of your classroom or school community.

Model Answer:
“Allyship is an active practice of using one’s own social power to support, amplify, and advocate for students who experience marginalization, ensuring they feel included and valued. It involves listening, learning, intervening against bias, and creating space for underrepresented voices.”

Rationale & Thought Process:

• A strong definition highlights both empathy (listening and learning) and action (speaking up, advocacy).
• It notes the use of social power (e.g., teacher status or peer influence) to support marginalized students.
• It connects to classroom practice (inclusion, amplification of voices, proactive intervention).

Scoring Guidance:

• Full credit if response mentions active support, advocacy, and inclusion of marginalized students.
• Partial credit if response names allyship but omits either action or the power dynamic.

Question 2

Prompt: Which of the following best describes a primary goal of allyship?
A. Maintaining the status quo
B. Amplifying marginalized voices
C. Ignoring bias to avoid conflict
D. Encouraging competition among students

Correct Answer: B. Amplifying marginalized voices

Rationale & Thought Process:

1. Eliminate A: Allyship challenges the status quo rather than maintains it.
2. Eliminate C: Ignoring bias contradicts allyship’s active stance.
3. Eliminate D: Encouraging competition does not align with supportive collaboration.
4. B directly names the act of elevating and centering underrepresented voices, a core allyship goal.

Question 3

Prompt: True or False: Allies use their social power to advocate for equity and challenge discrimination.

Correct Answer: True

Rationale & Thought Process:

• By definition, allyship leverages one’s privilege or influence to disrupt bias and support equity.
• A “False” response would misunderstand the fundamental role of ally power in confronting discrimination.

Question 4

Prompt: Provide one concrete example of how you might speak up as an ally when you witness a student being excluded.

Model Answer Example:
“If I notice Maya being left out of a group discussion, I would pause the conversation, say, ‘I’d like to hear Maya’s thoughts on this topic,’ and invite her into the dialogue. I might also privately check in with her afterward to ensure she feels supported.”

Rationale & Thought Process:

• A strong example:
  • Identifies the exclusion (Maya being left out).
  • Describes a direct intervention (pausing, inviting them in).
  • Demonstrates follow-up (private check-in to reinforce support).
• Partial credit for any response that shows clear, respectful intervention at the moment of bias.

Scoring Guidance:

• Full credit if the example illustrates noticing exclusion, verbally intervening, and supporting the targeted student.
• Partial credit if the response names speaking up but lacks clarity on the specific action.

Cool-Down Reflection: Building Allyship

Instructions: Take 5 minutes to reflect on today’s session and complete this exit ticket.

1. Concrete Action
   Write one specific action you will implement in the next week to foster peer support and allyship in your classroom or school community:
   
   
   
   
2. Supports & Resources
   List any supports, materials, or resources you will need to carry out this action (colleagues, time, technology, professional development, etc.):
   
   
   
   
3. Measuring Impact
   Describe how you will know this action is making a difference (observations, student feedback, surveys, reflections, data points, etc.):
   
   
   
   
4. Next Steps & Questions
   Identify one question you still have or one next step you plan to take to deepen your allyship practice:
   
   
   
   
    
    
   Thank you for your commitment to building an inclusive community!

Understanding Allyship Video

Duration: 5 minutes

Overview:
This brief video introduces the foundational concepts of allyship in educational settings. You’ll see real classroom examples of teachers and students practicing active support, learn why allyship matters for school culture, and hear strategies for speaking up when you witness bias.

Watch the Video:
Understanding Allyship – Video Resource

Key Focus Areas:
• Defining allyship and its impact on student belonging
• Real-life moments of bystander intervention
• The role of educator and peer influence in fostering inclusion

Reflection Prompt: As you watch, note one insight about how small actions can create big changes in your classroom. Be ready to share your takeaway and any questions!

Inclusive Environments Video

Duration: 5 minutes

Overview:
This video highlights practical strategies for designing physical and social classroom environments that foster belonging and inclusion for all students. You’ll see examples of seating arrangements, visual displays, and routines that support diverse learners and promote peer connection.

Watch the Video:
Inclusive Environments – Video Resource

Key Focus Areas:
• Arranging flexible seating to encourage collaboration
• Displaying student work and cultural artifacts to reflect diversity
• Establishing inclusive routines (morning meetings, partner talks)
• Using language and visuals that affirm each student’s identity

Reflection Prompt:
As you watch, note one change you could make in your classroom environment and how it might enhance student inclusion. Be ready to share your insight and any questions!