2025 Summit on Educators of Color Breakout Sessions

In predominantly Black and Brown schools where the desire is to hire more white teachers, let’s discuss how privilege disregards what highly qualified Black teachers already know and do. How do we balance the need for diversity with the need for respect and recognition of highly qualified teachers?

I will present my research project on increasing attendance rates by building rapport with multilingual learners. Research and results will be presented alongside classroom tips and tricks for building rapport/community in the multilingual classroom.

The workshop will explore strategies to engage communities in supporting educators of color and fostering inclusive education. Participants will learn about the critical role of community involvement in building a more equitable education system, focusing on mentorship, resource sharing, family engagement, and advocacy. The session will also address the importance of promoting diverse representation in curriculum development and provide actionable steps for collaborating with community organizations to empower educators of color.

The goal of this session is to help educators develop strategies for open, culturally responsive communication that fosters understanding in diverse school environments.

“I don’t see color” is often a phrase that is stated but not considered for its harmful implications. Participants will use the NEA Leadership Competencies surrounding Social Emotional Learning to examine why the mindset of “I don’t see color” is damaging to people of color and explore ways to expand their viewpoints for students, staff, and community when considering race.

This session will give the attendees an opportunity to hear from others about challenges that they have in providing self care for themselves, how it can create burnout in life and in the field of education. They will leave with ideas, gathered from the community in the session as well as from the presentation to help guide their future intentions.

This session is designed to help participants build meaningful connections with students and helping them thrive in their educational environments. The session will help participants-1)Build Trust by creating a safe space where students feel heard and valued 2)Build Empowerment Strategies by encouraging students to take ownership of their behavior through reflection and goal-setting 3)Introduce Collaborative Techniques that engage teachers, parents, and support staff in a unified approach to addressing challenges and celebrating success.

This workshop is designed to equip leaders and educators with the tools to stand behind their commitments to fostering culturally affirming environments. Participants will explore essential practices for developing self-awareness and cultural responsiveness, focusing on aligning actions with inclusive values to create lasting, positive impacts. Through reflective exercises, discussion, and practical strategies, attendees will gain insights on how to effectively approach cultural diversity within their teams, building a foundation of trust and respect that nurtures belonging for all.

The session will be an interactive presentation of my dissertation findings and discussion about retaining teachers of color in K-12 schools using Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL). Participants will engage in live polling, discussions with colleagues/presenters, and reflect on current practices in schools and districts. Session outcomes will be a greater understanding of how Teachers of Color need their own CRSL and tools/tips for how to help one’s school/district or leadership program use CRSL to help retain Teachers of Color.

During this session, attendees will get an exclusive preview of two new vital human and civil rights courses. LGBTQIA+ Awareness and Cultural Competence courses are designed to empower K-12 educators and school employees (regardless of position) with the tools they need to foster safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments. These interactive sessions will engage participants in meaningful discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning. Attendees can take insights from this new, dynamic content to their local affiliates or school districts to schedule professional learning for fellow members or school staff, strengthening collective awareness and advocacy.

This presentation will explore effective strategies for fostering culturally affirming school environments (SMILE Students Matter In the Learning Environment) diversity is embraced, and students from all backgrounds feel valued. Participants gain insights into the importance of cultural competence, equity, and inclusivity in education. The session will cover approaches for integrating cultural relevance into curriculum, classroom practices, and school culture. The goal will empower educators and school leaders where all students thrive academically and socially, promoting a sense of belonging.

How can we transform schools into spaces that inspire innovation and lay the groundwork for a just society? We’ll explore how early career educators hold the key to shaping powerful environments that can transform moments into sustainable movements both inside and beyond the classroom. In this session, participants will bolster their “WHY”, “WHAT”, & “HOW” to push for transformation in education & our union through action planning. Join us to elevate your impact as next gen change-makers!

This interactive workshop aims to equip educators and staff with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to create brave and inclusive spaces within schools. In such spaces, all students and staff can engage authentically, share their experiences, and participate fully, regardless of their backgrounds, identities, or perspectives. We will explore how to foster an environment that encourages vulnerability, promotes mutual respect, and challenges systemic inequities while ensuring psychological safety.

This interactive workshop explores the nuanced relationship between what we say (intent) and how it is received (impact). It will help educators and school leaders recognize the importance of addressing both the intention behind words and actions and the actual impact they have on students, colleagues, and the school community.

I have personally experienced the feeling of applying with the expectation that I would not receive an opportunity, and the imposter syndrome that comes with receipt! I would like to present my experiences in both applying for and receiving a variety of these opportunities, including the Grosvenor Teaching Fellowship with National Geographic, the Toshiba America Foundation Grant and the NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grant. Many of these programs are actively seeking applications from teachers of underrepresented communities.

This workshop is designed to empower educators in self-care and resilience. Learn gentle yoga flows that release tension, followed by mindfulness exercises that enhance focus and presence. You’ll learn breathing techniques to manage stress and cultivate a sense of calm that can be implemented anywhere, even in a busy classroom. By the end, you’ll leave with practical tools to integrate into your daily routine, helping you foster resilience and balance both in and out of the classroom.