The Problem With Color Blindness: Tales of a Black Man Raised "White"

Description 

With so many conversations around race and ethnicity in our educational spaces, it is important to understand that some of the best intentions have unintended consequences. Join me as I share my story of being raised "white" despite a very obvious conflict ... I'm not. I will discuss how this approach to equity and inclusion shaped my perceptions and experiences both in and out of school. 

Topics 

Diversity, Equity, Race, Culture, Inclusion 

Objectives 

● Define and explain the implications of color blindness 

● Differentiate between the three levels of culture

● Understand the connections between race and culture 

● Develop opportunities to support authentic inclusivity in their spaces 

Presentation Type: 

Keynote, Breakout Session 

S.M.A.R.T. Leadership during Challenging Times

Description 

Leadership can be tough. Leadership during challenging times can be even tougher. Join me as I share an approach that my team and I developed as we navigated the complexities of the pandemic, the resulting shutdown, and the attempt to readjust as we returned to "normal" using a simple acronym. Attendees will be able to apply this process to one of their organization's issues and walk away with a practical approach that can be implemented immediately.to equity and inclusion shaped my perceptions and experiences both in and out of school. 

Topics 

Leadership, Time Management, Collaboration, Communication, Crisis Management 

Objectives 

● Identify the five part approach to S.M.A.R.T. leadership 

● Assess a current problem using the approach 

● Develop a plan for navigating future challenges 

Presentation Type: 

Keynote, Breakout Session, Workshop 

Equitable Leadership: Moving Beyond the Hashtags

Description 

Equity is one of the hottest topics in education today but it doesn't just happen. Leaders must be intentional about developing their own equity stance, curating approaches to ensure that their school communities embrace these ideologies, and cultivating systems to ensure lasting change. Join me as we use the Equity Framework developed by a team of educators in Chicago Public Schools to address an equity challenge identified in your own space. Attendees will walk away with a personalized purpose that they can share with their school communities and practical resources to begin doing this essential work.

Topics 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Resource Management, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving 

Objectives 

● Know the four domains of the framework and why they are necessary for equity work 

● Understand how the frameworks operate interdependently to produce desired outcomes 

● Implement the framework to address an equity need within their organization 

Presentation Type: 

Keynote, Breakout Session, Workshop 

MENtal Health: Addressing the Issues of Toxic Masculinity and the Impact on Education

Description 

Mental health has become a much discussed topic in the field of education as we begin to understand the implications on student behavior and academic performance. More often than not, however, we approach mental health solely in the terms of our students without considering how it affects the adults in our schools. How can we expect to support our students if we cannot support ourselves? This session will explore the issues of toxic masculinity, how they are perpetuated within our schools, and what we can do to break the cycle. Through vulnerable storytelling and honest reflections, join me on this journey that will not only begin the healing process for ourselves, but for future generations as well. 

Topics 

Diversity, Equity, Mental Health, Behavior, Classroom Management 

Objectives 

● Define and provide examples of toxic masculinity 

● Know statistics/data to support the need for a shift 

● Understand how toxic masculinity can negatively impact their relationships with others 

● Communicate the importance of addressing mental health issues 

● Implement methods of addressing toxic masculinity and mental health ● Serve as role models for their students and community 

Presentation Type:

Keynote, Breakout Session 

Identifying and Operating Within Your Zone of Genius

Description 

We all have various talents and thus have the capacity to do many things well. Just because we can do something, however, doesn't mean that we should be doing it. In fact, many of us spend a majority of our day engaged in tasks that we are just as good at or better than others. Do these tasks provide fulfillment? Do they align with your purpose? Join me as we seek out your zone of genius and get you re-energized to do the work. 

Topics 

Mental Health, Job Satisfaction, Purpose, Mission, Vision, Conscious Leadership 

Objectives 

● Understand the four zones of functioning 

● Craft a personal mission statement 

● Identify their zone of genius 

● Develop a plan to operate within their zone of genius 

Presentation Type: 

Keynote, Breakout Session, Workshop 

Developing Safe Spaces to Facilitate Brave Conversations

Description 

Diving into equitable conversations can be challenging because they are often scary, messy, and unpredictable. Despite this, they are necessary. How can you create spaces in which your staff feel comfortable enough to engage in these conversations? Join me as I share some practical strategies for developing safe spaces through interactive activities. You will leave with tools, resources, and the mindset needed to begin this work within your own space. 

Topics 

Courageous Conversations, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion

Objectives 

● Identify the components of safe spaces 

● Differentiate between Discourse I and Discourse II 

● Engage in challenging conversations 

Presentation Type: 

Breakout Session, Workshop 

Intentional Inclusion & Belonging: Moving From Awareness to Action

Description 

While it is important for us to understand the need for change within our educational system, awareness is not enough. We need to begin implementing strategies that are both impactful and sustainable. This session will explore how acculturation impacts the diverse groups within our schools and provides attendees the opportunity to engage in activities to reflect on their own identity and to develop plans to move towards action. 

Topics 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Culture, Mission 

Objectives 

● Understand levels of culture 

● Define types of acculturation 

● Identify their position on the intercultural sensitivity model 

● Use poetry and personal mission statements to engage in this work 

Presentation Type: 

Breakout Session, Workshop 

A Principal's Principles: 10 Lessons Learned in 10 Years

Description 

A decade of serving as a school administrator has taught me many valuable lessons. Moreover, this time has allowed me to develop foundational principles to guide my daily actions. From developing a shared vision to modeling expected behaviors, join me as I reflect and share how these experiences have shaped the leader I am today.

Topics 

Leadership, Values 

Objectives 

● Develop a personal definition of leadership 

● Reflect on experiences to identify core values 

● Craft a leadership story 

Presentation Type: 

Keynote, Breakout Session 

Express Yourself! Vocabulary Instruction Strategies that Stick

Description 

From what they are feeling, to what they want to accomplish, to highlighting their strengths, students often have a difficult time accurately communicating due to a limited vocabulary. Come learn how to help students expand their word-base through a variety of vocabulary centered activities. This interactive session will walk you through lessons designed to excite and engage students. 

Topics 

Vocabulary, Language Arts 

Objectives 

● Understand effective instructional strategies for teaching vocabulary ● Explain the pedagogy behind vocabulary instruction 

● Develop alternative approaches to improve lessons 

Presentation Type: 

Workshop 

PBL: Integrating Problem, Project, and Place Based Learning

Description 

What do problem, project, and place-based learning have in common? They can all be leveraged to challenge students and provide opportunities to showcase true mastery of learning. Join me in this hands-on session to explore how simple it can be to push your

students to the next level of learning through fun and creative activities. Spoiler: Legos will be in use! 

Topics 

Problem-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Place-Based Learning, Rigor and Relevance 

Objectives 

● Define and differentiate between the three types of learning 

● Develop relevant learning experiences for students 

● Solve a problem for a given scenario using provided resources 

Presentation Type: 

Workshop 

LeaderSHIPS

Description 

Leadership cannot, and should not, be reduced to a singular style. Rather, true leadership is a complex blend of characteristics that develop various types of leaders. During this session, we will explore the qualities that all strong leaders should possess and how those may manifest while serving within a school. Do you have what it takes to be a leader? 

Topics 

Leadership, Leadership styles, Character 

Objectives 

● Explain the different characteristics of strong leaders 

● Identify their personal blend of leadership 

Presentation Type: 

Keynote