Fostering Inclusive Education for All Learners

About

East Carolina University Student Center

22/03/2025

The Fostering Inclusive Education for All Learners Conference will happen on March 22nd, 2025, at the ECU Student Center from noon until 6:00 PM. This event, co-sponsored by The Dudley Flood Center and the ECU College of Education Culture, Opportunity, and Engagement Committee, will bring educators, students, and community members together to explore strategies that create supportive and inclusive learning environments for all learners.

The conference will feature some of ECU’s faculty as speakers, including Dr. Karen Jones, Dr. Tanya Christ, Dr. Robin Harris, and Dr. Allison Fears. Our keynote speaker is the renowned and inspiring Dr. Catherine Compton-Lilly, whose expertise and insights will leave a lasting impact on all attendees.

The conference will offer dynamic breakout sessions aligned with these strands:

Understanding and Embracing a Culture of Care: Exploring practical classroom approaches that create safe, welcoming environments and empower every student.
Mental Health Awareness in Schools: Discovering strategies to support student mental wellness through trauma-sensitive practices, social-emotional learning, and collaboration.
Supporting Educators: Highlighting tools for professional growth and well-being to ensure teachers and school leaders are equipped to meet the diverse needs of students.
Community Partnerships for Inclusive Education: Exploring how schools and communities can collaborate to enhance opportunities for all learners.

Whether you are a student, educator, community member, or member of our faculty or staff, we encourage you to join us—either as a presenter or an attendee. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas with others passionate about education.

This event is a Mapping the Movement Pop-Up Event supported by the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity and led by Dr. Rachelle Savitz. The goal of Mapping the Movement is to help build and convene a network of organizations engaged in equity work across the state and to highlight the efforts that are already underway, especially those that are centering and being led by communities of color. To learn more about Mapping the Movement and its purpose visit: https://floodcenter.org/mapping-the-movement/.

días

horas

minutos

segundos

Registration Form

Tentative Agenda

Mar.

22

Registration & Networking

Inicio

11:00

Fin

12:00

Welcome

Ballroom A

Dr. Deanna Townsend Smith

Dr. Rachelle Savitz

Inicio

12:00

Fin

12:15

Keynote Address - Centering Readers: Analyzing and Responding to Children as Readers

In this session, Catherine Compton-Lilly explores what we can learn from summative test score data, while highlighting the essential role of formative assessments as we plan for children who find learning to read difficult. Examples of actual children’s learning will be used to provide information about what children know and to explore how attending to differences can help

teachers to serve all children. Differences must inform how we teach and having a full toolkit of assessment and instructional practices is critical to serving children from a vast range of backgrounds.

Ballroom A

Dr. Catherine Compton-Lilly

Inicio

12:15

Fin

13:20

Building Community

I will be using the ideas supported by Restorative Practices to assist educators in understanding how to build community. This will include incorporating Restorative Practices in curriculum delivery. The understanding of circles for the learning environment.
The takeaways would be enhancing the SEL environment for classrooms and the increase of student engagement for the learning environment.

Room 253

Roni Winston

Inicio

13:30

Fin

14:20

Creating Community: Embracing Bias Honesty for Inclusive Classrooms

Como madre de una hija adolescente, a menudo reflexiono sobre el mundo vibrante pero complejo en el que crece, lleno de perspectivas y desafíos diversos. En esta sesión, exploraremos el concepto de "honestidad frente a los prejuicios" y cómo puede ser una herramienta poderosa para fomentar un ambiente de clase inclusivo.

En el cambiante panorama político actual, es fundamental crear espacios seguros donde todos los estudiantes se sientan valorados. Esta sesión ofrecerá estrategias prácticas basadas en valores para fomentar una cultura de cuidado que abarque la identidad única de cada estudiante.

Aspectos destacados de la sesión:

1. Comprender la honestidad ante los prejuicios: Definiremos la "honestidad ante los prejuicios" y analizaremos su importancia en la educación. Al reconocer nuestros prejuicios y comprender cómo influyen en nuestras perspectivas, podemos fomentar un diálogo auténtico que promueva la inclusión. Como madre, sé lo crucial que es para mi hija sentir que su voz cuenta en las conversaciones sobre identidad y pertenencia.

2. Estrategias basadas en valores: En lugar de centrarnos en las deficiencias, exploraremos estrategias que reconocen y desarrollan las fortalezas de nuestros estudiantes. Este enfoque empoderador fomenta la resiliencia y anima a los estudiantes a responsabilizarse de su aprendizaje. Hablaremos sobre cómo valorar los diversos valores que cada estudiante aporta al aula, desde sus orígenes culturales hasta sus experiencias personales.

3. Cultivando la empatía: Basándome en mi experiencia como madre, compartiré ideas sobre cómo construir conexiones empáticas en el aula. Participaremos en actividades que fomenten la comprensión y permitan a los estudiantes compartir sus experiencias. La empatía es vital para crear un ambiente inclusivo donde cada estudiante se sienta valorado.

4. Facilitar el diálogo honesto: Crear espacios seguros para la conversación es crucial. Analizaremos técnicas para fomentar conversaciones que permitan a los estudiantes expresar sus pensamientos y sentimientos con honestidad. Al establecer reglas básicas para una comunicación respetuosa, podemos fomentar la honestidad frente a los prejuicios, lo que permite a los estudiantes abordar sus propios prejuicios y los de sus compañeros.

5. Experiencias de aprendizaje colaborativo: Los participantes participarán en actividades colaborativas para destacar prácticas exitosas en el fomento de la inclusión. Analizaremos casos prácticos que muestran cómo los educadores han implementado eficazmente estrategias basadas en valores y sesgo de honestidad para crear entornos de aprendizaje propicios.

6. Medidas de acción a seguir: Finalmente, desarrollaremos medidas prácticas que los educadores pueden tomar para implementar estas estrategias en sus aulas. Trabajando juntos, nos inspiraremos y nos prepararemos para fomentar una cultura inclusiva que empodere a todos los estudiantes, independientemente de su origen.

Room 125

Dr. Syrine A. Reese-Gaines

Inicio

13:30

Fin

14:20

Cultivating a Community of Learners: Beyond the Classroom

This session explores expanding our understanding of student learning, moving beyond the traditional classroom to embrace the rich learning environments within our schools and communities. We begin by recognizing that children thrive when connected to their communities, fostering connectivity, positive development, and essential life skills. Every adult in a school, from nutrition staff to bus drivers, plays a vital role in a student's life, often serving as mentors and coaches. Deep partnerships with students, families, community leaders, and other stakeholders are crucial for achieving our shared educational goals. This requires a broader vision of the school community, one that embraces the various adults within and surrounding our schools. Join the New Teacher Center in exploring how to operationalize this expanded view of learning by broadening your perspective on ways to strengthen instructional cultures, leverage new strategies, and create additional connections that strengthen opportunities for students.

Students learn beyond the classroom through extracurriculars, community engagement, family interactions, and online communities. We will examine the myriad of individuals within our schools who contribute to student lives – support staff, after-school employees, administrative staff, nurses, counselors, volunteers, and more. These individuals possess unique skills and talents that enrich the school environment. They are integral to the school community. Participants will:

Identify the variety of roles within their school contributing to student learning.

Explore the unique contributions of non-instructional staff and community members.

Connecting with students about their learning experiences and influences is essential for building strong relationships and understanding the full scope of their learning. Participants will learn how to:

Engage students in conversations about learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Create a system for documenting and sharing these experiences.

Participants will explore strategies for expanding the concept of student educators in helping to create optimal learning environments. These strategies are critical for creating strong instructional communities that fully wraparound students and build upon their assets and connections. Participants will:

Brainstorm innovative approaches to leverage non-instructional staff and community expertise.
Design a plan for implementing these strategies in their context.

We will explore how to provide non-instructional staff with relevant professional development and support. Learning opportunities on topics like student development and strategies for connecting to students can equip these individuals to support students effectively, bridging the gap between classroom learning and the broader school experience. This approach reinforces that everyone contributes to student growth. Participants will:

Explore relevant professional development topics for non-instructional staff.
Develop a proposal for tailored professional learning opportunities.
Collaboratively identify resources and supports for non-instructional staff.

By acknowledging the interconnectedness of students and all adults in the school, we create opportunities for a stronger, more supportive community. Even if these individuals are not directly involved in academic instruction, their relationships with students provide a crucial foundation of trust, comfort, and purpose. This session empowers participants to build stronger optimal learning environments by recognizing and valuing the variety of individuals who contribute to student success.

Room 307

Candace Kimball

Sarah Lauterbach

Inicio

13:30

Fin

14:20

Implementing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy to Navigate Critical Conversations

This session will give participants the opportunity to explore the key components of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Critical Conversations. It will highlight the benefits of intentionally implementing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in an educational setting while providing participants with the opportunities to begin collaborating with peers to develop action steps to better support concepts such as social equity in educational settings.

Three major takeaways from this session will be providing participants with a background knowledge needed to understand the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy, equipping the participants with resources that can be used in their classroom to support their implementation of CRP, and engaging in conversations about the role CRP can play in their current educational settings.

Room 249

Dr. Kenya Grant

Dr. Tristan D. Hunter

Inicio

13:30

Fin

14:20

Project Maslow: Approaching Sustainability in Teaching through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

While teaching can be one of the most rewarding professions—it is often one of the most demanding. Without intentional strategies for sustainability, educators risk burnout, which can impact both their well-being and their students' success. This interactive session is designed for teachers, school leaders, and system-level administrators looking to foster a sustainable teaching environment by applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to both educator and student well-being.

By attending this session, you will:

Gain a fresh perspective on sustainability—Learn how Maslow’s framework can be used to create a balanced, thriving teaching and learning environment.
Identify key areas for growth—Assess your own needs and current practices to develop strategies that prevent burnout and support long-term impact.
Engage in hands-on learning—Take part in an interactive activity to map out practical ways to build sustainability into your daily teaching practices.

In this session, we will explore how meeting fundamental physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs fosters an environment where both educators and students can excel. You’ll walk away with concrete, research-backed strategies to improve work-life balance, classroom culture, and professional fulfillment—without adding more to your plate.

Using a color-coded mapping exercise, participants will identify current strengths, areas needing attention, and new ideas to implement. This collaborative experience encourages peer learning and reflection, helping you leave with actionable next steps.

This session is a must-attend for educators and leaders who want to reignite their passion for teaching while ensuring a lasting, positive impact in their classrooms and schools. Join us to discover how sustainability isn’t an extra task—it’s the foundation of effective, fulfilling education.

Ballroom B

Karyn Pleasant

Inicio

13:30

Fin

14:20

Transformative Conversations: Cultivating Critical Literacy and Social Justice Through Read-Alouds

En esta sesión interactiva, la Dra. Tanya Christ explora el poder de la alfabetización crítica como herramienta para fomentar la comprensión de la justicia social en los jóvenes estudiantes. Mediante una combinación de teoría y práctica, los participantes:

Descubra un marco para la instrucción de alfabetización crítica adaptado a los estudiantes de PreK-2.
Analice cómo los libros ilustrados cuidadosamente seleccionados pueden respaldar las conversaciones sobre equidad, poder y representación.
Practique la identificación de preguntas y pautas para involucrar a los niños pequeños en conversaciones críticas con textos específicos leídos en voz alta.

Únase a este taller de 50 minutos para descubrir estrategias para empoderar a los niños a interrogar textos, reconocer problemas sociales y participar en acciones significativas en el mundo en respuesta a lo que aprenden.

Ballroom A

Dr. Tanya Christ

Inicio

13:30

Fin

14:20

Community Schools: A Collective Caregiving Model for Inclusive Education

Esta presentación explorará el poder transformador de las escuelas comunitarias como modelo para

Fomentar la educación inclusiva. Basándose en investigaciones recientes que enmarcan las escuelas comunitarias como...

modelo de "cuidado colectivo", profundizaremos en cómo este enfoque único aprovecha la

fuerza colectiva de las escuelas, las familias y las organizaciones comunitarias para crear un apoyo sólido

Sistema para todos los estudiantes.

Las conclusiones clave incluirán:

Entendiendo los cuatro pilares de las escuelas comunitarias:
- Explorando la interconexión de los cuatro pilares: Apoyos Integrados a los Estudiantes,
- Tiempo de aprendizaje ampliado, participación familiar y comunitaria y liderazgo colaborativo.
- Examinar cómo cada pilar contribuye a un enfoque integral y holístico del bienestar de los estudiantes.

Cuidado colectivo en acción:
- Analizar cómo las escuelas comunitarias encarnan un marco de cuidado colectivo, priorizando las necesidades socioemocionales de los estudiantes y sus familias.
- Destacar la importancia de construir relaciones de confianza y fomentar un sentido de responsabilidad compartida dentro de la comunidad.

Aprovechamiento de la subvención estatal de escalamiento de las escuelas comunitarias de Carolina del Norte:
- Examinar cómo la inversión del estado en las escuelas comunitarias está apoyando el desarrollo y la expansión de este modelo en todo el estado.
- Explorando el papel del Instituto de Educación Rural en el apoyo a la implementación de escuelas comunitarias en la región este de Carolina del Norte.

Involucrar a las familias como socios en el cuidado:
- Explorando estrategias para empoderar a las familias como socios activos en la educación y el bienestar de sus hijos.
- Crear estrategias de participación familiar inclusivas y culturalmente receptivas que honren las diversas estructuras y experiencias familiares.

Aprovechar los recursos de la comunidad para un apoyo integral:
- Identificar y acceder a una amplia gama de recursos comunitarios para abordar las necesidades de los estudiantes de manera integral.
- Integrar los servicios comunitarios en el entorno escolar para brindar un apoyo fluido y accesible.
  - Desarrollar servicios integrales que aborden al niño en su totalidad: necesidades académicas, sociales, emocionales, físicas y de salud mental.

La presentación destacará:

Ejemplos reales de iniciativas exitosas de escuelas comunitarias en Carolina del Norte, particularmente aquellas apoyadas por el Instituto de Educación Rural en la región oriental.
Estrategias prácticas para implementar elementos claves del modelo de escuela comunitaria en diversos contextos educativos, con enfoque en comunidades rurales.
Una discusión sobre los desafíos y oportunidades asociados con la construcción y el mantenimiento de escuelas comunitarias en Carolina del Norte.

Al asistir a esta sesión, los participantes obtendrán una comprensión más profunda de:

El papel fundamental de las asociaciones comunitarias en la creación de entornos de aprendizaje inclusivos y equitativos.
Cómo involucrar eficazmente a las familias y aprovechar los recursos de la comunidad para apoyar el éxito de los estudiantes.
El potencial transformador del modelo de escuela comunitaria para fomentar climas escolares positivos y mejorar los resultados educativos para todos los estudiantes en Carolina del Norte.
Esta presentación proporcionará información valiosa y estrategias prácticas para educadores, administradores escolares, líderes comunitarios y otras partes interesadas en promover la educación inclusiva y crear comunidades de aprendizaje prósperas en Carolina del Norte.

Ballroom A

Dr. Robin Harris

Inicio

14:30

Fin

15:20

Empowering Youth Mental Wellness through HOPE Seekers

Los problemas de salud mental entre los jóvenes BIPOC son cada vez más frecuentes, a menudo exacerbados por las desigualdades sistémicas y la falta de apoyo culturalmente sensible. El Programa Honrando Nuestro Poder y Emociones (Buscadores de ESPERANZA), desarrollado por The Resiliency Collaborative (TRC), es una iniciativa liderada por pares diseñada para empoderar a los jóvenes con estrategias de salud mental, a la vez que fomenta el liderazgo y la concienciación sobre la justicia social. Esta sesión explorará cómo las prácticas sensibles al trauma, el aprendizaje socioemocional y los enfoques colaborativos pueden crear entornos seguros y de apoyo para los estudiantes.

Puntos clave de discusión:

Prácticas sensibles al trauma: cómo HOPE Seekers integra los principios de la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC), la atención plena y los ejercicios de inteligencia emocional para ayudar a los estudiantes a afrontar la adversidad.
Aprendizaje socioemocional (SEL): El papel de la autoconciencia, la regulación emocional y las habilidades interpersonales en el fomento de la resiliencia estudiantil.
Colaboración para generar impacto: El poder del liderazgo juvenil y las asociaciones con escuelas secundarias, terapeutas culturalmente receptivos y organizaciones comunitarias para brindar apoyo integral a la salud mental.

Los asistentes obtendrán conocimientos prácticos sobre la implementación de programas de salud mental dirigidos por jóvenes, aprenderán estrategias para integrar SEL en iniciativas escolares y explorarán cómo la colaboración puede mejorar los resultados de bienestar mental de los estudiantes.

Conclusiones clave:

1. Defensa de la salud mental liderada por jóvenes: aprenda cómo las iniciativas lideradas por pares como HOPE Seekers amplifican las voces de los jóvenes y empoderan a los estudiantes para que se hagan cargo de su bienestar mental.

2. Estrategias de apoyo holístico: comprender la intersección de la salud mental, el desarrollo del liderazgo y la justicia social para fomentar el éxito estudiantil a largo plazo.

Únase a nosotros para descubrir cómo HOPE Seekers puede transformar la salud mental de los jóvenes en el condado de Wake y cómo se pueden aplicar estas estrategias en sus escuelas y comunidades.

Ballroom B

Caroline Chandler

Dalia Wimberly

Karina Elizabeth Lozano-Serrano

Inicio

14:30

Fin

15:20

iTeach_u(un)Learn: Elevating Black Language to Foster Culturally Sustaining Education

Desaprender es un proceso crucial que permite a los educadores comprender las diversas maneras en que los estudiantes interactúan con el mundo. Un área clave donde esto cobra especial relevancia es el tratamiento del alumnado que habla inglés vernáculo africano (AVE). Desafortunadamente, estos estudiantes a menudo no reciben el apoyo que necesitan para alcanzar su máximo potencial académico debido a la falta de diversidad lingüística y cultural en las aulas estadounidenses.

Los estudiantes que hablan AVE enfrentan desafíos significativos en entornos educativos tradicionales, donde las normas lingüísticas estandarizadas suelen predominar. Esta disyunción puede obstaculizar su progreso académico, ya que el sistema educativo a menudo no reconoce ni valora los recursos lingüísticos que aportan al aula. Esta presentación explora cómo los educadores pueden aprovechar el capital cultural de los estudiantes —en particular, su lengua e identidad— para crear un entorno de aprendizaje más inclusivo y eficaz. Profundiza en las formas en que las barreras institucionalizadas pueden suprimir el AVE en entornos educativos y describe estrategias prácticas para abordar esta injusticia lingüística.

Al incorporar el AVE en la enseñanza en el aula, los educadores pueden reafirmar las identidades culturales de sus estudiantes y fomentar un entorno donde todos se sientan reconocidos y capaces. La presentación también enfatiza el potencial transformador de los enfoques pedagógicos culturalmente receptivos y sostenibles. Estas estrategias, aplicadas con cuidado, pueden generar cambios significativos en la forma en que los estudiantes interactúan con el contenido académico y entre sí, contribuyendo a una experiencia de aprendizaje más equitativa.

Los participantes de esta sesión comprenderán claramente qué es el inglés vernáculo africano y por qué debe valorarse como una forma legítima de comunicación. Aprenderán a crear lecciones que respondan a los antecedentes lingüísticos y culturales de los estudiantes, garantizando que las prácticas educativas no los marginen, sino que aprovechen sus fortalezas únicas. Además, explorarán el concepto de pedagogía culturalmente sostenible, que va más allá de la simple conciencia cultural para apoyar activamente la vitalidad continua de las diversas prácticas culturales y lenguas en el aula.

En esencia, esta sesión exige un cambio de paradigma en la forma en que los educadores abordan la diversidad lingüística. Al reconocer y respetar la diversidad lingüística de los estudiantes (AVE) como parte vital de su identidad y patrimonio cultural, los docentes pueden ofrecer una experiencia educativa más inclusiva y justa para todos, independientemente de su origen lingüístico. Mediante este cambio, los educadores pueden contribuir a derribar las barreras sistémicas que limitan el potencial de los estudiantes hablantes de AVE, fomentando así un entorno educativo donde todos los estudiantes estén capacitados para alcanzar el éxito.

Room 253

Doctuh Mo

Inicio

14:30

Fin

15:20

SEL Strategies for Building Focus, Confidence, and Engagement

Esta sesión interactiva se centra en el poder del Aprendizaje Socioemocional (ASE) para transformar el ambiente de clase al abordar la ansiedad, la desconexión y la sobrecarga cognitiva de los estudiantes. Mediante estrategias basadas en la investigación y técnicas de enseñanza innovadoras, los participantes explorarán cómo las prácticas de ASE pueden mejorar tanto el rendimiento académico como la cultura del aula.

Los participantes aprenderán sobre técnicas de aprendizaje socioemocional (SEL) fáciles de implementar, como la improvisación positiva, los cuestionarios de bajo riesgo con componentes SEL y la preparación para la participación, diseñadas para fomentar la concentración, reducir el estrés y mejorar la retención. También mostraremos ejemplos de estrategias para fortalecer las relaciones, como preguntas basadas en la curiosidad y actividades gamificadas como "Feel It or Free It", "Research Rumble Data Duel" y "Wacky Wednesday", que fomentan la conexión y la confianza entre los estudiantes.

La sesión se centrará en:

El impacto de la sorpresa y la curiosidad en la liberación de dopamina y el aprendizaje.
Los beneficios de replantear el estrés para mejorar el control emocional.
Consejos prácticos para integrar el aprendizaje socioemocional en cada clase con títulos y actividades creativas para aumentar la participación de los estudiantes.

Los participantes experimentarán muchos de estos ejercicios que influyen positivamente en el comportamiento y realizarán una lluvia de ideas sobre cómo implementar y adaptar estas estrategias en sus contextos de enseñanza únicos.

Conclusiones clave:

Los asistentes se irán con al menos cinco estrategias SEL prácticas que pueden aplicar de inmediato en sus cursos para reducir el estrés de los estudiantes y aumentar el compromiso.
Los participantes aprenderán a utilizar los principios SEL para crear un ambiente de clase de apoyo y académicamente enriquecedor que fomente la confianza y la concentración.
¡Descubra cómo pequeños cambios en las prácticas de enseñanza pueden conducir a grandes mejoras en el rendimiento y el bienestar de los estudiantes!

Room 249

Dr. Todd Finley

Inicio

14:30

Fin

15:20

Tackling Complexities in the Classroom: Vignette-Based Professional Development for Teacher Educators and Beyond

La sesión presentará a los participantes una estrategia, el Desarrollo Profesional Basado en Viñetas (DVP), para desarrollar los conocimientos y habilidades de docentes y otros educadores relacionados con la comprensión y el abordaje de problemáticas complejas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión en el aula. La sesión incluirá información general sobre el desarrollo del marco de DVP como herramienta para el desarrollo de la capacidad del profesorado en materia de diversidad, equidad e inclusión, la base teórica del DVP, las fortalezas del enfoque y las consideraciones clave para su implementación. Posteriormente, los participantes participarán en una mini sesión de DVP para experimentar cómo es una sesión de DVP y reflexionar sobre la posible aplicabilidad del enfoque en su propio contexto.

Room 125

Dr. Kelly J. Barber

Inicio

14:30

Fin

15:20

Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Connecting Content to the Lived Experiences of Multilingual Learners

In today’s diverse classrooms, students bring a wealth of lived experiences, cultures, and perspectives. For multilingual learners (MLs), these lived experiences are integral to their engagement with academic content. This session will focus on how educators can build inclusive classroom environments that honor and connect students’ personal and cultural backgrounds to the curriculum, fostering deeper learning and a sense of belonging. Participants will explore strategies for integrating diverse perspectives into lessons, ensuring that content is relevant and accessible for all students, particularly those from multilingual backgrounds. By embracing these practices, educators can create classrooms that not only welcome diversity but also actively celebrate it, giving all students the opportunity to see themselves reflected in what they are learning.

These strategies for honoring students' lived experiences come from Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth framework and a literacy study developed and tested with support from the Institute of Education Sciences, designed to enhance teachers’ practices and accelerate multilingual learners’ language and literacy growth. The study focuses on bringing together ESL and grade-level teachers in a professional learning experience aimed at improving instructional practices for teaching multilingual learners and connecting content to their lives. Multiple rigorous randomized controlled trials have shown that this approach is effectively accomplishing its goals, leading to increased student learning outcomes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch powerful interviews with multilingual parents who share messages for educators. Attendees will brainstorm ways to connect school and home based upon these 2-3 minute interviews. Additionally, specific examples of lesson plans which build on students’ cultural wealth will be shared. Opportunities to share successes and challenges will be provided. Attendees will gain practical strategies for adapting lessons that honor the cultural and linguistic assets of multilingual learners, while simultaneously meeting academic standards. Key topics will include differentiating instruction, building culturally responsive curricula, and ensuring that all students can see connections between their personal lives and the content they are learning.

Learning Objectives:

Develop strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment where students’ cultures and languages are seen as assets.
Learn how to connect academic content to students' lived experiences, making lessons more meaningful and relevant.
Plan for ways to connect with students’ families.
Gain practical tools for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom.

Room 125

Dr. Jennifer C. Mann

Inicio

15:30

Fin

16:20

Every Student, Every Story: Accessible Mental Health Support in Schools

Proposed Session Description: Student success starts with mental health. Schools are on the front lines of addressing students’ well-being, yet access to timely, effective mental health care remains a challenge. This session will explore scalable, evidence-based strategies to support students’ mental health through school-based and teletherapy programs.

Presented by Daybreak Health, this session will highlight how K-12 districts can integrate mental health services in ways that are accessible, equitable and sustainable. We’ll share real-world examples of successful district partnerships and discuss how schools can leverage teletherapy, on-campus clinical support and family engagement to ensure students receive the care they need.

Key Strategies and Examples:

Expanding access through teletherapy: How districts can provide students with rapid access to licensed therapists, offering both individual and family therapy options at no cost to schools.
Engaging families and educators: How monthly Family Toolkit sessions equip caregivers and staff with strategies to support student mental health beyond therapy sessions.
Breaking stigmas and encouraging help-seeking: Real student stories showcasing the impact of accessible mental health support in fostering resilience and academic success.

Key Takeaways for Attendees:

Actionable strategies for immediate implementation. Participants will leave with practical approaches for integrating mental health support in their schools, including referral pathways and funding options.
Understanding the impact of accessible mental health care. Attendees will gain insights into how comprehensive, school-based mental health programs improve student well-being, engagement and academic success.

Room 249

Earnest Winston

Jessica Silon

Inicio

15:30

Fin

16:20

Pop Life: Using Pop Culture to Build Relationships and Improve School Culture.

Mejorar la cultura escolar es un asunto serio, ¡pero eso no significa que los líderes no puedan divertirse! Esta sesión busca mostrarles cómo usar la cultura pop (televisión, música, películas) para derribar barreras con estudiantes, personal y partes interesadas, divirtiéndose y siendo auténticos. Los mejores líderes conectan y no temen ser vulnerables. Sin embargo, en el clima actual, ser vulnerable te deja... bueno, vulnerable. Sin embargo, al compartir nuestra pasión por la cultura pop (o fandom), podemos conectar con otros sin revelar demasiado de nosotros mismos. Después de todo, todos tenemos un programa, canción, artista, atleta, libro, etc. favorito. ¿Qué te apasiona? ¡Déjame mostrarte cómo lograr que esto contribuya a la mejora escolar! Los líderes comprenderán cómo la autenticidad empodera a los estudiantes y al personal, y fomenta un sentido de comunidad y pertenencia. Los asistentes también comenzarán a explorar estrategias que usan la cultura pop para mejorar la empatía y la comprensión entre estudiantes y personal. Las estrategias incluyen turnos para hablar; discusiones en grupos grandes y pequeños, y un recorrido por la galería.

Ballroom B

Kisha Timberlake

Inicio

15:30

Fin

16:20

The Power of Care: Creating Classrooms Where Every Scholar Is Seen, Heard, & Valued

El título de esta presentación será "El Poder del Cuidado: Creando Aulas Donde Cada Académico Sea Visto, Escuchado y Valorado". La presentación combinará conocimientos teóricos, estrategias prácticas y participación de los participantes mediante actividades y reflexión, garantizando que los asistentes adquieran perspectivas prácticas para fomentar una cultura del cuidado en sus entornos educativos. La presentación se dividirá en: Comprender el Poder del Cuidado (7 minutos), Estrategias para Aulas Seguras y Acogedoras (15 minutos), Integración de Perspectivas Diversas (10 minutos), Actividades Prácticas y Reflexión. Los participantes reflexionarán sobre su estilo de enseñanza y liderazgo, y crearán escenarios basados en sus prácticas actuales. A partir de ahí, se dividirán en grupos para determinar la eficacia de sus estilos y recibir retroalimentación sobre qué funciona, qué no funciona y qué sugerencias podrían implementarse para crear un enfoque más efectivo para cada uno de sus alumnos (12-15 minutos). Finalmente, tendremos la sesión de preguntas y respuestas y la sesión de clausura (5-10 minutos).

Las conclusiones se enumeran específicamente para cada miembro del público objetivo: Estrategia para administradores/instructores: Crear una red de apoyo de "Embajadores de la Cultura del Cuidado" en las escuelas para garantizar la sostenibilidad y el crecimiento de estas prácticas. Estrategia para docentes: Comenzar con pequeños cambios, como usar un lenguaje inclusivo, organizar actividades regulares de seguimiento e incluir voces diversas en las discusiones en clase. Estrategia para miembros de la comunidad: Forjar redes comunitarias mediante la creación de puntos de contacto regulares (por ejemplo, reuniones comunitarias, boletines informativos y eventos locales) para fomentar la colaboración entre las escuelas y las organizaciones locales.

Room 253

Dr. Quadric Witherspoon

Inicio

15:30

Fin

16:20

Trauma-Informed Strategies to Support Educators’ Emotional Health

This session will focus on how school leaders and staff can support the well-being of the adults working in their communities of practice. Often, schools focus on the social emotional needs of students without considering how to support teachers, staff, and school leaders. Practical self-care strategies and professional learning ideas will be shared.

Ballroom A

Karen Jones

Inicio

15:30

Fin

16:20

Antiracist School Counseling in Rural Schools: Promoting Mental Health and Inclusive Support Systems

Description:

Rural schools face unique challenges in addressing mental health, often compounded by racial inequities, limited resources, and systemic barriers. This session will explore the intersection of antiracist school counseling and mental health support in rural communities. Participants will learn how to integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices that affirm students’ identities, foster belonging, and promote emotional well-being. Special attention will be given to navigating resistance to equity work, leveraging community partnerships, and advocating for systemic change in resource-limited settings.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the impact of racial trauma on student mental health in rural contexts
Strategies for embedding antiracist, trauma-informed counseling and SEL practices in schools
Practical approaches to creating inclusive, affirming spaces that support student wellness
Techniques for engaging families, educators, and community stakeholders in mental health advocacy

Ballroom A

Allison Fears

Inicio

16:30

Fin

17:20

Embracing Twice- Exceptional Learners: A Picture Book & Website for Classroom Awareness

During this time Hannah Owens and I would love to talk to future teachers, educators, and even media specialist about the picture book that we are creating about twice exceptionality. We felt that there are a lot of different topics in books that are talked about, but we feel that twice exceptionality is something that is not covered, and is important to bring into the classroom to foster an inclusive classroom. During this presentation, we will talk about the research that we have found, useful links for teachers to use for twice exceptional students, and give them a perspective of books that should be included in the classroom. Even though Hannah and I are currently Juniors at ECU, and have just truly started student teaching, we are passionate about this subject, and feel we can start to bring awareness towards this. We hope that our attendees can take away knowledge about twice exceptionality especially for those, who don't know what it is. we also hope to share strategies forward to help them and their students in the classroom

Picture book: Unseen till seen.

Room 253

Hannah Owens

Olivia Umphlett

Inicio

16:30

Fin

17:20

Relationships: The Heart of the Matter

A culture of care in schools fosters student engagement, academic success, and social-emotional well-being. This session will provide research-based strategies and real-world examples of classroom and schoolwide initiatives that create safe, welcoming environments. Participants will explore practical approaches such as:

Building strong teacher-student relationships through morning greetings, interest-based engagement, and positive reinforcement.
Designing meaningful, student-centered lessons that are clearly defined, challenging, and relatable.
Establishing a schoolwide culture of care through structured behavioral supports, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and proactive parent communication.
Highlighting student accomplishments and providing constructive, supportive responses to academic and behavioral challenges.

This session will be interactive, incorporating small-group discussions, collaborative problem-solving activities, and practical takeaways that educators can implement immediately.

Ballroom B

Dr. Janet Perkins

Tiffany Sessons

Inicio

16:30

Fin

17:20

Teaching Wilmington 1898: Engaging Students in the Struggle for Democracy and Justice

Discover innovative ways to teach the pivotal story of Wilmington 1898, a moment of racial injustice and democratic upheaval, using PBS’s American Experience episode Wilmington 1898: American Coup. Explore strategies to engage students with primary sources, multimedia content, and inquiry-based learning that connects this historical event to broader themes in American history and global struggles for equity and justice and learn about ongoing professional development opportunities that will equip you to foster critical thinking and meaningful discussions on citizenship and the enduring impact of history in your classroom.

Take-Aways:

Teachers are challenged to educate for engaged citizenry, unsure how to teach hard history, and unprepared for the direction the lesson may take. We at PBS NC always provide quality, aligned content to support teaching and learning that is published on PBS LearningMedia, but this topic and others like it require a more concerted, sustained effort to inform and support our teachers. In this session, participants will be inspired to participate in -and engage students in- courageous conversation, and leave with resources and leads for additional learning opportunities they won't want to miss.

NC Standard Course of Study Alignment:
• American History: AH2.H.4 Analyze key political, economic and social turning points in American History using historical thinking.

• Grade 8 Social Studies: 8.C&G.1.2 Compare how state and local governments conform and conflict with the democratic ideals of the nation.

Room 125

Dr. Kristi Maida

Dr. Melissa Rihm Thibault

Inicio

16:30

Fin

17:20

Using Empathetic Continuous Improvement

Participants will gain insights into how empathy interviews can transform their schools, fostering environments where students thrive. We will highlight the critical role of empathy in building a deeper understanding of the root causes behind the problems students face, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive.

Schools That Lead has introduced dozens of teacher leaders, including Kate Yuska and Karen Ritter at East Garner Middle School in Garner, NC to a deep empathy interview process, a qualitative research tool that leverages open-ended questions to help teachers gain deeper insights into students' experiences from their perspectives. Both Kate and Karen conducted empathy interviews with students. They found the process extremely easy to do and the information shared by the students to be powerful in providing a deeper understanding of their students’ dreams and challenges.

The purpose of this session is to equip participants with a deep understanding of how continuous improvement methods can be effectively utilized to address complex challenges in education, such as student attendance, behavior, and course completion.

Participants will:

Learn how empathy interviews support deep improvement work
Engage with a protocol for conducting empathy interviews
In small groups, read a case study and discuss implications for improvement
In pairs, practice conducting empathy interviews
Leave with a tool to support their practice of empathy interviews in their workplace

Room 249

Dr. Eliz Colbert

Taqwanda Haley

Inicio

16:30

Fin

17:20

Closing/Wrap-Up

Ballroom A

Dr. Deanna Townsend Smith

Dr. Rachelle Savitz

Inicio

17:30

Fin

18:00

Speakers

Featured Speakers

Allison Fears

Dr. Allison Fears is an Assistant Professor for ECU's Counselor Education Program. She previously worked as a school counselor in North Carolina. Her research focuses on school counseling training and practice, equity-based practices, and rural settings.

Dr. Robin Harris

Dr. Tanya Christ

Dr. Christ’s research focuses on early childhood literacy processes and teaching methods, and teacher preparation for early literacy instruction, including digital and non-digital contexts. Using mixed-method approaches, including grounded theory to identify fine-grained aspects of literacy processing and quantitative methods to explore how these predict literacy engagement and outcomes, has allowed her to expand current understandings about how to facilitate young children’s meaning-making processes with texts. Her work is equity-focused, and usually occurs with underserved and racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. Thus, a strand of her research also focuses on preparing teachers to use diverse and culturally relevant texts in early literacy teaching and has shown the importance of using culturally relevant text to provide equitable opportunities for literacy. Christ’s research has been published in journals such as AERA Open, Journal of Teacher Education, Early Childhood Research Quarterly, Journal of Literacy Research, Teaching and Teacher Education, and TESOL Quarterly. Christ has

received research grants from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), Spencer Foundation, International Literacy Association (ILA), and American Educational Research Association

(AERA). Early in her career she taught in NYC Public Schools, and she has been teaching undergraduate courses embedded in local schools and reading clinics for almost two decades.

Karen Jones

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Catherine Compton-Lilly

Catherine Compton-Lilly came to USC in Fall 2017 from the University of Wisconsin Madison. She holds the John C. Hungerpiller Chair in the College of Education, teaches courses in literacy education, and works with professional development schools in Columbia. Dr. Compton-Lilly is passionate about helping teachers support children in learning to read and write. Her interests include early reading and writing, student diversity, and working with families. Throughout her career, Dr. Compton-Lilly has strongly advocated for developing knowledgeable teachers committed to continual learning and improved practice. She has published eight books. In four of these volumes, she follows eight former first-grade students through high school. Dr. Compton-Lilly engages in longitudinal research projects that last over long periods of time. Her interests include examining how time operates as a contextual factor in children’s lives as they progress through school and construct their identities as students and readers. Dr. Compton-Lilly has authored articles in the Reading Research Quarterly, Research in the Teaching of English, The Reading Teacher, Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, Written Communication, and Language Arts. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame.

Understanding and Embracing a Culture of Care

Candace Kimball

Doctuh Mo

Dr. Eliz Colbert

Dr. Janet Perkins

Dr. Jennifer C. Mann

Dr. Kenya Grant

Dr. Quadric Witherspoon

Dr. Syrine A. Reese-Gaines

Dr. Todd Finley

Dr. Tristan D. Hunter

Hannah Owens

Kisha Timberlake

Olivia Umphlett

Sarah Lauterbach

Taqwanda Haley

Tiffany Sessons

Supporting Educators: Professional Development and Well-being

Dr. Kelly J. Barber

Dr. Kristi Maida

Dr. Melissa Rihm Thibault

Karyn Pleasant

Mental Health Awareness in Schools: Strategies and Solutions

Caroline Chandler

Dalia Wimberly

Earnest Winston

Jessica Silon

Karina Elizabeth Lozano-Serrano

Roni Winston

Event Hosts

Dr. Deanna Townsend Smith

Dr. Rachelle Savitz

Rachelle S. Savitz is an associate professor of reading/literacy at East Carolina University. She was previously a K-12 literacy coach/interventionist and high school reading teacher. She values working with graduate students and teachers and learning with and from them. She explores the intersections of critical inquiry, culturally sustaining pedagogy, trauma-sensitive practices, and teacher self-efficacy related to disciplinary literacy and equitable literacy materials and curricula. She received the 2019 Association of Literacy Educators and Researcher’s Jerry Johns Promising Researcher Award and the 2018 Early Career Literacy Scholar Award from the American Reading Forum. Dr. Savitz spotlights the necessity of teacher collaborators in her upcoming co- edited book, Teaching the "taboo": Diverse and inclusive literature is the way, with Routledge, where teachers highlight their classroom practices. She emphasizes teacher instruction with over 15 snapshots in her upcoming book with Teachers College Press, Trauma-sensitive literacy instruction: Building student resilience in English language arts classrooms. This is an extension of Teaching Hope and Resilience for Students Experiencing Trauma: Creating Safe and Nurturing Classrooms for Learning, coauthored with Drs. Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey.

Malasia McClendon

Mapping the Movement Sponsors

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