Professional Development Committee Events

2021

The past couple of years have required us all to reset, revise, and strategize.   The Educator Programs/ Professional Development Committee created 2 virtual forums, where we shared consistently successful, holistic instructional practices that educators can activate immediately.

On February 24, 2021 we conducted our first virtual event, “A CONVENING OF EDUCATORS: Reactivating our Resilience”.

Juan Colon provided the context for our current state of urgency with relevant NYC statistical data.  He elaborated on how pre-existing school challenges were further complicated by school shutdowns, for many Central Brooklyn districts especially.

Majida Abdul-Karim presented viewers with a “SANKOFA STORY”, reflecting on our long history of resistance, perseverance, and self-sufficiency.  Lessons from our past that can help guide us into the future.

The next portion of the convening focused on the theories and practices of Culturally Responsive Education and Social-Emotional Learning.  Dr. Cluny Lavache enlightened participants with a summary of her doctoral thesis “Understanding the Academic Achievement of African American Scholars: An Intrinsic Case Study of an Urban High School”, from an asset-based perspective.  Dr. Stacey Haley expanded our understanding and applications of Social Emotional Learning to include educators, as well as students.  Sam Adewumi gave viewers an inside look into the Culturally Responsive Educational practices integrated in his academic enrichment program, CAS Prep.  NuAuMu DeGrant shared her favorite rigorous, culturally affirming and engaging literary tools she has used with her students over decades, to balance the pervasive Eurocentric perspective in schools’ history curriculums.  

Last but not least, Imani Fischer coordinated the “STUDENT VOICES” segments where high school students provided educators with advice on what keeps them engaged and excited to learn during these distracting times.

Our second virtual event “CRE CASE STUDY: Decades later” took place on June 10, 2021 and showcased a panel of educators that attended Culturally Responsive schools during their own formative years.  Former (Ronald Edmonds 113 & Banneker) students shared their reflections on being taught in a CRE environment, how it impacted their personal development, as well as their current pedagogical practices.  The former administrators at these respective schools were also in attendance and were able to speak to the structural decisions, challenges, and solutions that went into intentionally creating a CRE school environment.

The goal of this panel was to encourage current educators to implement and maintain CRE practices, by sharing the positive long-term, holistic impact culturally responsive instruction and affirming environments have on students.