Join us for a virtual conference showcasing best instructional practices for teachers and leaders interested in implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning (CRTL) in their classrooms and schools. Whether you're a CRTL expert or interested in learning more, this conference will provide ready-to-use resources for all educators passionate about equity in education.

DATE: Saturday, May 30, 2020
TIME: 8:00am-4:00pm Central time

While eradicating racism from our educational institutions seems like a daunting task, there is work that can be done within the walls of a school or classroom. Research has shown there are many teaching and professional development strategies that can lead teachers of all genders and races to treat students more equitably and maximize the learning of students who have historically been most underserved by our education system.

One study found that merely informing teachers about their stereotypes closed gaps in grading. An hour-long online tutorial for teachers has halved suspension rates for black students, after training educators on how to value students’ perspectives and view misbehavior as a learning opportunity. Another strategy is coaching teachers on how their language can unintentionally signal to students that they can’t excel (Miller, 2018, para. 21).

In order to truly close the race- and ethnicity-based opportunity and achievement gaps in education, teachers must be provided with the culturally responsive strategies, tools, and resources to ensure their classrooms maximize the learning of all students, and in particular those that have historically been most marginalized by our education system.

These culturally responsive strategies, tools, and resources are equally important for teachers who teach mostly white students. The best CRTL approaches will teach all students to be racially conscious, equity-minded, anti-bias, and anti-racist.

Until now, these resources have been few and far between. The Insight Conference aims to change that.

The Insight Conference is being led by Kansas City-area educators who have worked together all school year writing culturally responsive instructional strategies. During the Insight Conference, the capstone to the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning Master Teacher Project, these strategies and suggestions for implementation will be shared with other Kansas City educators who see responsive practices as essential to student success.

Educators who attend this conference will:

• Gain insight into four strands of cultural responsiveness:
  • Educator Growth
  • Student Support
  • Colleague Support
  • Community Connections
• Attend engaging sessions in each strand:
  • Open Mic Friday in the Classroom
  • Children’s Literacy to Improve Community and Discussion
  • The Social Discipline Window to Reflect on Classroom Management
  • Students Seeing Themselves in the Classroom
• Learn concrete steps and resources to support their future work
• Network with other Kansas City educators passionate about culturally responsive teaching and learning
• Have fun participating in activities designed to inspire laughter and reflection
  
  

Meet the cohort of master educators who will host this experience.

Name	School/District	Role	Photo
Adgers, Dianna	JC Harmon	Grade 11 ELA
Bates, Tyrone	Shawnee Mission School District	Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Bland, Shakiyya	Lawrence Public Schools	Instructional Coach/District Math Curriculum (Secondary)
Bucklew, Allison	Crossroads Academy	Instructional Coach (also teaches 4-6 graders)
Bruns, Katie	Brookside Charter	Instructional Coach (elementary)
Caffey, Christine	Hillcrest Elementary	Grade 2 teacher
Eastin, Sherry	KCPS District Office	Instructional Coach (Coordinator) 3-6
Ellis, Cornell	Ewing Marion Kauffman School	7th ELA and Instructional Coach
Farr, Danielle	University Academy Middle School	MS Science
Ferrara, Emily	Trailwoods	Kindergarten teacher
Hall, Marquis	AC Prep Lower	Grade 2 teacher
Johnson, Genee'	Hogan Preparatory Academy	8th Grade ELA
Jones, Cearra	Center High School	Precalculus, Statistics, and Algebra II
Martin, Khara	Center High School	Instructional Coach (HS)
Mitchell, Lauren	Kennedy Elementary	Grade 4
Mora, Diane	East High School	9-12th Sheltered ELA (New Americans, SLIFE, & ELLs), 11th AP English & Composition, Sophomore Advisory
Odam, Chris	KCPS District Office	Instructional Coach, coordinator
Rast, Sara	Santa Fe Trail Middle School	Grade 8 Social Studies
Rhinehardt, Tenaya	University Academy Charter	6-8 ELA
Self, Katie	Blackburn Elementary	Grade 3
Sojourner, Karen	Southeast HS	9th ELA