Three Questions: Our Conversations with Educational Leaders
This month, we’re pleased to feature Dr. Constance Evelyn, WOCEC executive coach. For more than three decades, Dr. Evelyn has represented the interests of public education at the local, state, and national levels. Her transformative executive leadership is focused on promoting equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all children, and it undergirds her reputation both in New York State, where she served as a superintendent for 10 years, and nationally. In her roles as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, she promoted support for educators, closed opportunity gaps, and saw dramatic increases in student achievement. Here are three questions for Dr. Evelyn.
What exciting innovations are you seeing in schools and districts around improved student achievement?
Public school districts are doubling down on their endeavors to create more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environments that can help all students achieve their full potential. In an effort to build on the technology skills that teachers and students developed during the pandemic, many districts are extending personalized learning approaches that further individualize educational experiences for students. This often involves the use of adaptive learning software and digital learning platforms, to provide customized lessons and assessments.
School districts are also continuing to nurture existing partnerships and forming new alliances with local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to provide students with internships, mentorships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
SEL continues to be important for school staff and students. What is something a school or district is doing to ensure that wellness and well-being are addressed and improved?
Learning is a social behavior. Recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence and mental health is an important first step in developing relevant and relational teaching and learning environments. Many districts are incorporating SEL into their curricula utilizing programs such as the RULER Approach and helping teachers strengthen the overall relationships in their classrooms using Responsive Classroom strategies. As a result, students and educators are more empathic and resilient, both of which are crucial for academic success in the classroom.
Finally, what should be top of mind for school principals as they prepare for the next school year?
America is facing a serious teacher shortage. The recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators that are representative of individual schools’ student demographics has become a formidable challenge. Principals must be vigilant in explicitly supporting teachers from “hire to retire” through professional development focused on increasing high yielding instructional practices. This targeted effort is an essential ingredient in creating a positive, respectful, and collaborative school culture where teachers feel valued and can further professionalize their work.
Join Us for the First Annual WOCEC National Conference!
We’re excited to invite you to the inaugural WOCEC National Conference, taking place from October 10-12 at the Westin Georgetown in Washington, DC.
Keynote speakers:
- Elizabeth Leiba: An accomplished author and college professor with over ten years of experience in American literature, creative and professional writing, and anti-racism/DEI education. As the founder of Black History & Culture Academy, she develops self-paced courses on African and African-American history and literature, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Michelle Singletary: A renowned syndicated columnist and author. Her award-winning column, “The Color of Money,” is featured in numerous newspapers nationwide. She is also a frequent NPR contributor and the author of four books, including “What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide” and “The 21 Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom.”
- Suzanne Anderson: An executive coach, facilitator and organizational analyst to boards and senior leadership at colleges as well as nonprofits, government agencies, public schools, charter schools, the National Education Association, and corporations. Suzanne has been responsible for designing, executing, and creating coaching programs for leaders. She has enjoyed being the core instructor and coach for a leadership development international program for women of color superintendents and education leaders in creating self-care, well-being, and resiliency for themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
- More speakers will be announced over the coming weeks!
Conference Highlights:
- Engaging sessions with a variety of speakers.
- Activities designed to enhance leadership skills and capacity.
- Opportunities to foster healing and healthiness and build strong bonds among participants.
We look forward to seeing you this October in DC!
Unlock Your Access to the WOCEC by Becoming a Member
Did you know there are several ways to join the WOCEC? Click below for more info.
Fostering Social and Emotional Learning
As the school year begins, integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the classroom is vital. Educators can foster a supportive environment by practicing active listening, encouraging student collaboration, and incorporating mindfulness activities. Emphasizing empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation helps students build strong interpersonal skills, enhancing both academic performance and overall well-being. Here are few upcoming events that may provide professional learning opportunities to enhance practice:
- The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is holding the SEL Exchange, November 12-14 in Chicago. Register here.
- BlackSEL is hosting Black SEL Summit 2024, September 26-27 in Durham, NC. Register here.
New resources continue to emerge to support our SEL work:
- Facing History and Ourselves, 28 Social-Emotional Learning Activities for the Classroom
- Wallace Foundation, Navigating SEL from the Inside Out