The first annual Educator Summit hosted by the CSU Center to Close the Opportunity Gap brought together hundreds of TK-12 educators and higher education faculty for a day focused on engaging teachers across the state. The virtual event sought to address teaching through and beyond the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic. Featuring Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings as the keynote speaker and punctuated by EdTalks from California distinguished teachers, the event included breakout sessions which addressed practical strategies for post-pandemic learning recovery, culturally responsive pedagogy, innovative pedagogies, and mental health/trauma-informed practices.
Dr. Ladson-Billings' keynote presentation, Post Pandemics: Educating for Equitable, Deep Learning explored "how the pandemic gives us the opportunity to imagine and fight for a new and better world for our students and that it is time for a 'hard reset' to avoid returning to 'normal,'" shares Dr. Nat Hansuvadha, a member of the summit’s planning team. "Dr. Ladson-Billings calls for culturally relevant pedagogy, which focuses on academic achievement/student learning, cultural competence, and socio-political/critical consciousness," said Dr. Hansuvadha.
Distinguished California teachers of the year, Kate Rowley and Marlene Carter delivered two EdTalks. Summit planning team member Dr. Cara Richards-Tutor shared, "[these] inspirational talks focused on building relationships with families and anti-racist teaching. These talks provided reflection, practical tips, and encouragement for school professionals returning to the classrooms."
The next CSU Center to Close the Opportunity Gap Educator Summit will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022. We hope to see you there.