Summer Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice Ending Violence in PreK鈥16 Schools

Virtual Conference 鈥 June 24-26, 2024

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Summer Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice (SIEEJ) 2024 Theme: Ending Violence in PreK-16 Schools

This year's听theme, "Ending Violence in PreK鈥16 Schools,鈥 reflects the comprehensive and collaborative approach required to address school
violence effectively. SIEEJ 2024听aims to explore innovative strategies, evidence-based solutions, and the importance of solidarity in creating safer schools.

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Overview
Schedule
Speakers
Theme & Committee
Resources

About SIEEJ 2024 Ending Violence in PreK鈥16 Schools

The annual 91制片厂 School of Education Summer Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice (SIEEJ) convenes local and national educators and education advocates to highlight new practices and strategies for addressing the educational needs of Black, Brown, and indigenous students. The Institute aims to bring together educators, students, researchers, policymakers, law enforcement officials, mental health experts, and community leaders to explore innovative strategies, evidence-based solutions, and the importance of solidarity in creating safer schools.

Who Should Attend:

PreK-16 educators, mental health professionals, counselors, psychologists, social workers, legislators, education advocates, parents, students, school board members, and those at community-based organizations will find this low-cost, high-impact conference useful.听

Please email questions at equityandjustice@american.edu.

SIEEJ 2024 Schedule of Events

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Monday, June 24
11:00 a.m. 鈥 5:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. 鈥 11:45 a.m.
Co-Dean鈥檚 Welcome Address
Speakers: Dr. Rodney Hopson and Dr. Corbin Campbell, Acting Co-Deans, 91制片厂 School of Education

Co-Deans will provide an conference overview and introduce the SIEEJ Planning Committee

12 Noon 鈥 1:15 p.m.
Opening Keynote Address
Speaker: Dr. Sophia Rodriguez, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership

2:00 p.m. 鈥 3:30 p.m.
Session Title: Parental Involvement in School Safety听
Moderator: TBD
Panelists: Kirk Keys, Coach, The Creative School; David J. Venable, Community Activist and Minister, Washington, DC;听Dr. Keisha Woods, Special Education Administrator, District of Columbia Public Schools; Janatus Barnett, Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams

In today's world, understanding and addressing the issue of gun violence is of paramount importance. Communities across the nation are affected by the far-reaching consequences of gun violence, and parents play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. The primary objective of this panel is to provide parents with a comprehensive understanding of gun violence, its causes, impacts, and potential prevention strategies. By attending this panel, parents can gain the knowledge and resources needed to engage in meaningful conversations with their children and work towards a safer future for all children.

3:45 p.m. 鈥 5:00 p.m.
Session Title: A Legislative Approach to School Violence Through the Lens of Public Policy
Moderator:听Dr. Kathryn Wiley, Assistant Professor, Howard University
Panelists: Dr. Jacque Patterson, At-Large Representative, DC State Board of Education;听Brandon Best, DC Ward 6 Representative, DC State Board of Education; Dr. Sonali Rajan, Associate Professor and Senior Associate Director of Research, Edmund W. Gordon Institute for Urban and Minority Education, Teachers College, Columbia University; Dr. Zahra Ladhani, Lead Clinical Research Specialist, University of Maryland School of Medicine National Center for School Mental Health

School violence is a pressing concern that affects communities, students, and educators across the nation. This legislative panel on school violence brings together experts and policymakers to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at developing evidence-based policies and strategies to create safer school environments. This legislative panel serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to come together, share expertise, and develop legislative solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and schools.

Tuesday, June 25
9:15 a.m. 鈥 6:00 p.m.

9:15 a.m. 鈥 9:30 a.m.
Smooth Jazz at Breakfast

9:30 a.m. 鈥 9:45 a.m.
Opening Comments
Speakers: Dr. Rodney Hopson and Dr. Corbin Campbell, Acting Co-Deans, 91制片厂 School of Education

9:45 a.m. 鈥 10:50 a.m.
Session Title: PreK-12 Educational Leaders on School Safety and Gun Violence听
Moderator: Dr. Jared Clemons, Assistant Professor, Temple University
Panelists: Dr. Aaron Griffen, Chief Equity Officer, Denver Public Schools; Kevin Smith, Principal, Charleston County Public Schools; Carey Stewart, Instructor, Virginia Tech University; Christopher Stewart, Principal, Montgomery County Public Schools; Kryszelda Mendonza, Founding School Director, Aurora Science and Technology High School; Jamal McGee, Assistant Principal, Union County Public Schools; Carol Bauer, Vice President, Virginia Education Association

School leaders play a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of students and staff within their educational communities. The issue of gun violence in schools remains a pressing concern, necessitating an informed and proactive response from school leaders. This panel discussion assembles experienced school leaders to share their perspectives, strategies, and recommendations for addressing school gun violence by fostering a culture of safety while teaching and learning occurs.

11:00 a.m. 鈥 12:15 p.m.
Morning Keynote Speaker and Q&A:听Dr. Nathaniel Bryan, Associate Professor, The University of Texas at Austin College of Education

12:45 p.m. 鈥 1:50 p.m.
Session Title: Media, Race, and Gun Violence听
Moderator: Dr. Robert Shand, Assistant Professor, 91制片厂
Panelists: Dr. Breahannah Hilaire, Assistant Professor, Stetson University; Dr. Laurie O. Campbell, Associate Professor, University of Central Florida; Dr. Cassandra Howard, Director of Living Well, University of Central Florida; Dr. Viki P. Kelchner, Associate Professor, University of Central Florida; Dr. Eric D. Laguardia, Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Washington

This panel examines a study on the characteristics of school shootings and investigates the relationship between perpetrators鈥 race and how shootings are reported by the media. Utilizing data from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, panelists will highlight differences by race in the characteristics of school shootings and media reporting of school shootings. Inaccurate and incomplete portrayals of school gun violence in data repositories and the media may lead to public perceptions and policy responses that do not adequately address root causes of violence. In addition, these inaccurate depictions shroud the reality of gun violence in K-12 schools. Accurate information regarding the circumstances of gun violence in schools is a necessary component of preventing future violence.

2:00 p.m. 鈥 3:05 p.m.
Session Title: Police, Mental Health Practitioners, and Safety Professionals on School Violence听
Moderator:听Dr. Christopher N. Smith, Instructor,听South University
Confirmed Panelists: Christopher Faircloth, Director of Emergency Management, The George Washington University; Officer Willie Ruffin, Richmond Public Schools; Jessica Gilbert, College and Career Counselor, Alexandria City High School, VA; William Esswein, College and Career Counselor, Alexandria City High School, VA

PreK-12 schools and university campuses serve as hubs of learning, growth, and community for students and faculty. In an era marked by concerns about school violence, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within the academic environment is a top priority. This panel discussion convenes experienced professionals from university campus safety, mental health departments, and police departments to share their expertise, insights, strategies and best practices for addressing school violence on university campuses while upholding the core principles and values of education, safety and security.

3:15 p.m. 鈥 4:20 p.m.
Session Title: Teachers on the Frontlines Against School Violence听
Moderator: Zoe Roff, Middle School Teacher, Charleston County Public Schools
Confirmed Panelists: Angel Miles, Math Teacher, District of Columbia Public Schools; Bishop St. Clair Walker, History Teacher,听The Field School; Allen Baugh, Doctoral Student, 91制片厂 School of Education; Jason Collazo, Teacher, Quander Road School; Eddie Vanderhorst, Social Studies Teacher, Manor Independent School District

PreK-12 educators are at the forefront of efforts to create safe and nurturing learning environments for students. PreK-12 teachers play a pivotal role in shaping school culture, fostering positive relationships, and preventing school violence. This panel discussion brings together dedicated PreK-12 school teachers to share their perspectives, strategies, and recommendations for addressing school violence and promoting safer schools. This PreK-12 panel provides a vital platform for educators to exchange knowledge, share effective practices, and collectively work towards safer and more inclusive learning environments for all students.

5:00听p.m. 鈥 6:00 p.m.
Fireside Chat
Moderator: Dr. Phelton Moss, Senior Professorial Lecturer, American University's School of Education
Guest Speaker: Gregory N. Jackson Jr., Deputy Director, The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Wednesday, June 26
12:45 p.m. 鈥 7:00 p.m.

12:45 p.m. 鈥 1:00 p.m.
Co-Dean鈥檚 Closing Remarks
Speakers: Dr. Rodney Hopson and Dr. Corbin Campbell, Acting Co-Deans, 91制片厂 School of Education

SOE Acting Co-Deans will give closing remarks about the SIEEJ Conference.

1:00 p.m. 鈥 2:15 p.m.
Session Title: Legal Advocacy for Safer Schools听
Moderator: Professor Lia Epperson, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, 91制片厂 Washington College of Law

Panelists: Geovanny E. Martinez, Executive Director and Senior Lecturing Fellow, Duke University Center on Law, Race, and Policy; TiffanyAnn Goodson, Vice President of Recruitment, JP Morgan Chase and Company; Herman Griffin, Chief Executive Office, Griffin Law PLLC

School violence remains a critical concern affecting educational institutions across the nation, prompting the need for a multifaceted response that includes legal perspectives. The University School of Law Professors and Practitioners Panel on School Violence brings together esteemed legal scholars and professors to share their expertise, insights, and research findings pertaining to school violence and its legal dimensions. Addressing school violence demands a holistic approach, and legal perspectives play a crucial role in shaping policies, protecting rights, and promoting safety within educational institutions. This panel aims to examine the legal implications, challenges, and policy considerations surrounding school violence, contributing to a deeper understanding of the issue.

2:45 p.m. 鈥 3:50 p.m.
Session Title: High School Students Voices Against Violence听
Moderator: Dr. Niani Smith, Social Worker, District of Columbia Public Schools
Panelists: James Libresco, Student, Alexandria City Public Schools; Chloe Yokitis, Student, Alexandria City Public Schools; Brycen Vanderhorst, Student, Austin Independent School District; Jayden Sample, Student, York Preparatory School

In response to the growing concern surrounding school violence, this dynamic and engaging panel discussion will be led by students, for students. This student driven panel aims to foster open dialogue, share experiences, voice concerns, express thoughts and explore collaborative solutions to address the multifaceted issue of school violence within our communities. By allowing students to speak openly, we hope to create an environment where everyone feels heard and understood. The panel will delve into the root causes of school violence, including bullying, mental health challenges, societal influences, and the impact of digital communication. High school students are encouraged to attend, as this panel is a platform for collective dialogue and action. By involving student bodies, we aim to create a united front against school violence and foster a sense of responsibility for the well-being of our communities.

5:00 p.m. 鈥 7:00 p.m. (Offered HYBRID Online and In-Person)
The Dr. Edmund Gordon Distinguished Lecture and Q&A
Speaker: Dr. Bettina Love, William F. Russell Distinguished Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University

Reception following the lecture.

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SIEEJ Speakers

DPhoto of Dr. Nathaniel Bryanr. Nathaniel Bryan

Dr. Nathaniel听Bryan is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin College of Education. His areas of interest听are early childhood education policy and practice, gender issues in early childhood education, conceptions of children, urban literacy education, diversity, equity and social justice in early childhood, and qualitative research.

His most recent听, co-edited with Daniella Ann Cook,听is titled Critical Race Theory and Classroom Practice听(discount code: AFLY01). He is also author of the book听Toward a BlackBoyCrit Pedagogy: Black Boys, Male Teachers, and Literacy Early Childhood Classroom Practices听and has numerous published book chapters and forthcoming texts and has听been published in听Journal of School Leadership,听91制片厂 Journal of Play,听Urban Review,听Urban Education,听Equity and Excellence in Education,听Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education, and more.


DPhoto of Dr. Corbin Campbellr. Corbin Campbell

Dr. Corbin Campbell is Acting Co-Dean and Professor in the School of Education. Her research, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and the National Academy of Education, examines three interrelated streams: college teaching in diverse institutional contexts, assessments of higher education quality, and the organizational environments that support faculty in thriving in their careers. Prior to coming to 91制片厂, Campbell was Associate Professor in the Higher and Postsecondary Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Campbell鈥檚 research has been published in several top-tier journals, such as the Journal of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, Review of Higher Education, and Teachers College Record. Her work has been highlighted in news venues听such as Inside Higher Education, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and the New York Times.听
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LLia Eppersonia Epperson

Lia Epperson, Professor of Law at 91制片厂 Washington College of Law, is a nationally recognized expert in the areas of constitutional law, civil rights, and education policy. Published in leading journals, her scholarship centers on the constitutional dialogue between federal courts and the political branches, and its implications for educational equity.听From 2014-2018, Epperson served as Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs at the law school. In 2018, she was awarded an Institute for Advanced Studies fellowship with the Collegium de Lyon in Lyon, France, working with scholars at the University of Lyon and from around the world on issues of constitutional law. Among other international engagements, she has served as a visiting professor and lecturer at University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, and National University of Ireland in Galway. Epperson has appeared on news outlets including CNN, NBC News, and C-SPAN.



Photo of Gregory Neal JacksonGregory Neal Jackson

Gregory Neal Jackson is听a survivor of gun violence. In 2013, he was shot in Washington, DC. Since that pivotal experience, he has听been working tirelessly to address gun violence through local community engagement and policy advocacy at the Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF), a group that addresses the intersection of gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform in urban communities of color. CJAF utilizes evidence-based research, data, and analytics to drive the conversation around injustices, especially those that disproportionately affect communities of color.

He also听serves as a Special Assistant to President Joseph Biden and Deputy Director of the White House Office on Gun Violence Prevention and is calling for bold changes to unrig the rules of democracy and open the door to progress for the gun violence prevention community. He has taken on the fight for DC听statehood to allow the more than 700,000 mostly Black and Brown residents of the nation鈥檚 capital an equal say in America and shares his powerful story on the lecture curcuit nationwide.
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DDr. Bettina L. Lover. Bettina L. Love

Dr. Bettina L. Love holds the prestigious William F. Russell Professorship at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller听鈥淧unished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal.鈥听In 2022, the Kennedy Center recognized Love as one of the Next 50 Leaders dedicated to making the world more inspired, inclusive, and compassionate.听As a co-founder of the Abolitionist Teaching Network (ATN), Love actively contributes to its mission of nurturing and empowering teachers and parents who are committed to fighting injustice within their educational institutions and communities.


DDr. Rodney Hopsonr. Rodney Hopson

Rodney Hopson, PhD, is an accomplished scholar, academic leader and thought partner who serves as Acting Co-Dean and Professor in 91制片厂's School of Education. Most recently, Hopson served as Professor of Evaluation in the Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education, with appointments in the Department of Educational Policy and Organizational Leadership and the Center of African Studies at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. As part of the inaugural University of Illinois System Distinguished Faculty Recruitment Program, Hopson served as catalyst in re-envisioning the Evaluation unit in the department, developing externally funded partnerships with and for PhD students, and leading assistant professor development efforts.


DDr. Sophia Rodriguezr. Sophia Rodriguez

Sophia Rodriguez is an Associate Professor in Urban Education at the University of Maryland, College Park, and an incoming Associate Professor of Educational Policy Studies at NYU.听Her interdisciplinary scholarship,听drawing听on tools from听education, anthropology, and sociology,听asks questions about the social and cultural contexts of education policy and practice. Her integrated research agenda addresses issues related to racial equity, urban education, leadership, and policy, and centralizes minoritized youth voices. Her current longitudinal projects, funded by the Spencer and W.T. Grant Foundations (2019-2027), utilize mixed-methods and ethnographic designs听to investigate how community-school partnerships, teachers, leaders, and critical school-based personnel promote equity and advocate for immigrant youth.听Her scholarly work has appeared in听Anthropology & Education Quarterly,听AERA Open,听Educational Policy,听Educational Researcher,听Teachers College Record听and听Urban Education, and published in the听Washington Post.听In 2022, she was named a William T. Grant Scholar to conduct a five-year study about how schools manage the welcome of newcomer immigrant youth and leverage partnerships to foster inclusion. She recently founded and directs the听ImmigrantEdNext听Research Lab, a public-facing research hub that involves mentoring doctoral students in multiple projects about how districts, schools, community-based organizations can create spaces of belonging for immigrant youth. As a first-generation college student and PhD, she values mentoring as part of her collaborative approach to research. She was awarded a mentoring grant from the W.T. Grant foundation to support junior researchers of color in this effort. For her scholarly work to date, Rodriguez received the Early Career Award for Division G (Social Contexts of Education) in the 91制片厂 Educational Research Association.听

Dear Esteemed Attendees,

Welcome to the 91制片厂 Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice! It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you participating in this year's virtual conference. This year, our conference theme is "Ending Violence in PreK-16 Schools," a topic of utmost importance and urgency in today's educational landscape. As educators, administrators, researchers, policymakers, and advocates, we all share a collective responsibility to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all students.

Violence in schools not only threatens the physical safety and well-being of students and staff but also undermines the very foundations of equitable and just education. It perpetuates inequalities, fosters fear and trauma, and hinders students' ability to learn and thrive. Throughout this conference, we will engage in meaningful dialogue, share innovative practices, and collaborate on solutions to end violence in PreK-16 schools. We will hear from leading experts and practitioners in the field, participate in virtual keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel sessions and discussions, and learn from each other's experiences and insights. We also welcome you to our in-person Distinguished Edmund Gordon Lecture, featuring Dr. Bettina Love, New York Bestselling author of and .

I encourage you to fully engage in the sessions, connect with fellow attendees, and take advantage of the valuable learning and networking opportunities available to you. Together, let us inspire change, foster resilience, and build a brighter future for all students. Thank you for joining us at the 91制片厂 Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice. Let's embark on this journey together, united in our mission to end violence in PreK-16 schools and create a better world for generations to come.

Warm regards,

Dr. Antonio L. Ellis听
Director,听Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice

2024 SIEEJ Planning Committee

The SIEEJ Planning Committees's key purpose is to coordinate the success of the SIEEJ Virtual Conference.

  • Bonnie Berry 鈥 Conference Partnerships and Logistics
  • Lumumba Dunduza 鈥 Digital听Marketing and Registration
  • Jaquial Durham 鈥 General Support and Partnerships
  • Dr. Antonio Ellis 鈥 Conference Director and Scholar in Residence
  • Mark Forsberg 鈥 Conference Registration and Logistics
  • SOE Acting Co-Dean Dr. Rodney Hopson听鈥 Conference Chair
  • Leslie A. Jones 鈥 Conference Speakers
  • Jason Pier 鈥 Marketing
  • Brittany Rockwell - Graphic Design

Conference Resources

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Check back for resources related to SIEEJ 2024 often!

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Early Bird Special
Ends June 1.
Registration Now!

Questions? Please email us听at equityandjustice@american.edu.

SIEEJ in the Media

Diverse: Issues In Higher Education covers听the听2022听Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice (SIEEJ) in its article听91制片厂's Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice to be Three-Day Virtual Event Centered on Antiracism.

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