Local teacher selected to participate in online conference
A local educator has been selected to participate in an online conference. Malvern Middle School English teacher Claudine James is among a group of educators from around the country who has been invited to speak at a national summit on supporting student learning and engagement–an issue that has become particularly critical with about half of all students attending school online due to the pandemic, according to a news release.
James, who is in her 12th year of teaching at Malvern Middle School, will share how she introduced multicultural literature to her students, gave students a voice, highlighted tolerance and created an inclusive classroom community, and will suggest how to introduce culturally responsive teaching.
“The concepts of culturally responsive teaching and social emotional learning are totally different, yet I’ve found during these unprecedented times, both are interconnected in such a way that addressed together, students experience a more meaningful, engaging and focused educational experience. My presentation will highlight the connection,” James said.
She also mentioned that this is a unique time for educators and students.
“It’s been an unforgettable semester, with students and other educators quarantining, missing students for weeks on end and teaching two modes of classes. This year has truly been epic. Somehow I’ve survived. As a teacher leader, I feel compelled to share my tips for survival and information on how my students have responded with as many educators as possible,” she said.
The Power of Engagement Summit, which is taking place this week is hosted by the National University System through its Harmony, Inspire and Fundraising Academy programs.
It is fully online, and offered at no cost.
The four-day online conference will explore innovative implementation solutions from leaders in social and emotional learning, professional development partners, university partners, educators, and professionals in nonprofit fundraising. A recurring theme and area of focus will be in social and emotional learning, with sessions that include educators talking about ways to advance relationship building strategies online that support expanding racial understanding, distance learning and more.
Keynote speakers for the Power of Engagement Summit include David Adams, Sr. director for Strategy with the Urban Assembly; Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Ed.D., professor of education and psychology with the University of Southern California; and Jacqueline Jodl, Ph.D., Sr. vice president for Special Olympics.
More than 30 sessions are offered during the Power of Engagement Summit and feature education leaders and teachers representing communities from New York City to Alaska.
NUS is a leader in providing distance learning and professional development. In addition to offering a Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning, NUS offers three research-based online resources available at no cost to educators and nonprofits: Harmony, a pre-K-6 grade social and emotional learning program that has been recognized as being an effective SEL program by the national organization CASEL; Inspire, which provides research-based professional development for inspiring teaching practices; and Fundraising Academy, which provides resources and training on proven, relationship-driven fundraising principles for nonprofits, according to a news release.