BMEC: Session Descriptions

Culturally Responsive School Leadership: Nurturing Equity in Today’s Schools

Join the transformative journey of the “Culturally Responsive School Leadership: Nurturing Equity in Today’s Schools” workshop. Explore the crucial role of culturally responsive leadership in fostering inclusive school environments. Delve into four key frames of culturally responsive leadership, gaining practical insights for integration into school initiatives. Empower administrative teams to navigate cultural nuances and foster authentic leadership, driving positive change toward equity and inclusivity.

Dr. Dallas Lee 

Assistant Superintendent | Elementary School District 159

Culturally Responsive Task Analysis: Unpacking Tasks to Plan for Diverse Learners

Participants will learn how to conduct a culturally responsive task analysis in order to plan engaging, empathetic, and effective lessons for students from diverse backgrounds. Participants will learn how to plan standards-aligned lessons that are adapted to meet the various learning needs of each student in their class. Additionally, participants will learn how to apply a culturally responsive lens to understanding how to break complex tasks down or build upon complex tasks for learners with advanced and beginning knowledge of a specific concept.

Leroy Smith, M.Ed.

Founder & CEO of Realized Curriculum Solutions | Realized Curriculum Solutions

Networking for Strategic Impact

“What’s the purpose of networking?” I have heard this question repeatedly from entry-level men of color through executives. This will be an action-packed session designed to assist men of color with the introduction and alignment of the following objectives: Develop a broader and deeper knowledge with the strategy of networking, establish greater credibility and authority within the profession, and leverage networking to create faster professional advancement.

Kwame Simmons, Sr.

Founder | The Simmons Advantage

Strategic Leadership for Aspiring Black Male Teacher Leader: Leveraging the Situational Leadership Model

This session introduces Situational Leadership as a framework and coaching tool that can help tailor leadership, management, and communication to meet individual needs. Participants will get the opportunity to explore how they can leverage the Situational Leadership framework to assess given situations and adapt their coaching and management to meet the most productive outcomes.

Dr. Michael Stevens

Senior Vice President & Executive Director | City Year Washington DC

Gavin Ware 

Managing Director of External Affairs | City Year Washington DC

Advancing Your Personal Subversive Leadership Framework: Healing Through Liberation-driven Practice Implementation

This workshop addresses the taxing reality of leading within a failing system, especially for minoritized communities. After normalizing Black educators’ voices, participants craft groundbreaking and innovative leadership plans to explore radical actions to challenge damaging cultural reproduction in schooling, crucial for the mental health of leaders, particularly men of color. All interested in this topic are welcome, regardless of current leadership roles.

Latisha Chisholm, EdD, LICSW

Executive Site Director | College Track

Change the Climate of Your Classroom by Using STEM Workstations

Addressing climate change is crucial, necessitating education on causes, impacts, and solutions. Integrating STEM activities in classrooms deepens student understanding and fosters proactive involvement in sustainable solutions. Participants receive lab materials for drone-based activities, enhancing their capacity to impart this knowledge in their classrooms.

Melvin Stallings Jr

CEO & Founder | Cyber Green Group, Inc

Self-Reflection and Growth: Cracking the Code to Excellence for Black Male Educators

In a world that often casts Black men as monolithic figures of strength and stoicism, we rarely confront the emotional burden and hidden vulnerabilities we carry. This workshop delves into the transformative power of introspection and self-reflection as the key to unlocking excellence for Black male educators. Through a blend of personal narratives, research insights, and interactive exercises, we will explore the hidden cost of silence. This session is not just about surviving the storm; it’s about thriving in the midst of it. It’s an invitation to step beyond the masks and tap into the full potential of who we are as Black male educators, both in and outside the classroom.

Justin Sinclair M.Ed.

President & Founder | Epiphany Education

The Load vs. The Bag. Is This Position My Reality? 

This presentation aims to empower participants to support Black male educators in their career trajectory. It explores barriers, addresses systemic and personal biases, and offers strategies for overcoming obstacles. Practical tools include communication and conflict resolution skills. Emphasizing the value of networks and mentorship, the session inspires proactive steps for career advancement in education.

Dr. Harold McCray

Principal of MacArthur High School | District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)

Navigating Challenges: Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles Black Male Educators Face in Education

This session fosters collaboration, addressing challenges in recruitment, retention, and advancement, and systemic biases. Through collaborative learning and personal narratives, participants gain insights and tools to navigate their professional journey successfully, contributing to a more inclusive educational landscape.

Benjamin Williams, PhD

Assistant Principal of Banneker High School | District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)

Arman Lakes Ed.D.

Director of School Redesign XQ |District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)

Meeting the Mentoring Moment

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black male educators in the education system, this workshop aims to provide actionable insights and strategies for establishing and benefiting from impactful mentorship relationships. The session will delve into the key components of effective mentorship, emphasizing the symbiotic nature of mentor-mentee dynamics. Participants will gain valuable insights into how mentorship networks can serve as catalysts for professional development, leadership advancement, and the cultivation of a supportive community.

Daniel Russell

Co-Founder of Bridge the Gap | Bridge the Gap

Garrett Richardson

Co-Founder of Bridge the Gap | Bridge the Gap

Disarmed: Mindfulness for Black Educators and Students

Join us to explore mindfulness’s transformative power, benefiting educators’ and students’ well-being. Understand its principles through interactive exercises, experiencing immediate benefits like stress reduction and enhanced focus. Discover its importance in academia, supported by research showing positive effects on cognitive abilities and mental health. Gain practical strategies for classroom integration, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

Syreetta McArthur

Peace of Mind Advisor and Consultant | Peace of Mind

Reflection (is) Eternal for Action and Ownership of Professional Growth and Learning

During this session, Dr. Polson will underscore the importance of nurturing internal learning by pinpointing areas of success and growth. Acknowledging his textual influences, the session will promote self-reflection and enhanced leadership effectiveness, while also supporting teachers to enhance student outcomes. It will emphasize self-reflection, ownership of professional learning, and setting tangible, achievable goals.

Dr. Bilal Polson

Principal of Northern Parkway School | Uniondale School District

A Deep Dive into Teal and Self-Management Frameworks with Wildflower

Are you on a path to teacher leadership at your school? Do you find it challenging to navigate hierarchy? Well this session is for you! Explore Teal (a non-hierarchical way of working) and Self-Management frameworks. Leave this session with practical ways to support your teacher leadership outside of the classroom.

Maia Blankenship

Founder & Co-CEO | Black Wildflowers Fund

Simone Webster

Chief Program Officer | Black Wildflowers Fund

Becoming a [People] Matter Expert Pt.1: Self/Becoming a [People] Matter Expert Pt.2: Others

As you traverse the ladder of leadership, you begin to enter into levels where your subject matter skills matter less and your people matter skills matter more. How do we successfully pivot so that we can continually add value at each level of our journey? This instructive two-part session will help attendees adopt the kind of attitude and skills to first lead themselves in Part I and then lead others in Part II. In a world that continues to evolve as our realities do, learning how to adapt a “both/and” outlook is critical for pivoting in both work and life.

Olu Burrell

President & CEO, Spoken IV Solutions LLC | Spoken IV Solutions LLC d/b/a Olu Burrell Consulting

Navigating Identity Through Systems of Oppression: Professional Growth as a Black Male Educator and Leader

This professional development program aims to enhance emotional intelligence among Black male educators, recognizing the critical role emotional competence plays in their effectiveness and well-being within the educational landscape. Grounded in the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black male educators, this initiative offers tailored strategies to foster self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.

Jacob Waites

Principal | Center City Public Charter School

From Teacher to Teacher Leader: Identifying Leadership Competencies for School-Based Teacher and Department Leadership

This session explores the transition from teacher to teacher leader, examining essential leadership competencies for effective department and school-based leadership. Participants will identify transferable skills, strategies for cultivating leadership qualities, and practical applications to enhance their roles as influential educational leaders within their schools and departments.

Tywanna Lelsey

Director of Teacher Leadership | KIPP DC Public Schools 

LeQuan Graham

4th Grade Teacher | KIPP DC Public Schools 

Empowering Excellence: Navigating the Path of a Black Male Educator

Embark on a transformative journey of empowerment with our interactive workshop, “Empowering Excellence: Navigating the Path of a Black Male Educator.” Tailored explicitly for black male educators, this session delves into two crucial dimensions: Mentorship Matters and Building Resilience. Beyond mere insights, expect actionable strategies to amplify your career, nurture resilience, and champion positive change in education. Through engaging activities and discussions, you’ll emerge inspired and well-equipped to navigate the unique challenges and triumphs in the field of education.

Dr. Dierre Littleton

Vice President of Equity | KIPP St. Louis Public Schools

Dr. Damien Myers

President of Academics | KIPP St. Louis Public Schools