Attending the AISNE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference

Professional Development (PD) is important in order to stay engaged in the world of education, to force yourself to think more deeply about topics you might otherwise overlook, and to be exposed to best practices that you can then bring back to students. Throughout my career, I have strived to consistently evaluate new ideas and perspectives in order to create lesson plans that best meet the needs of my students. I search for PD opportunities that help me to do just that. 

In October, a few colleagues and I had the opportunity to travel to the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference. Joined by fellow teachers and administrators from schools across the Northeast, we were welcomed on the first day by the keynote speaker, Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad, who spoke of the need for joy to be a central component of culturally responsive education. On that first day, Dr. Muhammad challenged us to envision a form of education where we as teachers honored the genius in all of our students, strived for justice in our classrooms, and prioritized joy in the learning process. These three goals, genius, justice,and joy, set the stage for the rest of the conference. 

In addition to Dr. Muhammad, breakout sessions throughout the first and second day offered many options for those in attendance to choose from. Workshops on embracing neurodiversity in the classroom, cultivating a culture of anti-racism, dismantling transphobia, and using meditation as a DEI practice, along with others, led to conversations and moments of reflection on how best to support all students. It was a gathering together of like minded people; a supportive community to ask questions, share stories, and build connections with other educators across New England. This conference highlighted the importance of listening to others, considering alternative perspectives, and building bridges of empathy as ways to create a school where students learn best, a school where every single student comes to find joy.