The Collaborative for Educational Services (CES) will host the first annual Transforming Education for Social Justice conference on October 15th, 2016, at Holyoke Community College.
A goal of this conference is to connect and grow a local network of committed educators, students, and community members focusing on social justice and equity issues. Over the past few years, CES has been joining in this work. The organization is currently hosting a Social Justice and Equity in Schools professional learning community (PLC), and has been providing professional development for educators and administrators on social justice issues in education.
“Social justice and equity work equips educators and administrators with new insight into how discrimination and oppression impact young people in schools. The conference creates a space for important thinking and nurtures the skills needed to begin transforming schools into places where young people feel pride, connection, and a passion for learning,” said Safire DeJong, conference organizer. “These issues require the thinking, skill, and partnerships of a network of committed educators across the region to reduce the existing equity and opportunity gaps.”
The conference includes keynote speakers Pa’lante, a youth group from Holyoke High School, who will share their experiences as Restorative Justice Peer leaders. Morning and afternoon sessions will feature educators both from and outside Pioneer Valley, as well as youth-led panels; who will focus on examining the specific regional challenges that young people face in our education system, and promising practices for creating change. To learn more, visit
https://www.collaborative.org/events-and-courses/transforming-education-social-justice
