Thursday Breakout Sessions

Thursday Breakout Sessions

Thursday, June 18

9:40–10:30 AM Breakout Sessions

The Seven Silent Barriers: What Disrupts Connection and Communication
and How to Remove It

Presenter: Prof. Rico McCoy Burton
A fast‑paced session that shows how perception shapes our reality and influences our
interactions and relationships, with practical strategies to reflect, reframe, and reset when
assumptions lead us off track.

Strand: Educator Leadership and Growth

Knowledge is Power: Teaching for Instructional Equity

Presenter: Dr. Joyce Jamerson
Liberated living starts with dreaming big and building motivation, skills, & knowledge. Close
literacy gaps with strategic moves and resource audits on cultural depth, knowledge building,
and differentiation to develop skilled readers and leaders!

Strand: Culturally Responsive Practices that Advances Academic Achievement

Early Identification, Intervention, and Equity: Addressing the Urgent Need for Holistic Support for Young Black Boys

Presenter: Comel Belin, PhD
This presentation examines the urgent need for early identification and intervention for young
Black boys in schools. It explores how behavioral concerns are often misinterpreted, leading to
exclusionary discipline and delayed access to supports.

Strand: Culturally Responsive Practices that Advances Academic Achievement

Building Resilience in Schools: Practical Mental Health Strategies for Teachers and Students

Presenter: Cedric Collins
This presentation provides practical mental health strategies to support the well-being of
teachers and students. Participants will explore techniques for stress management, resilience
building, mindfulness, and creating supportive school environments. The session emphasizes
proactive approaches that promote emotional wellness, improve communication, and strengthen
academic and social success across school communities.

Strand: Community and Family Partnerships

10:40–11:30 AM Breakout Sessions

From Classroom Practice to Instructional Leadership: How Aspiring Leaders Influence Teaching and Learning

Presenter: Dr. Pamela Chandler
Strong leadership begins with strong teaching. This session explores how educators build
leadership influence through effective instructional practices that increase student engagement,
strengthen collaboration, and support schoolwide improvement.

Strand: Teach to Lead Passages

Together We Rise—The Power of Afrocentric Playlists in Classrooms

Presenter: Alisa Johnson, M.Ed
This presentation explores the value of integrating Afrocentric playlists in the classroom to
cultivate an inclusive, high engagement learning environment that encourages students to rise,
engage critically with lyrics and explore Black excellence.

Strand: Culturally Responsive Practices that Advances Academic Achievement

Regulated Adults, Regulated Classrooms: The Missing Link in Student Behavior

Presenter: Kylah Seabrooks
Create safe, supportive classrooms by strengthening adult regulation. Learn trauma-informed
and restorative strategies to de-escalate behavior, support student well-being, and build a
positive, resilient classroom culture.

Strand: Safety, Health, and Wellness

Rooted in Brilliance: Cultivating Culturally Responsive Classrooms from Early Learning to Leadership

Presenter: Janet Wright-Moore
Start early. Start rooted. Start right. This high-energy session centers culturally responsive
practice as the foundation for excellence. Affirm identity, nurture brilliance, and ensure Black
children and all children thrive from the start.

Strand: Early Learning Foundations

1:30–2:20 PM Breakout Sessions

Literacy as Liberation: Culturally Responsive Literacy for Adolescent Success

Presenter: Dr. Lynn Daniel
Empower adolescent learners with culturally responsive literacy strategies grounded in research
and real classroom practice. Learn high‑impact approaches that build language, affirm identity,
and expand access to academic success.

Strand: Culturally Responsive Practices that Advances Academic Achievement

Investing in Their Future

Presenter: Donna Dempsey
Explore how investing using the Stock Market Game builds critical thinking, teamwork, and
financial literacy. Learn to engage students with real-world investing using ready-to-use
resources—no investing experience needed.

Strand: Cultivating Student Gifts and Talents

Beyond the Classroom: Building Community-Centered Schools That Empower Black Students

Presenter: Jermaine Shakespeare
Explore how schools can become community-centered hubs that empower Black students.
Learn practical strategies for family engagement, mentorship, and partnerships that support
student success beyond the classroom.

Strand: Community and Family Partnerships

To Be Seen is To Be Valued

Presenter: Anahi Montelongo Nevarez

Explore the power of Black and Brown solidarity, community, and belonging in education through personal reflection and meaningful dialogue. Participants will examine how culturally affirming relationships, mutual support, and inclusive learning environments help students recognize their potential, thrive academically, and feel empowered within their communities.

Strand: Cultivating Student Gifts and Talents

2:30–3:30 PM Breakout Sessions

Early Learning Collaborative
Presented in Partnership with First Things First

The Early Learning Collaborative is a featured session at the 2026 Annual designed to bring
together PreK–3rd grade educators for meaningful collaborative discussions focused on
strengthening support for young learners during their foundational years.
Facilitated by Dr. Evandra Catherine, researcher and professor at Arizona State University, and
Jevin Hodge, President of Booker T. Washington Child Development & Family Services, this
interactive session will include PreK–3rd grade educators and partners from across Arizona
engaging in collaborative conversations focused on supporting students with diverse
experiences, learning needs, and levels of readiness.
As students begin state testing in 3rd grade, the session is designed to strengthen collaboration
across the early learning continuum and support long-term student success through stronger
instructional, developmental, and family partnerships.
This featured session is intended to elevate educator voice, foster meaningful collaboration, and
help establish an ongoing cohort of educators committed to continued partnership throughout
the school year.

Gifted Education Table Talks — Equity, Advocacy, and Access
Featured Session | Presented in Partnership with Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented (AAGT)

Led by Jessica Zimmerman, AAGT president, this featured interactive session
brings educators, administrators, specialists, counselors, and advocates together for
collaborative table talk discussions focused on advancing equitable gifted education practices
across Arizona schools.
Participants will explore critical issues impacting gifted and advanced learners, including
equitable identification and access, support for multilingual and English Learner students,
twice-exceptional (2e) learners, culturally responsive practices, and systemic barriers that often
prevent underserved students from fully participating in gifted programming and advanced
learning opportunities.
Through facilitated discussions and shared problem-solving, attendees will reflect on current
challenges, examine policy and practice implications, and help identify strategies to strengthen
advocacy, collaboration, and student-centered support systems for gifted learners from diverse
backgrounds.
Designed to move beyond conversation toward action, this session will also help inform future
collaboration and continued dialogue focused on expanding equity, access, and excellence in
gifted education across Arizona.

Dreamscape Learn Experience

Led by Richard Yarbough

Step into the future of education through an immersive Dreamscape Learn experience designed
to reimagine student engagement, innovation, and access in learning. Participants will explore
how virtual reality and experiential learning are transforming classrooms by allowing students to
journey inside scientific concepts, historical settings, and interactive environments that bring
learning to life.
Attendees will gain insight into how immersive technology can increase student engagement,
expand access to innovative learning opportunities, and inspire students to see themselves as
explorers, creators, and problem-solvers.
This experience reflects the Summit’s commitment to innovation, equity, and expanding what is
possible for students and schools

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