TUESDAY , APRIL 9 Concurrent Session 1 : 6:00 - 6:50 p . m . ET
Leave Room : Lifestyle Changes for Acceptance in the Culturally Responsive Community In the realm of education , the establishment of an inclusive and welcoming environment is paramount to fostering a sense of belonging among diverse learning communities . “ Leave Room ” explores the pivotal role played by a universal language of acceptance in shaping and nurturing a culture where individuals feel valued , respected , and empowered within educational settings .
Objectives :
1 . Recognize why establishing a universal language of acceptance is important in learning communities and how it positively impacts stakeholders .
2 . Identify what the universal language of acceptance looks and sounds like , and how to integrate it into the classroom culture .
3 . Discuss the impact that the universal language of acceptance has on positive system-wide change .
Intended Audience : PK-12 faculty , administrators , and support staff Emphasis : Institutional and instructional strategies for creating belonging Presenter :
Brandie Page , EdD , is a Literacy Specialist in the Hatboro-Horsham School District in Pennsylvania . She recently defended her dissertation at Gwynedd Mercy University , which focused on elementarylevel social-emotional learning recovery in the post-pandemic setting . Brandie currently holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Temple University , an M . Ed . from Lincoln University , and a second M . Ed . from Holy Family University with a focus in Reading Specialty . Dr . Page has , in past years , served on the Equity Cadre within her district . She has also led districtwide professional development for inclusive practices . Dr . Page is currently the educational lead for Hatboro-Horsham ’ s “ Equity Through Belonging ” professional committee . Dr . Page is an educator of nearly a decade who has sought out opportunities to advocate for and empower students and educators to cultivate a voice of positive change , foster growth and deepen the culture of a systemwide community . HE staff
Don ’ t Put Me in a Box : Unboxing to Cultivate Belonging in the Classroom
This presentation will take a look at what culturally responsive educators do to make sure all students feel a sense of belonging . The presentation will explain what it means to belong and what it feels like to have an individual sense of belonging . We will touch on how bias may cause educators to make assumptions and place students in boxes , which then creates a barrier for belonging in the classroom . Additionally , we will learn about the four types of belonging . Participants will use this information to discuss ways to cultivate belonging in the classroom , schoolwide belonging , and belonging in extracurricular activities / clubs / sports . Lastly , the presentation will go over the research- based benefits of belonging in the classroom . It will also examine how one ’ s emotional intelligence leads to making others feel like they belong . Participants will leave with strategies and tips on to how to cultivate belonging in the classroom .