The 2nd Annual Districts Leading with Equity conference will be held at The I Hotel and Convention Center in Champaign Illinois. School boards, administrators, and teachers will be in attendance, including program sponsor Care Solace. Keynote speakers will also be a significant part of the robust discussion and engaging meeting sessions.
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When you attend this event, you will:
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Learn about specific resources and tools to support school board members and district personnel to continually promote and enhance equity throughout their districts.
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Earn up to 6 CPDHs -
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​Click here for the CPDH evaluation form.
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Click here for the CPDH attendance form.
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Interact with Program Staff who can answer questions.
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Come and kick off the conference with a meet and greet with live entertainment on April 27 and join us the next day on April 28 for a conversation with keynote speakers Dr. Sheldon Eakins, Dr. Shawn Joseph, Dr. Jenny Gonzalez and Dr. Salome Thomas-EI.
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Thursday, 4/27/23 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Pre-conference workshops, 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Meet and Greet with live entertainment, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Registration will be open on 4/27/23, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Please mark box at checkout if you are planning to attend.
Conference Schedule:
Friday, 4/28/23 - 7:30 a.m. - Registration opens
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Continental Breakfast
8:30-10:00 - Welcome and Opening
10:00-11:00 - Breakout Sessions
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11:00-12:00 - Breakout Sessions
12:00-12:45 - Networking and Lunch
1:00-2:00 - Breakout Sessions
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2:00-2:10 - Health and Wellness Stretch
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2:10-3:00 - Community Forum and Audience Questions
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3:00 - Closing Speaker
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Schedule subject to change without notice.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Salome Thomas-EL, Ed.D
Principal EL believes that equity-focused leaders take risks, make courageous decisions, and challenge the status quo. Innovative leaders who make diversity, equity and inclusion a priority, develop and create equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of race or income level. Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal, and internationally recognized educator believes schools and districts must create a 21st century curriculum focused on critical thinking and problem solving, along with the development of social-emotional skills that enable positive relationships and connections in school. In his thought-provoking presentation, Principal EL will share how we can make improving the education we provide for students of color, low-income students, and English Language learners, a top priority. In his keynote address, Dr. EL brings a powerful combination of passion, caring, and leadership to craft a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to help teachers and administrators view their schools through an equity lens and help kids achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.
ACCOMODATIONS
Hotel reservations can be made at the Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites Champaign-Urbana. Use group code EDC to reserve your room for the Equity conference. Rooms at the hotels may be reserved at a special conference rate of $145 plus tax. This rate is valid through March 27, 2023. Rooms are limited and may fill up before March 27 cut off.
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Hotel reservations can be made at the I Hotel and Convention Center from now until April 19 cut off. Use group code BEACCONF23 to reserve your room online or by phone at 217-819-5000.
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The closest airport is Willard Airport (CMI), which is 10 minutes away from the conference. BOOK EARLY FOR BEST FARES!
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O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is 2.5 hours away.
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Champaign Amtrak station (CHM) is 10 minutes away from conference.
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Rental cars are available at Willard Airport.
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Uber and Lyft are available at Willard Airport and locally.
OTHER RESOURCES
Wearing of masks is strongly encouraged during the conference.
Please note, by registering for the 2nd Annual Districts Leading with Equity conference, you are providing consent to BEAC to use your photo in print, video, and electronic form for marketing efforts.
PROUD SPONSORS:
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The W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation
