As we began our school reopening process, we knew that this was the moment not to return to the status quo; but begin to reimagine our school systems. Reimagining is deeper than day to day activity, it is about making sure each and every student feels seen and heard in their classroom setting. It is about cultural responsiveness, and inclusivity. This moment of evolution is about meeting the individual needs of each of our nation’s students and investing in their success.

That is why the U.S. Department of Education is excited to announce the first of our Equity Summit Series. This first installment will take place virtually on June 22, 2021. This summit will feature panel discussions focused on best practices for building an equitable environment in our schools, and remarks from individuals who are working to make those equitable schools a reality.

The first installment of the Equity Summit Series will feature:

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten

Pedro Noguera, Dean, USC Rossier School of Education

Baruti Kafele, former principal from Newark, NJ

Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Rosemarie Eller, Board President, White Plains Public Schools

Melito Ramirez, Intervention Specialist, Walla Walla High School, Walla Walla, WA and 2021 RISE Award Winner

Olivia Carter, School Counselor, Jefferson Elementary School, Cape Girardeau, MO and 2021 School Counselor of the Year

Alejandro Diasgranados, Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Teacher, Aiton Elementary School and 2021 Washington, D.C. Teacher of the Year

Additional details will be announced soon.

Registrations are closed

Building Equitable Learning Environments in Our Schools