The COVID-19 pandemic and the global Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests have made 2020 a profoundly remarkable moment in US history. Through a variety of webinar formats and topics, MAEC is exploring how folks are navigating these unprecedented times. We invite you to join us in conversations, presentations, panel discussions, and Q&As. We will hear from students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members as they share their stories – our stories. Together, we hope to offer a broadened perspective, useful information, and wisdom for school leaders and educators to apply moving forward. Topics and Mini-series: - Civic Engagement in Schools - Civil Rights in Schools - Conversations with... - Culturally Responsive Education in Schools - The Family Table - Family Room
Upcoming Events
July 30th - Family Leadership and Advocacy in School Reopening Decisions
Learn about how families can make their voices heard and strategies to work with their school teams to make reopening plans successful.
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Family Voices in School Reopenings
Date of the event: August 06, 2020
Guests: Bianca Scott, Dr. Seth Shaffer and Mariela Puentes
Description - In this webinar we welcomed Bianca Scott, UPLAN Parent Leader, to the Family Table. United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN) is a national network of families who come together to inform educational policies and programs across the United States. Bianca discussed her advocacy journey, work with UPLAN, and her transition from working with a school […]
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Family Leadership and Advocacy in School Reopening Decisions
Date of the event: July 30, 2020
Guests: Maya Martin Cadogan, Nicole Johnson-Douglas, Dr. Karmen Rouland, and Mariela Puentes
Description - In this webinar we were joined by Maya Martin Cadogan, Founder and Executive Director of DC PAVE, and PAVE Parent, Nicole Johnson-Douglas. DC PAVE is an organization dedicated to involving children and families in crafting a vision for education in DC. Our guests discussed how families can partner with leaders in creating school reopening plans […]
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How Are We Going to Reopen Schools?
Date of the event: July 23, 2020
Guests: Steven Hicks, Pam Smith, Dr. Seth Shaffer, and Mariela Puentes
Description - In this webinar we were joined by Steven Hicks, Assistant State Superintendent for the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood Development and Pam Smith, Acting Executive Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Our guests discussed their plans for the physical safety and well-being of students, teachers, staff, and families. They […]
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STEM: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Date of the event: July 16, 2020
Guests: Dr. Chris Williams, Dr. Seth Shaffer, and Mariela Puentes
Description - In this webinar Dr. Chris Williams from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, helped us reflect on how history and STEM practices and principles can be integrated every day. This webinar also featured the Question Corner with child psychologist, Dr. Seth Shaffer*, and education expert, Mariela Puentes.
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Full Steam Ahead to Summer!
Date of the event: July 09, 2020
Guests: Alecia Gabriel, Dr. Seth Shaffer and Mariela Puentes
Description - In this webinar we welcomed Alecia Gabriel from Motor City S.T.E.A.M., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art, Mathematics)-related educational programs and opportunities for minority and underprivileged students. Alecia Gabriel shared ways that families can have fun with science and math this summer by using everyday objects and materials. This webinar […]
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Healing through Art
Date of the event: June 25, 2020
Guests: Aselin Flowers,Dr. Kristin Carothers and Dr. Seth Shaffer
Description - In this webinar we were joined by Aselin Flowers from ArtReach at George Washington University, an organization that aspires to be a cornerstone for community engagement through visual art-based work. We tapped into our creative side through a live demonstration of mixed-media journaling facilitated by Aselin Flores. Also, in the Question Corner, child psychologists Dr. […]
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Play is Powerful: Playing with Everyday Materials
Date of the event: June 18, 2020
Guests: Patty Stine, Dr. Seth Shaffer, Dr. Karmen Rouland, and Mariela Puentes
Description - In this webinar we were joined by Patty Stine from Pure Play Every Day, a nonprofit organization that helps families cultivate unstructured, undirected free play as a way to develop problem-solving and emotional regulation skills. We accessed our inner children through a free play demo with instructive commentary from Patty Stine. Participants came away from […]
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Continuing the Conversation: Talking about Race and Social Justice with Children
Date of the event: June 11, 2020
Guests: Christine Platt, Dr. Kristin Carothers and Dr. Seth Shaffer
Description - In this webinar we were joined by Christine Platt, literacy advocate and passionate activist for social justice and policy reform. Ms. Platt read and discussed her children’s book, Trailblazers: Martin Luther King Jr. In the Question Corner, child psychologists Dr. Kristin Carothers and Dr. Seth Shaffer discussed age appropriate conversations to have with your children […]
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How Do We Talk to Kids About Race and Racism?
Date of the event: June 04, 2020
Guests: Dr. Carla Easter, Dr. Seth Shaffer, Dr. Karmen Rouland and Mariela Puentes
Description - The alarming events over the past weeks have raised a critical question for parents: how do we talk to kids about race and racism? This week on the Family Room we unpack this complex issue so you can help your child process what is going on. We were joined again by NIH’s Dr. Carla Easter, […]
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Learning Labs
Date of the event: May 28, 2020
Guests: Ann Caspari (NASM), Dr. Seth Shaffer, and Mariela Puentes
Description - This webinar featured Ann Caspari from the National Air and Space Museum who brought to life the museum’s Flights of Fancy and demonstrated how their Learning Labs can be recreated at home. The webinar continued with the Question Corner with child psychologist Dr. Seth Shaffer and education expert Mariela Puentes.
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Exploring Your Genes
Date of the event: May 21, 2020
Guests: Carla Easter, Dr. Seth Shaffer and Mariela Puentes
Description - This webinar featured Carla Easter on Exploring Your Genes and discussed how to explore the human genome with your family members. The webinar continued with the Question Corner with child psychologist Dr. Seth Shaffer and education expert Mariela Puentes.
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Maintaining Healthy Relationships
Date of the event: May 14, 2020
Guests: MJ, Dr. Seth Shaffer, and Mariela Puentes
Description - This webinar features segments by MJ from Little Friends for Peace, and the Question Corner with child psychologist Dr. Seth Shaffer and education expert Mariela Puentes. We discussed ways to build peace in your family, how to be kind to one another, and ways to solve problems without fighting.
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Parenting Resiliency During COVID-19
Date of the event: May 07, 2020
Guests: Dr. Seth Shaffer
Description - Dr. Seth Shaffer, a child psychologist, joined us to address the concerns that parents and families are feeling during these unprecedented, COVID-19 times.
