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: - Are ALL the Children Well? - Civil Rights in Schools - Conversations with... - Culturally Responsive Education in Schools - Family Engagement Reframing Institutes - Family Table - Family Room - Thriving, Not Just Surviving - Trauma-Informed Family and Community Engagement
Beyond the Coat Drive: What do youth experiencing homelessness REALLY need?
Date of the event: May 11, 2023
Guests: Rita Perez, Jordyn Roark, Nikevia Thomas, Anthony, Conrad, Tara
Description - The webinar series “Are ALL the Children Well? 2.0” began with “Beyond the Coat Drive: What did youth experiencing homelessness REALLY need?” on May 11, 2023. By centering the voices of youth with lived experiences through a panel discussion with three SchoolHouse Connection Scholars, participants: Understood the impact of homelessness on student achievement […]
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Corner CAFE CoP #5: Building Bridges: Supporting Refugee Families and First Generation Students
Date of the event: April 17, 2023
Guests: Sloane Davidson, Jessica Grotevant-Webster, Jenny Portillo-Nacu, and Nikevia Thomas
Description - Our fifth session was “Building Bridges: Supporting Refugee Families and First Generation Students” with Jenny Portillo-Nacu and Sloane Davidson. In this webinar, we explored the challenges faced by refugee families and first-generation students and offered practical strategies to support them.
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Corner CAFE CoP #4: How might we engage families with children with special needs?
Date of the event: March 13, 2023
Guests: Chris Wolfel, Cindy Dutch, Jessica Grotevant-Webster, Nikevia Thomas, and Rene Averitt-Sansone
Description - Our fourth session was “How might we engage families with children with special needs?” with panelists Chris Wolfel, Cindy Dutch, and Rene Averitt-Sansone. In this webinar, we heard from special education leaders from Maryland and Pennsylvania.
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Corner CAFE CoP #3: Authentic Partnerships with Families
Date of the event: February 13, 2023
Guests: Jessica Grotevant Webster, Nikevia Thomas, Nancy Lopez, Yesenia Ramirez
Description - Our third session was “Authentic Partnerships with Families” with Yesenia Ramirez and Nancy Lopez. Why are home visits effective for building authentic partnerships with families? Learn about the research behind the Parent Teacher Home Visits (PTHV) model. PTHV experts shared Five Non-Negotiable Core Practices to cultivate trusting relationships between educators and families.
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Corner CAFE CoP #2: Fostering Positive, Respectful, and Empathetic Relationships
Date of the event: January 23, 2023
Guests: Brandi Taylor, Nichole Sims, Nikevia Thomas, Jessica Grotevant-Webster
Description - Our second session was “Fostering Positive, Respectful, and Empathetic Relationships” with Brandi Taylor and Nichole Sims. Discover how the tenants of restorative practices can enhance your ability to foster positive, respectful, and empathetic relationships with parents. Hear from two restorative practitioners and family community coordinators from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to explore using restorative practices to build […]
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Corner CAFE CoP #1: Next Generation Learning: Supporting 21st Century Skills Outside of School
Date of the event: December 12, 2022
Guests: Jenny Portillo, Nikevia Thomas
Description - Our first session was “Next Generation Learning: Supporting 21st Century Skills Outside of School” with Jenny Portillo-Nacu. Together we explored how educators can build family and caregiver capacity around 21st century skills and project-based learning to support their children’s education. Why do these skills matter for students? Today’s K-12 students need 21st century skills to […]
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Implementing the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework Session 1
Date of the event: August 18, 2022
Guests: John Jacobs, David Lopez, Nikevia Thomas
Description - This session was intended to introduce, review, and build shared understanding of key ideas related to equity, culture, cultural responsiveness, asset-based approaches to education, and critical consciousness. Participants developed shared meaning of educational equity and culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE), and consider their implications on approaches, practices, and systems. Central to this session was self-reflection on […]
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Implementing the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework Session 2
Date of the event: September 14, 2022
Guests: John Jacobs, David Lopez, Nikevia Thomas
Description - This session was intended to provide reflection time to participants around their understanding of key concepts introduced in Session 1 and prepare to provide the session as a trainer. Participants had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow members of the S/CDN and Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN) Technical Assistance networks from across New York state […]
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At a Breaking Point: Addressing Teacher Retention and Shortages
Date of the event: April 19, 2022
Guests: Maya Baum, Kyair Butts, Lynnette Mawhinney, Brianna Ross, Nikevia Thomas, Daryl Williams, Vanessa Williams, Tyreece Woodly
Description - School districts across the United States are experiencing a teacher shortage crisis. Qualified teachers, especially teachers of color, are leaving the profession at record rates nationwide. As part of MAEC’s Reflecting, Reimagining, Reforming Education series, we are joined by experts, organizations, and teachers to analyze the systemic factors that have been exacerbated by the COVID-pandemic […]
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Are ALL the Children Well? A Community of Practice Part Two
Date of the event: August 17, 2022
Guests: Yatisha Blythe, Kailanya Brailey, Jessica Grotevant Webster, Emilia Guevara, Lily Klam, Ian Rashleigh McNally, Nikevia Thomas
Description - In the final installment of MAEC’s four-part homeless education webinar series, we teamed with the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) for a two-day community of practice. Participants audited their policies and practices related to students experiencing homelessness and developed individualized action plans based on their findings. Part Two focused on examining homeless education needs […]
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Are ALL the Children Well? A Community of Practice Part One
Date of the event: August 16, 2022
Guests: Yatisha Blythe, Kailanya Brailey, Jessica Grotevant Webster, Emilia Guevara, Lily Klam, Ian Rashleigh McNally, Nikevia Thomas
Description - In the final installment of MAEC’s four-part homeless education webinar series, we teamed with the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) for a two-day community of practice. Participants audited their policies and practices related to students experiencing homelessness and developed individualized action plans based on their findings. Part One focused on developing a shared definition […]
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Preserving Their Dignity: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students Experiencing Homelessness
Date of the event: August 04, 2022
Guests: Kailanya Brailey, Jessica Grotevant Webster, Lily Klam, Madelyn Morrison, Michelle Nutter, Ian Rashleigh McNally, Osimiri Sprowal, Marianna Stepniak, Nikevia Thomas
Description - A recent Chapin Hall University study found that LGBTQIA+ young people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQIA+ youth. Why is this happening? What resources are available and how do we support these students? In this webinar, part of our “Are ALL the Children Well?” series, two panelists answered those questions and shared […]
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The Summer Bridge: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
Date of the event: June 30, 2022
Guests: Kailanya Brailey, Quibilia Divine, Jessica Grotevant Webster, Heather Naviasky, Ian Rashleigh McNally, Karen Rice, Nikevia Thomas
Description - Part of our “Are ALL the Children Well?” series, this webinar looks at homeless education and summer supports for students and families. We were joined by homeless education experts, an out-of-school time (OST) provider, and other service providers to define homeless education; understand the challenges and changes that have impacted students and families who experience […]
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At a Breaking Point: Addressing Teacher Retention and Shortages
Date of the event: April 19, 2022
Guests: Maya Baum, Kyair Butts, Lynnette Mawhinney, Brianna Ross, Vanessa Williams, Tyreece Woodly, and MAEC's Daryl Williams as facilitator
Description - School districts across the United States are experiencing a teacher shortage crisis. Qualified teachers, especially teachers of color, are leaving the profession at record rates nationwide. As part of MAEC’s Reflecting, Reimagining, and Reforming Education series, MAEC was joined by a panel of education scholars and practitioners to discuss the systemic factors that have been […]
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Making Sense of Data with Families
Date of the event: March 24, 2022
Guests: Dr. Kevin Gee, Dr. Patricia Satterstrom, Marianna Stepniak, Kathleen Pulupa, Mariela Puentes, Claire Ruhlman and Nikevia Thomas
Description - In this webinar, MAEC and the Cambridge Families of Color Coalition (CFCC) examine the challenges that families face in accessing and interpreting educational data. The findings shared and gained within this webinar will inform the development of MAEC’s educational data guides. When complete, these guides will connect families with the tools they need to support […]
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Planning for Family Engagement in the Charter School Life Cycle: A Toolkit for School Leaders
Date of the event: May 19, 2021
Guests: Carter Clawson, Tyrone Elliot, John Taylor, and Sally Wade
Description - The National Charter School Resource Center released a free toolkit funded by the US Department of Education: Planning for Family Engagement in the Charter School Life Cycle: A Toolkit for School Leaders. While the resource is written with charter school leaders as the intended audience, most of its contents would be useful for any school […]
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Family-School Partnerships & Financial Literacy
Date of the event: May 26, 2021
Guests: Leslie Jones and Evelyn Tolliver
Description - The past year has challenged the families we work with in countless ways, especially financially. According to a September NPR poll, “nearly half of American households faced lost jobs or pay cuts during the pandemic,” and “over half, or 54%, of those with household incomes below $100,000 reported serious financial problems.” But even in “normal” […]
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Home-School-Community Relationships Matter: The Educator’s Guide to Family Leadership
Date of the event: July 27, 2021
Guests: Bonita Allen, Sadia Batool, Young-chan Han, Dr. Jennifer Love, Barbara Scherr
Description - This webinar was an exclusive pre-release review of the forthcoming Educator’s Guide to Family Leadership developed by CAFE. The guide explored how to build parent/family leaders in the school community.
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Parents 2021: Going Beyond the Headlines, Part 1
Date of the event: February 23, 2022
Guests: Windy Lopez - Aflitto, Dr. Eyal Bergman, and Bibb Hubbard
Description - At a time when headlines often pit parents and educators against each other, Learning Heroes’ new research: Parents 2021: Going Beyond the Headlines, tells a more nuanced and hopeful story of how increased engagement and strong agreement demonstrate a desire for more robust family-school partnerships. In this webinar, we took a deep dive into Learning […]
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Post-Pandemic Preparation: Reimagining Middle School Partnerships
Date of the event: August 04, 2021
Guests: Dr. LaTasha Adams
Description - In this first webinar of the Middle School Family, School and Community Engagement Series, Dr. LaTasha Adams, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and Coordinator of Middle-Level Education Programs at Clayton State University, discussed how partnerships can be formed with middle schools and other stakeholders, including families, community partners, and businesses. Attendees explored opportunities for reimagining […]
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Reframing Adolescence & Middle School Family Engagement
Date of the event: August 18, 2021
Guests: Hadley Bachman and Marisa Gerstein Pineau, PHD
Description - Adolescence is a period of enormous opportunity and presents a critical window in which to influence long-term health, wellbeing, and educational and occupational achievement. Yet the public narrative around adolescence and the middle school years in our culture is often negative and leads to misperceptions that can create obstacles to productive policies and practices – […]
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Transforming Education Systems Through Family-School Collaboration
Date of the event: November 17, 2021
Guests: Dorie Taylor and Rebecca Winthrop
Description - The Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings Institute shared their newly released playbook on family-school engagement, featuring key findings from a global survey of 25,000 parents and 6,000 teachers and a review of more than 500 effective family engagement strategies around the world. Dorie Taylor from Remake Learning Days, also shared her perspective from […]
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Families Leading the Way
Date of the event: January 26, 2022
Guests: Sadia Batool, Sarah Holland, Matthew Hubbard, Randall MacGill, and Maria Searcy
Description - CAFE, the Family Involvement Conference (FIC), and Sarah Holland, from the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, facilitated a lively panel conversation with family leaders from Maryland and Pennsylvania. Families discussed how their children’s early learning programs, schools, and community partners have supported them on their journey to being strong advocates for their own children, as […]
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Take Good Care: Prioritizing Teacher & Student Well-Being
Date of the event: January 20, 2022
Guests: Box, Giselle Abrams, Ramona Johnson, Gabby Lubin, Jenny Portillo, Dr. Seth Shaffer, and Marianna Stepniak
Description - In this webinar, teachers and students reflected on their challenges, unmet needs, and mental wellness during COVID-19. Mental wellness and social-emotional learning experts examined how to integrate wellness into school and district culture to support students and teachers, with the goal to reimagine the future of mental wellness after COVID. This webinar featured MAEC’s new […]
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Roundtable for Reform: A Conversation Among Superintendents
Date of the event: December 09, 2021
Guests: Xavier Botana, Dr. Tamu Lucero, Dr. Maria Navarro, Dr. Damien Pattenaude, Dr. Sonja Santelises, Dr. Joshua Starr, Susan Villani, and Dr. Daryl Williams
Description - In this webinar, six current and former superintendents reimagine what it looks like when equity informs all discussions and decisions. Their roundtable discussion explored topics such as how to equitably collaborate with school boards, center student voice, and prioritize diversifying the educator workforce. This webinar draws from MAEC’s recent publications for district leaders: “Time to […]
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Exploring Family-School-Library Partnerships: A Librarian’s Guide to Engaging Families in Learning
Date of the event: December 01, 2021
Guests: Margaret Caspe, Tamela Chambers, M. Ellen Lopez, Bharat Mehra, Dorothy Stolz, and KC Williams
Description - Libraries are free and trusted institutions in nearly every community that offer a wide range of learning resources for the entire family from books and digital media to STEM workshops, homework clubs, reading circles, and adult learning classes. Family, school, and community engagement is an ongoing partnership among everyone in a child’s life, including caregivers, […]
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How to Teach Culturally Responsive Social Studies When Everything Is Controversial
Date of the event: November 10, 2021
Guests: Dr. Tiffany Mitchell-Patterson, Brianna Ross, Dr. Lawrence Paska, Dr. Daryl Williams, and Vanessa Williams
Description - At a time when it may be considered controversial to teach about the experiences and histories of diverse populations, it is more important than ever for teachers to support their students with culturally responsive pedagogy and practice. MAEC’s third segment of the Reflecting, Reimagining, and Reforming Education series focuses on how social studies teachers can […]
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Recovering from the Pandemic: The Critical Need for the Integration of SEL and MTSS in Schools
Date of the event: November 09, 2021
Guests: Anna Bowles, Pat Conner, Alicia Espinoza, Dia Jackson, Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Nikevia Thomas, and Sara Wolforth
Description - The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of isolation and stress among students, families, teachers, and school communities. Incorporating social and emotional learning (SEL) into all aspects of education through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) can help equitably address the impact of the pandemic on students’ learning and development. In this interactive webinar, the Center for Education […]
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Thriving, Not Just Surviving: How Teachers & Counselors Can Support Trans & Non-Binary Students at School
Date of the event: October 19, 2021
Guests: Shane Jensen, Sarah Kamya, Nichole Kamann Mellus, Michelle Nutter, Jill Pedroso, Sherry Scott and Marianna Stepniak
Description - What can teachers and counselors do to create and maintain positive, supportive classrooms where transgender and non-binary students can thrive? In this webinar, the third segment of MAEC’s “Thriving, Not Just Surviving” series, K-12 teachers and school counselors shared the practices, norms, and activities they bring to the classroom to support LGBTQIA+ students, especially trans […]
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Data Collection After COVID-19: What Needs to Change?
Date of the event: October 14, 2021
Guests: Dr. Kecia Addison, Dr. Kevin Gee, Dr. Jay Huguley, Kasia Razynska, and Marianna Stepniak
Description - Data collection halted during COVID-19 for many states, districts, and schools. In fall 2021, we are presented with a unique opportunity to interrogate the data we collect. What data do schools and districts need to serve all students? How can schools and districts avoid “returning to normal” with their data, which often does not tell […]
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Reimagining the Role of Families in Educational Justice
Date of the event: September 29, 2021
Guests: Dr. Ann Ishimaru and Sherri Wilson
Description - We are in the wake of multiple pandemics – from covid-19 to racism to climate injustices. Throughout the last two years, young people have continued to learn within the context of their families and communities — what have educational systems learned and how might they need to change their approach to families to address the […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: How to Build a Village – Why Partnerships Matter?
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Amanda Ensor, Sheila Jackson, and Barb Scherr
Description - We all know it takes a village or at least that’s what we have been told. However, it is often overwhelming to find a starting point for building the foundation of this village. In this session, we discussed effective practices for “building your village.” We highlighted strategies for effective partnerships, share ways to reengage your […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: Rebuilding Togetherness through Play
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Patty Stine and Dorothy Stolz
Description - The evidence of children’s predictable play behaviors is all around us. During this session we: identified the characteristics of developmentally advantageous play in each phase of childhood; developed methods to incorporate play throughout the school day; and categorized the physical, intellectual, social and emotional benefits for our students. By intentionally integrating play into our daily […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: Centering Family Voice to Create Effective Partnerships
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Karmen Rouland and Sherri Wilson
Description - This session explored effective strategies for creating meaningful home school partnerships by centering family voice. There was an opportunity to learn about strategies and resources from the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE) and the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE). During the session, parent leaders from early childhood and K-12 systems […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: Returning to School – Listening and Learning from Immigrant Parents
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Marta Droddy and Laura Gardner
Description - In this workshop, we examined the importance of parent voice and leadership in all conversations around returning to school in the Fall, including from immigrant and non-English speaking families. Part of this session included a panel of immigrant parents who will discuss what engagement practices worked during COVID-19 and what we might continue with this […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: Introduction to Language Focused-Family Engagement
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Lisa Rhodes and Lorena Mancilla
Description - This session introduced participants to the concept of language-focused family engagement. This unique approach to family engagement firmly centers on multilingual children and their families by drawing attention to language learning and development that occurs across home, community, and ECE settings. Participants learned about tools and resources from the WIDA Early Years Look What I […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: Creating Holistic Healing Communities
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Angelique Kane and Shantay McKinily
Description - Through virtual, in-person, and hybrid learning environments, educators and families have all been working to create spaces to better support all students. During this session, participants explored how the principles of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), restorative approaches, and trauma-responsive environments can be used to reform and strengthen school community. Through the lens of racial […]
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A Conversation with Students: Reimagining Education
Date of the event: September 16, 2021
Guests: Sadiq Ali, Nikevia Thomas, and Daryl Williams
Description - COVID-19 has shaken up the American educational landscape, with unprecedented school closures and a national experiment with remote learning. In April 2020, the Center for Education Equity (CEE) spoke with young people across the country to learn about the ways the pandemic affected their lives and their education. As many students now return to in-person […]
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2021 MD Family Engagement Summit: Keynote
Date of the event: August 05, 2021
Guests: Mohammed Choudhury, Daren Graves, and Dorothy Stoltz
Description - This keynote presentation engages the audience in exploring the importance of attending to issues of race in order forge authentic partnerships with our most vulnerable, yet resilient, families. We explored the ways race shapes and exacerbates school and community based inequities. We also explored the ways schools can authentically partner with families with the goal […]
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From Voices to Action: Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Families’ Responses to Pandemic and School Reopening
Date of the event: August 12, 2021
Guests: Young-chan Han, Stacy Huh, Alex Kim, Isabelle Lee, Consuela Robinson, Claire Ruhlman, and Min Woo
Description - Over the summer, MAEC’s CAFE (Collaborative Action for Family Engagement) surveyed AAPI families to hear about their experiences and thoughts about the pandemic and school reopening. What challenges did families experience during the pandemic? What are their major concerns when it comes to school reopening? What important topics should be considered as schools reopen? This […]
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Thriving, Not Just Surviving: How Administrators Can Support Trans & Non-Binary Students
Date of the event: July 27, 2021
Guests: Seth Daub, Kimbrelle Barbosa Lewis, Michelle Nutter, Michael Roth, Marianna Stepniak, and Barrett Wilkinson
Description - In MAEC’s June webinar, a panel of trans and non-binary students identified what educators and administrators can do to create and maintain positive, supportive school climates where LGBTQIA+ students can thrive. This webinar focused on a discussion with school and district administrators on the policies and practices they have implemented to support LGBTQIA+ students at […]
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Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Centering the Needs of Transgender and Non-binary Students at School
Date of the event: June 29, 2021
Guests: Preston Heldibridle, Michelle Nutter, Shiwali Patel, Marianna Stepniak, Ash, Claire, Esmée, La'Tavia, Nic, Noah, Noe'aah, and Reed
Description - As anti-trans laws clash with Pride month, trans and non-binary students need advocates at school now more than ever. Following a brief introduction of gender identity terminology, and an overview of the recent Title IX regulations, this webinar focused on a discussion with our trans and non-binary youth panelists on what educators and administrators can […]
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Good Trouble: Understanding and Supporting Youth Activism for Equity and Justice
Date of the event: May 13, 2021
Guests: Nyla Bell, Michelle Nutter, Mychaell Farmer, Jonothan Gray, Antwain (TwanDoe) Jordan, Fred Pinguel, Josh Sor, Precious Lopez, Jayda Williams, Mehreen Awan, Zachary Betz, Dr.Chuck Herring, and Dr. Sonia Rosen
Description - In this webinar, we engaged in a dialogue on the intersections of civic engagement, activism, youth development, and public schooling. In doing so, this webinar sought to: Deepen educators’ understanding of the meaning of youth activism and its potential for academic and social-emotional impact. Build the capacity of educators and education leaders to respond and […]
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Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: A Conversation with Author Hena Khan
Date of the event: May 11, 2021
Guests: Young-chan Han, Hena Khan, and Marianna Stepniak
Description - Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with children’s book author Hena Khan, author of Amina’s Voice and It’s Ramadan, Curious George! This conversation, hosted by MAEC’s Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE), included an interview with Ms. Khan, an interactive activity with the audience, and Q&A with the author.
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From Voices to Action: A Conversation with AAPI Families
Date of the event: April 28, 2021
Guests: Kevin Chhin, Stacy Huh, Dr. Ming Li, Dr. Hyeshin Park, Min Woo, Susan Shaffer, Young-chan Han, Marianna Stepniak, and Dannele Ferreras
Description - MAEC’s second webinar in the AAPI series brought together AAPI families to speak about their experiences navigating racism and bias during COVID-19. Interested in viewing the first AAPI webinar? Click here for more information.
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Engaging Families in Re-Entry Planning
Date of the event: April 21, 2021
Guests: Alexis White, Scott Elchenko,Kristen McKinney-Nash, Sheri Wilson, and Amanda Ensor
Description - In this webinar, we heard from a panel of school and district representatives form Stafford County Public Schools in Virginia and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools in Maryland. The panel discussed how they’ve engaged families in planning for the return to in-person instruction. They shared what’s worked and what hasn’t, lessons learned, and tips for those […]
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Title IX: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Date of the event: February 10, 2021
Guests: Bill Howe, Phyllis Lerner, Shiwali Patel, and Marianna Stepniak
Description - MAEC speaks with Title IX experts on the history and future of Title IX, the new regulations and their impact on responses to sexual harassment, and the nuances of navigating cultural differences under Title IX. This webinar is for PreK-12 Title IX Coordinators, administrators, and educators.
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Equitable Family Engagement, Part 3: Parent Advocacy for Equitable Policy and Practice
Date of the event: October 21, 2020
Guests: Sam Macer, Mariela Puentes, Zully Rodriguez, Bianca Scott, and Sherri Wilson
Description - In our final session in the Equitable Family Engagement Series, we held a panel discussion with parent leaders in which they discussed their advocacy work. Panelists: Bianca Scott, NAFSCE Board Member, NAFSCE PFLC Chair Zully Rodriguez, Community Activist, Parent Facilitator, and PFLC Member Sam Macer, 30-year child welfare and foster parent advocate and PTA champion.
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Equitable Family Engagement, Part 2: Engaging Immigrant Families
Date of the event: October 07, 2020
Guests: Laura Gardner, Angela Matian, Kathy Ratliffe, Sherri Wilson
Description - Katherine Ratliffe and Angela Matian from Hawaii’s Statewide Family Engagement Center, shared their work engaging Micronesian families and their online family engagement learning modules. Then Laura Gardner, Founder of Immigrant Connections, presented effective strategies to engage immigrant families developed during her 20 years in education, refugee resettlement, and social work.
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Equitable Family Engagement, Part 1: Using an Equity Lens to Enact Systemic Change
Date of the event: September 30, 2020
Guests: Daman Harris, Michelle Nutter, Karmen Rouland, and Sherri Wilson
Description - In our first session, Michelle Nutter, Senior Equity Consultant for the Center for Education Equity at MAEC, discussed her use of an “equity audit” to conduct a systemic equity and policy review to identify areas for change. Then Daman Harris, Principal at Wheaton Woods ES, shared his story of being unwilling to let this past […]
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Trauma-Informed Family and Community Engagement, Part 3
Date of the event: July 22, 2020
Guests: Luke Braughler, Kristin Carothers, Amanda Ensor, Angela McMasters, Dana Milakovic, Karmen Rouland, Seth Shaffer, Kate Wasserman, and Sherri Wilson
Description - In this webinar, the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement Center, the Statewide Family Engagement Center for Maryland and Pennsylvania, highlighted the work regarding trauma-informed family engagement practices in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Panelists representing community-based organizations, school districts, and state education agencies discussed how their respective systems are working to address trauma and to increase teacher […]
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Trauma-Informed Family and Community Engagement, Part 2
Date of the event: July 01, 2020
Guests: Rebecca Honig, Elisabetta Giomo-James, Dana Livermont, and Sherri Wilson
Description - In our second webinar, we focused on how two organizations are putting the research on trauma-informed care into practice. First, the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center shared information and takeaways from their trauma training module for educators and providers. Then, Ready4K, an evidence-based family engagement curriculum delivered via text messages, shared their tips for […]
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Trauma-Informed Family and Community Engagement: Part I
Date of the event: June 24, 2020
Guests: Angie Barfield, Rodney K. Lowery, Ardie Padilla, Amy Parks, Ashley C. Rojas, and Sherri Wilson,
Description - This webinar highlighted what ACEs are on a personal and community level, the importance of understanding the impacts of ACEs and the science behind adversity. Experts and activists from Fresno, CA’s Trauma and Resilience Network shared how their work focuses on engaging and supporting children and families in building resilience and beginning to heal the […]
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Family Engagement Reframing Institute: Session #3
Date of the event: December 16, 2020
Guests: Marisa Gerstein Pineau, and Sherri Wilson
Description - In this webinar we discussed the recommendation of framing strategies and how to put them together. Through this interactive training institute viewers learned new strategies to gain support for their family engagement programs and policies, and ultimately shift the conversation from family and community engagement being “nice to have” to being a “must have.”
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Family Engagement Reframing Institute: Session #2
Date of the event: December 09, 2020
Guests: Marisa Gerstein Pineau, and Sherri Wilson
Description - In this webinar we discussed the use of space launch to explain how engagement happens and the use of concrete examples and clear explanations to define equity. Through this interactive training institute viewers learned new strategies to gain support for their family engagement programs and policies, and ultimately shift the conversation from family and community […]
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Family Engagement Reframing Institute: Session #1
Date of the event: December 01, 2020
Guests: Karmen Rouland, Barb Scherr, Sherri Wilson, Shaun Adamec, and Marissa Gerstein Pineau
Description - In this webinar we discuss the research that is relevant to family engagement. We also talk about the concept of framing, how it works and what to avoid when using it. Through this interactive training institute viewers will learn new strategies to gain support for their family engagement programs and policies, and ultimately shift the […]
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Using Culturally Responsive Practices to Support Native American Students
Date of the event: September 29, 2020
Guests: Mandy Smoker Broaddus, Bernadette Anderson, and Loverty Erickson
Description - How can educators and administrators affirm and support Native American students in schools? In this interactive webinar, presenters discussed strategies for implementing culturally responsive policies and practices to affirm and support Native American students. This webinar also discussed teaching and climate-building strategies.
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Reaching and Teaching English Learners, Newcomer Students, and English Learners with Disabilities during the Pandemic
Date of the event: September 15, 2020
Guests: Charo Basterra, BethAnn Berliner, Gallia Kassiano, and Silvia de Ruvo and Lisa Tabaku
Description - The COVID-19 pandemic has upended schooling as we know it. As schools reopen, whether virtually, in-person, or as a hybrid approach, educators are facing new challenges. Among them are providing critical services, especially for English Learners and students with disabilities. Families that are not proficient in English also face language barriers that may impede their […]
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Return to School: Culturally Responsive Practices in Times of Adversity
Date of the event: August 26, 2020
Guests: Karmen Rouland, Vanessa Coleman, Kathleen Guarino, Alicia Espinoza, Dr. Stacey Cole, Doug Fireside, and Gwendolyn Unoko
Description - In this webinar, district and school leaders were brought together to share the latest practice and research on trauma informed practices for supporting student well-being during times of adversity. During this extended COVID response time, and with some students returning to school buildings and others remaining offcampus, this webinar featured practitioners and content experts sharing […]
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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 were joined by Bianca Scott, UPLAN Parent Leader. 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 district in […]
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COVID-19, Racism and Xenophobia: A Discussion on How and Why the Pandemic is Affecting Asian Americans
Date of the event: July 07, 2020
Guests: Jason Oliver Chang, Michelle Nutter, Fred Pinguel, Noreen Rodriguez, and Yan Yii
Description - The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately harming all people of color in the United States. For Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, one way this harm has manifested is in a rise in hate incidents. These incidents are fueled by both a long history of anti-Asian xenophobia and racism, and stigmatizing references to COVID-19 as a “Chinese […]
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Black Lives Matter at School: A Discussion with Educators on the Intersections of Activism and Pedagogy
Date of the event: June 30, 2020
Guests: Tamara Anderson, Awo Okaikor Aryee-Price, Ismael Jimenez, Denisha Jones, Ph.D., J.D., Charlie McGeehan, Erika Strauss Chavarria, and Matthew Vaughn-Smith
Description - The recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Manuel Ellis, George Floyd, and countless others have left communities across the globe outraged and in mourning. Their deaths have led to massive, global, Black Lives Matter demonstrations condemning the use of police violence against Black people. As many of us have been captivated by the […]
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A Conversation With Latinx Families/Conversaciones con Familias Latinas
Date of the event: May 19, 2020
Guests: Gina Argotti, Maria Lopez, Islas Mendoza, Jeny Morayma Oliva, Maria del Carmen Romero, Norma Vasquez, and Johanny Euseblo de Almonte
Description - The COVID-19 crisis has forced students, parents, teachers and school administrators to think about education in a different manner. As a follow up to our webinar series that featured student and teacher voices, we hear from the Latinx community disproportionately impacted by this crisis. Latinx parents discuss how the global pandemic has affected their students’ […]
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A Conversation With Teachers
Date of the event: May 05, 2020
Guests: Kyair Butts, Julie Duffee, Jade Johnson, Kathie Johnson, Heather Polonsky, Devon Robbins, and Amber Williams
Description - The COVID-19 crisis has forced teachers to implement distance learning plans overnight. As a follow up to our Conversation with Students that featured voices nationwide from Portland (ME and OR) to Los Angeles, we heard from practitioners about how the global pandemic has impacted their practice. We learned: what resources are available for all students, how teachers are […]
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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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A Conversation With Students: How COVID-19 is Affecting their Educational Experience
Date of the event: April 14, 2020
Guests: 9 Students from all over the US
Description - A national education conversation has gotten underway on the impact of COVID-19 on student learning and how schools and districts are responding to this crisis. In this conversation we heard from the students themselves. Whereas educators from across the nation are focusing their efforts on providing an alternative learning experience to students via distance and […]
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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.
