2023 MINORITY LEADERSHIP TRAINING (MLT) CONFERENCE
November 3-5, 2023 Orange Beach, Alabama #AEAMLT23 #myAEA
WELCOME TO ORANGE BEACH!
Dr. Susan Williams Brown AEA President
Theron Stokes
AEA Associate Executive Director
Amy Marlowe
AEA Executive Director
Dr. Pamela Fossett
AEA Education Policy & Professional Practice Manager
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Friday, November 3 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Registration • Main Lobby 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. First General Session • SALONS ABCD Dr. Susan Williams Brown, AEA President, presiding Greetings Dr. Susan Williams Brown, President Alabama Education Association Amy Marlowe, Executive Director Alabama Education Association Theron Stokes, Association Executive Director Alabama Education Association Keynote Speaker Pete Key, Author and Growth Development Specialist 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. MLT Reception • Grand Reef
Saturday, November 4 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Breakfast • Grand Reef 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Registration • Main Lobby CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop: Inspiring Social Justice, Equity, and Understanding the Plight of Urban America Salon D Developing Cultural Identity Sand Castle I Fostering Success for English Learners Sand Castle II Leadership Lessons Salon E Let’s Connect Instructional Planning to Classroom Observations! Sand Dollar Ozobots! An Exciting Way to Integrate Computer Science in the Classroom Salon FGH SEL for ESPs Salon ABC 10:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. Valuing Diversity Order in the House with Parliamentary Procedure The ESP Why Literacy Matters: An Overview of the Alabama Literacy Act
Sand Castle I Sand Castle II Salon E Sand Dollar
Saturday, November 4 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS (Continued) 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. AI 101: Empowering Educators with AI Knowledge What Goes Unspoken: Taking DEI Beyond Just Race
Salon FGH Salon ABC
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Second General Session • Salon ABCD Dr. Susan Williams Brown, AEA President, presiding Mock Delegate Assembly Introduction of Keynote Speaker Dr. Susan Williams Brown, President Alabama Education Association Keynote Speaker Krystal Hardy Allen CEO, K. Allen Consulting MLT Prizes 1:30 p.m. MLT Luncheon • Grand Reef 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PEEHIP Wellness Screening • Sand Castle I & II
MOCK DELEGATE ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS Paid Internships for Student Educators AEA will seek legislation to ensure all education students enrolled in public and private colleges and/or universities are paid during their field experience and/or internships. Lower Class Size for Special Education Classrooms AEA will support legislation to lower the current recommended class size for the special education self-contained classroom, to a maximum of eight to 10 students, with a minimum staff ratio of one staff per four students. Furthermore, additional staff may be required after evaluation of the severity of the students’ individual needs. Virtual Public Schools Enrollment AEA believes open enrollment statewide in virtual public schools is a threat to local school system funding. Virtual schools should have a limited enrollment period at the beginning of each school year. Censorship AEA stands in opposition to banning books in public schools. Sub-Time Compensation AEA will seek legislation to require all educators to be compensated at a minimum of $50 per hour for covering additional classes and duties during their planning, preparation time, or regular duties. Use Green Flag to Speak in Favor of the Question.
Use Red Flag to Speak in Opposition of the Question.
Use Yellow Flag to ask a Question.
Sunday, November 5 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 7:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Breakfast • Grand Reef CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Recruiting and Retaining Black Male Educators Sand Castle II Taking a Stand: Creating Safer Schools for LGBTQ+ Students (2-hour session) Sand Castle I AI for ESPs Salon ABC Hidden Treasures: Discovering Old and New Books Salon D Let’s Be C.L.E.A.R.! Sand Dollar Ozobots! An Exciting Way to Integrate Computer Science in the Classroom Salon FGH 9:35 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. Assertiveness: Getting What You Want the Right Way Taking a Stand: Creating Safer Schools for LGBTQ+ Students The Impact of NBCTs in the Classroom Leading Change Creating Change Through Social Justice Mastering AI Tools for Educations: Making AI Work for You
Sand Castle II Sand Castle I Salon ABC Salon D Sand Dollar Salon FGH
Sunday, November 5 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 10:40 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Third General Session • Salon ABCD Dr. Susan Williams Brown, AEA President, presiding NEA Showcase MLT Prizes
Session Descriptors Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Inspiring Social Justice, Equity, and Understanding the Plight of Urban America Presenters: Anthony “Tony” Sanders, Principal, Greensboro Middle School; Dr. Chasity Green, Curriculum/Instructional Coach, Greensboro Middle School Hip-Hop turned 50 years old this year and hip-hop heads everywhere are celebrating in full effect! If you are a hip-hop head or just love this genre of music, you probably can state at least five songs that make your head bob with just the thought of them. Our favorite hip-hop tunes can make us get up out of our seats and “bust a move”. However, many of them can also lead us to contemplate the role that this genre of music has played in inspiring social justice, advancing equity among different groups of people, and assisting in understanding some of the unfortunate situations many urban Americans have endured. We have been inspired by “wordsmithing” talents of lyrical geniuses like Queen Latifah, Nas, or Tupac, to name a few. Songs by these artists and more have played a role in movements across the United States of America and beyond. In this session, we will discuss how Hip Hop has affected so many of us and how Hip Hop lyricists have made our lives richer by sharing stories, highlighting experiences, and helping those who listen have an opportunity to understand the plight of Urban America.
Developing Cultural Identity Presenters: Hugo Jackson & Vivian Davis, NEA Diversity Cadre Our values, beliefs, and self-concept, most of which are developed at a very early age, affect the way we think, behave, and make assumptions about people who are different from us. Learn how the absence of information—the silent teacher—can contribute to assumptions, even bigotry, about the status and basic rights of people who are different. Fostering Success for English Learners Presenter: Dr. Michael Franklin, Educator, Jefferson County Schools In this session, participants will explore best practices and instructional strategies for supporting English Learners in various school settings. Legal issues will be discussed as well. Participants will also engage in role-playing scenarios that will put them in the shoes of EL students. Leadership Lessons Presenters: Dr. Jimmy Shaw, Superintendent, Florence City Schools; Pete Key, Author & Growth Development Strategist This engaging session invites participants to explore their leadership journeys and offers a unique opportunity for reflection. Participants will delve into real-life leadership experiences, anecdotes, and lessons learned from seasoned leaders. They will also gain fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to enhance their leadership skills and empower them to lead with authenticity and inspiration. Let’s Connect Instructional Planning to Classroom Observations! Presenters: Telena Madison, Education Administrator & Sonya Mocks, Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Learning Section, Alabama State Department of Education Making connections between the Alabama Core Teaching Standards (ACTS) and the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT) doesn’t have to be a chore. If you are a classroom teacher, participate in this session to discover how you can use the standards to plan high-quality lessons and what your administrator is looking for when they walk in your classroom for an observation.
Ozobots! An Exciting Way to Integrate Computer Science in the Classroom! Presenter: Dr. Stephen Walker, Alabama Technology in Motion Specialist, Region 8, Alabama State Department of Education Looking for a groovy way to get your students excited about Computer Science (Computational Thinking) integration? Come join Alabama Technology in Motion Specialist Dr. Stephen Walker for an introductory and hands-on journey into Ozobots! Ozobots are small smart robots that are programmable through drawn lines and color codes or through the easy-to-use OzoBlockly block-based coding editor. With the stroke of a marker, crayon, or colored pencil students draw color codes that the Ozobots respond to. By experimenting with different combinations of these codes, students control the movement and trajectory of their robots — all while learning the fundamentals of coding. We will also explore the free Ozobot Classroom website which gives educators access to thousands of ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies lessons already created for Ozobot Computer Science integration into the curriculum and classroom! Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for ESPs Presenter: Dr. Willie Shelby, Administrator, Bullock County Schools Discover the transformative power of social-emotional learning (SEL) in the daily roles of education support professionals! This engaging session is tailored to empower those who play some of the most vital roles in education. ESPs are invited to come and learn how SEL can enhance their interactions and boost morale. They will gain practical skills and insights to continue making a lasting impact on their school communities. Literacy Matters: An Overview of the Alabama Literacy Act Presenter: Traci Hosea, Regional Literacy Leadership Specialist, Region 10, Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) This session will provide information pertaining to the Alabama Literacy Act (ALA), the science of reading, and training opportunities for instructional leaders. Instructional leaders from the superintendent, to other district leaders, to the school level must understand the Alabama Literacy Act because, ultimately, these are the persons responsible for implementation. Please join me for more information about the ALA.
Valuing Diversity Presenters: Hugo Jackson & Vivian Davis, NEA Diversity Cadre How do you respond to the diversity issue? Are you better at discussing or reacting to some dimensions of diversity than others, for instance, race vs. sexual orientation? Although you may quickly react when offended by things others say or do, do you recognize when and how you offend others? Order in the House with Parliamentary Procedure Presenter: Richard Melvin, NEA Minority Leadership Training Cadre Whether a seasoned leader or new to the world of governance, the session will equip participants with essential tools and strategies for the effective use of parliamentary procedure. Knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, maintain order, and ensure that everyone’s voice is respected and heard in a productive and professional manner will be shared. The ESP Why Presenter: Pete Key, Author & Growth Development Strategist In this session, Education Support Professionals (ESP) will reflect on the “why” behind their work, their passion for supporting student success, and the impact they have on the school community. Their presentation will shed light on the invaluable contributions of ESP and the deep sense of purpose that drives their commitment to educational excellence. AI 101: Empowering Educators with AI Knowledge Presenter: Dr. Robert Mayben, Alabama Technology in Motion Specialist, Region 4, Alabama State Department of Education Join Alabama Technology in Motion (ATiM) for an engaging and informative session designed specifically for educators to demystify the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this session, participants will gain a fundamental understanding of AI concepts, explore its impact on education, and learn practical ways to integrate AI into education. Whether you’re a tech-savvy educator or just starting your AI journey, this session will provide valuable insights and resources to empower you and your students for the AI-driven future.
What Goes Unspoken: Taking DEI Beyond Just Race Presenter: Krystal Hardy Allen, Founder & CEO of K. Allen Consulting Within this session, educators and leaders will learn how to concretely center DEI grounded in race, mental health, gender, neurodivergence, socioeconomic background, age, and more within both practices and policies, as well as how to do the interpersonal work of becoming a self-aware and equity-focused leader. With this guidance and the resources provided within this session, you’ll learn how to ensure that you creating and maintaining a transformative, inclusive, and equitable environment for both children and adults. Recruiting and Retaining Black Male Educators Presenter: Dr. Willie Shelby, Administrator, Bullock County Schools Join us for an insightful presentation on the importance of diversity in the teaching profession, especially the presence of Black males in the classroom. Students can’t be who they can’t see. We will explore practical approaches to attract and keep talented Black male educators in our classrooms and schools. Taking a Stand: Creating Safer Schools for LGBTQ+ Students Presenters: Toni Smith & Diane Schneider, NEA LGBTQ+ Training Cadre This introductory module guides educators to create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ students. By identifying key contributors to safe spaces and common barriers, educators are able to develop action plans to support LGBTQ+ students in their school settings. AI for ESPs Presenter: Dr. LaShannon Hollinger, Academic and Information Technology Specialist, Faulkner University In this interactive session, education support professionals (ESPs) will be introduced to artificial intelligence (AI). They will explore suggestions and methods for integrating AI into their various school settings and experiment with various AI tools.
Hidden Treasures: Discovering Old and New Books Presenter: Crystal Sharp, Educator, Blount County Schools This session will provide educators with an opportunity to explore the freedom of reading. They will discuss ways they promote reading in their school settings and how they approach book challenges. Educators will also share how books have shown them new perspectives and experiences. Let’s be C.L.E.A.R.! Presenters: Telena Madison, Education Administrator; Sonya Mocks, Professional Learning Specialist & Bernita Mosley, Professional Learning Specialist; Professional Learning Section; Alabama State Department of Education You have completed a classroom observation using the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT). Now what? In this session, instructional leaders will examine the ATOT Dimensions - Culture, Learning, Essentials, Agency, and Relationships - to discover how to provide purposeful formative feedback to help teachers develop their instructional practices. Creating Change Through Social Justice Presenters: Hugo Jackson & Vivian Davis, NEA Diversity Cadre In this session, participants will explore the concept of social justice. They will also engage in interactive discussions about the connection between social justice issues and education issues that impact students and educators. Leading Change: A Deep Dive into John Kotter’s Eight-Stage Change Process Presenter: Anthony “Tony” Sanders, Principal, Greensboro Middle School This session will focus on the book Leading Change by John Kotter, Professor of Leadership, Emeritus, Harvard Business School. School leaders will leave the session with a better understanding of how to become change agents and who to recruit to help promote positive change.
The Impact of NBCTs in the Classroom Presenters: Merri Gardunia, NBCT, Madison County Schools & Angela Smith, NBCT, Birmingham City Schools Come to this session to explore the unique contributions of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and how these exceptional educators impact student achievement. Participants will be provided with data specific to Alabama’s NBC status and learn why achieving National Board Certification is a professionally and personally rewarding experience. Assertiveness: Getting What You Want the Right Way Presenters: Richard Melvin & Vashti Mallory, NEA Minority Leadership Training Cadre In this session, participants will learn to differentiate among passive, assertive, and aggressive behaviors. Insights and tools to enhance the ability to communicate confidently will be shared. Mastering AI Tools for Education: Making AI Work for You Presenters: Dr. Robert Mayben, Alabama Technology in Motion Specialist, Region 4, Alabama State Department of Education In this engaging session, educators will embark on a journey to master AI tools tailored for education while learning how to effectively harness them to “Make AI Work for You.” Join ATiM to explore practical AI solutions designed to empower educators in their quest to create dynamic and personalized learning experiences. Discover innovative ways to integrate AI tools into your teaching methods, streamline administrative tasks, and engage students like never before. From personalized learning to classroom efficiency, this session equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to unlock the full potential of AI in education, putting you in control of your AI-powered classroom.
Acknowledgements Special thanks and appreciation to: National Education Association (NEA) Center for Racial and Social Justice Center for Organizing Center for Great Public Schools Center for Advocacy and Outreach Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement (CAPE) Teacher Quality and Education Policy and Practice Alabama State Department of Education Conference presenters, facilitators, and AEA staff for continued support of the AEA Minority Leadership Training Program. The Minority Leadership Training Conference is presented by the Education Policy and Professional Practice Department of the Alabama Education Association. Dr. Pamela Fossett, Manager Katie Stuart, Director
MLT Exhibitors Alabama Education Retirees Association (AERA) Anita Gibson anitagretired@gmail.com www.aerainc.org Be U Stem Las Kennedy www.BeU-STEM.com Courageous Expectations Consulting Dr. Alfred & Mrs. Jessie Brinkley alfredbrinkley2@yahoo.com Collateral Educator Services Laura Feeback lfeeback@servingeducators.com servingeducators.com NEA Member Benefits Glenda Jones gjones@neamb.com www.neamb.com U R Fashions Ernestine Thomas landegirls@yahoo.com