The School of Education at SUNY New Paltz will hold the 23rd annual Multicultural Education Conference, Friday, Nov. 17, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Student Union Building on the New Paltz campus.
This year’s conference theme is “Fostering Safety, Respect and Equity in Our Schools: Promoting Educational Justice.” Conversations will focus on devising innovative responses to instances of discrimination in our schools and our society writ large.
The Multicultural Education Conference plays a key role in the continuing professional development of teachers in the Hudson Valley and beyond. It brings together educators, students, parents and community members to gather fresh insights and make connections with others who are working to create equitable schools that enable all young people to achieve.
This year’s program will feature a keynote address from teacher, activist and author Jesse Hagopian, on the topic of educating for social justice. Hagopian is an editor with Rethinking Schools magazine and a recipient of the 2013 “Secondary School Teacher of Year” award and the Special Achievement “Courageous Leadership” award from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences.
The conference will also offer a cultural arts performance by Playback Theatre, which uses improvisational theatre based on audience members’ personal stories to explore ideas for building a climate of respect and safety for all.
More than 15 workshops will be offered, on subjects including “Local Youth Activism for Human Rights,” “Creating Welcoming Schools for LGBTQ Students,” and “Easing the Way for Newcomer Multilingual Learners in High School.”
The deadline for registration is Nov. 1. For registration information, contact Christine Waldo-Klinger at conferencing@newpaltz.edu or call (845) 257-3033. Tickets cost $45 for adults and $10 for students. K-12 educators may register online. Lunch is included in the fee.
For program information contact Nancy Schniedewind, professor of Humanistic/Multicultural Education, at (845) 257-2827, or by email at schniedn@newpaltz.edu.
