SAN DIEGO, CA – “A Gathering of Giants” Conference on March 1-2 in San Diego brought together educational leaders to emphasize the crucial role of advocating for equity and continuous improvement within their communities of practice. Organized by California’s 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) and the Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP), the conference aimed to empower educational leaders while fostering equitable classroom environments where every child can thrive.
Central to the discussions at the conference was equity in educational environments. Workshop presenters emphasized the critical need to address disparities in education and ensure that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality learning experiences.
Keynote speaker Anthony Jackson, K-12 Design Specialist and lifelong educator, discussed the importance of challenging the environment and mindset of traditional school settings that often breed school-to-prison pipelines for students of color.
“Providing our educators with the necessary tools and knowledge is fundamental to ensuring that they can effectively nurture the potential within each and every learner while providing space for equity,” said John Resendèz, Regional Director, 21CSLA SoCal Region, and Program Director at LAEP.
“When educators are empowered, they become catalysts for positive change in the lives of their learners and in their communities of practice.”
Many districts offer limited resources to their staff, leaving educators feeling unaware of key issues that affect their students and teaching environments. According to recent statistics by The National Education Association, nearly half of teachers report that a majority of their professional learning experiences occur on in-service days or in the summer despite expressing a strong preference for face-to-face learning.
LAEP amplifies the experience of educators by providing no-cost in-person and online workshops accessible to educators within seven counties in the SoCal region. LAEP is proud to serve as the Regional Academy for 21CSLA, serving educational leaders in San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Orange, and Imperial counties.
Events like “A Gathering of Giants” play a crucial role in shaping the future of education. By investing in the professional growth and development of our educational leaders, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all students.
Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) is a nonprofit that advances educational equity. Together with families, schools, and the community, LAEP facilitates access to and opportunities for quality educational and wellness practices so that children thrive from diapers to diplomas.