Conference offers ideas to faculty, staff, and students on teacher recruitment
Conference offers ideas to faculty, staff, and students on teacher recruitment
Students Jaylah Plant, left, and Skyler Harrison, right, stand with Dr. Melissa Figueroa-Douglas, Equity and Advancement Officer, and Sharif El-Mekki of the Center for Black Educator Development.
Colonial School District faculty, staff, and students had a meaningful experience while attending the Black Men in Education Convening conference held in Philadelphia in November.
The conference, which focused on the future of education, offered those who attended a chance to listen to speakers, participate in breakout sessions, and engage in a roundtable discussion with local politicians, college students, and teachers. The conference was established by advocate Sharif El-Mekki of the Center for Black Educator Development to strengthen the black teacher pipeline, according to a Philadelphia Tribune article about the event.
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students Skyler Harrison and Jaylah Plant, both of whom are considering becoming teachers, were enthusiastic and passionate about the subject matter, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I really connected with the speaker's points and had a lot of takeaways from it. Thank you again for giving me the chance to grow as a future educator and represent our school. This experience was life-changing and thank you for your support,” said Skyler, who is also participating in the high school’s PRIZE program partnership with West Chester University.
Skyler and Jaylah were two of the 12 Colonial School District representatives who attended. Teachers, a counselor, and building and central administrators also attended various sessions. This is the second year in a row that Colonial has taken part in the conference, which is in its eighth year.
From left to right are Marla Spivey, Assistant Principal at Colonial Middle School; Skyler Harrison, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student; Dr. Melissa Figueroa-Douglas, Equity and Advancement Officer; Jaylah Plant, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student; and Christopher Lashley, Assistant Principal at Colonial Middle School.
Seen here from left to right are Colleen Techtmann, Acting Director of Human Resources; Da'Rel Scott, Colonial Middle School teacher; Jaylah Plant, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student; Marla Spivey, Assistant Principal at Colonial Middle School; Elias Gable-Tripp, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School teacher; Dr. Melissa Figueroa-Douglas, Equity and Advancement Officer; Courtland Jackson, Conshohocken Elementary School teacher; Sklyer Harrison, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School student; Christopher Jackson, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School counselor; Toni Washington, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School teacher; and Christopher Lashley, Assistant Principal at Colonial Middle School.