Ten Teachers to Attend PoCC in December

This year's People of Color Conference (PoCC), hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), will explore the theme: Voices for Equity and Justice Now and in Every Generation: Lead, Learn, Rededicate, and Deliver. Not only is the speaker lineup impressive, but Lowell's Director of Primary School Jason Novak returns as an affinity group facilitator, and Kindergarten Teacher Tasha Jackson-Jones and 2nd Grade Teachers April Greene and Kristin Peck will lead a workshop entitled: "Yes You Can! Bringing Equity, Justice, and Action to Our Youngest Generation."

In addition to offering workshops and affinity group discussions, PoCC attracts thought leaders to speak on a variety of issues. This year's speakers include American Civil Rights advocate, Kimberlé Crenshaw; director of research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, Dalia Mogahed; author, educator, and civic entrepreneur, Eric Liu. This year's keynote speaker, DeRay Mckesson, is an organizer, activist, educator, and a leader in confronting systems and structures leading to the mass incarceration and police killings of black and other minority populations.

Workshops at PoCC range from Data Use in Activism to Organizational Development and Institutional Change. Tasha, April, and Kristin are a part of the Racial and Social Justice Activism track. In their workshop, participants will look at concepts and strategies to turn identity and social justice teaching into action, so young students develop a keen understanding of who they are and regularly engage in noticing and accepting the differences of others.

Reflecting on her experience at PoCC last year, Kristin Peck shared, "It was both reassuring to see how much we do at Lowell and to know that we have laid a solid foundation to move ourselves even further along in our work around equity and inclusion." Kristin, Jason, Tasha, and April will be accompanied by Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Initiatives Michelle Belton, Director of Pre-Primary School Stefania Rubino, Pre-Primary Teacher Drew Spriggs, K-3 Reading Specialist Jamie Weng, PP-5 School Counselor Jolana Roberts, and 5th Grade Teacher Brian Stark. No doubt, this group is preparing for a transformative experience.