Spotlight on Equity Education, April 2024 Issue

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Our April issue of Spotlight on Equity Education features details on how everyone can participate in the 2024 ACPS Equity Conference on May 18 and information for educators who are pursuing or interested in the Culturally Responsive Teaching credential.

9th Annual ACPS Equity Conference & Awards Luncheon

Join us for the 9th annual ACPS Equity Conference, where we will celebrate the transformative work of Albemarle County Public Schools educators in fostering culturally responsive teaching practices. This year’s event promises to be a dynamic gathering of educators, students, families, and community members committed to advancing equity in education.

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Journey Middle School
Website: onelove-acps.com

At this year’s conference, we will honor over 100 ACPS educators who have completed the Culturally Responsive Teaching credentialing process. In addition to insightful presentations and panel discussions led by Culturally Responsive Educators, we are excited to feature student presentations and a keynote address by Mr. Sly Mata, Director of Diversity Education at the University of Virginia’s Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Highlights
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching Credential Recognition: Over 100 educators will be recognized for their commitment to culturally responsive teaching practices.
  • Student Presentations: Engage with student voices and perspectives on equity and inclusion in education.
  • Keynote Address: Gain inspiration from Mr. Sly Mata’s expertise in diversity education and equity initiatives.
  • Awards Ceremony: Celebrate the dedication and achievements of educators who have made significant contributions to equity in education.
Registration Information

Attendance at the conference is open to all educators, students, families, and community members. Attendees can participate in conference sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the lunch and awards ceremony from 12:30 to 2 p.m., or both. Please register for the event through the link on our 2024 ACPS Equity Conference website.

Keynote Address

Keynote speaker, Mr. Sly Mata, is the Director of Diversity Education for the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Virginia. Sly directs a range of educational programming, the annual learning series, and custom workshops in partnership with UVA leaders and offices focused on educational development for staff, faculty and students. Sly also works with community leaders and a broad range of stakeholders to bring forward educational opportunities to advance the awareness and skills that support equity and inclusion.

Call to Action

We invite you to join us in our mission to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students. Together, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive and be successful.

Congratulations to our educators for their work and dedication toward credentialing:

  • 345 participants in the CRT and the Brain book study; and
  • 180 participants who completed at least two micro-credential modules.
More Information

For inquiries or assistance, please contact the ACPS Equity Specialists or email the entire equity specialist team. We look forward to welcoming you to the 9th annual ACPS Equity Conference as we continue our journey toward educational equity!

Please note: This is a professional conference; participation yields 6 recertification points.


ACPS Equity Specialists are available to provide Professional Learning Community (PLC) and school-level support for Culturally Responsive Teaching practices and to assist in helping teachers work through the credentialing process. For support or assistance, please reach out to the specialist(s) assigned to your school or email ACPSEquitySpecialists@k12albemarle.org.