Engaging our Children In Important Convos – Link

Families often want to engage their children on important issues related to race and racism, social justice and social progress. While we know these conversations are vital, many of us also struggle to find entry points into discussions that make sense for children at various developmental stages. We also may wonder, how can families and schools work together to support our children. This family workshop/presentation, facilitated by the Due East Educational Equity Collaborative, will provide conversation practice, guidance and resources to make this important work easier for families.

Co-facilitated by:

Marceline DuBose: Founder and Lead Equity Specialist

Marceline DuBose has 20 years of experience in public education as a high school social studies educator, state and federal level policy administrator, professional development leader, strategic planning consultant, and curriculum writer. Her primary focus is equity leadership development and strategic planning, working with districts to improve systems for creating equitable schools and classrooms. Marceline also provides professional development to thousands of school professionals each year. Ms. DuBose has served as an adjunct faculty member at Hamline University, Macalester College, and St. Mary’s University. She holds a BA in Economics from Macalester College and an Ed.M. in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University as a Rockefeller Brothers Teaching Fellow. Also a certified yoga instructor, Marceline intentionally incorporates historical and policy perspectives, systems change theory, adult learning theory, critical reflection, and key approaches from yoga philosophy as she works toward individual, organizational and societal change that supports the full potential of all learners.

Tess Ormseth: Lead Equity Specialist

Tess Ormseth earned her Masters of Education from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and has taught English Language Arts for over ten years. She has focused her classroom career on building authentic relationships with students to further their personal and academic growth. As a teacher leader in her home district, she works with educators in collaborative teams and individually (through observations and reflective coaching) to create inclusive, engaging, and equitable learning environments. As a Culturally Responsive Competent Teaching facilitator, she works with large groups in professional development sessions to explore anti-racism, implicit bias, and systemic change. She is especially interested in cultivating the equity will and skill of future facilitators and coaches. Her goal is to develop a strengths-oriented mindset in those with whom she works and provide practical strategies to educators working to close the racially-predictable opportunity gap.