How Educators Can Have Courageous Conversations Inspired by Joyful and Diverse Books

Presented by Dr. Maria Armstrong, Executive Director, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS); Nury Castillo Crawford, Director of Academic Support, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GA); Estephanie Mosquera-Ortiz, Entrepreneur, Elementary Educator and Rising Voices Mentor; and Michael Haggen, Senior Vice President, General Manager of LitPro & Collections, Scholastic Education Solutions

Sponsored by Scholastic Education Solutions

Watch the Recording Listen to the PodcastRead the Article

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

All children need access to books that allow them to look in and look out—making text-to-self and text-to-world connections. When children read books that serve as mirrors and windows, they develop an understanding of themselves as well as today’s world. Creating classroom libraries that contain diverse, culturally relevant books allow all children to dream big as they envision their futures.

Watch this edLeader Panel to learn how and why culturally responsive and diverse collections fill important gaps in today’s classroom libraries—particularly by enhancing the conversations that students and teachers can have about these texts. Authentic books combined with robust teaching materials elevate the engagement and achievement for ALL students!

Viewers join a conversation about:

• How administrators and teachers can build a culture of inclusion and empathy
• How to have courageous conversations, demonstrate empathy and open up pathways to meet students where they are
• Securing resources that align with district goals including books that reflect all students and digital resources to support teachers

This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 educators and school and district leaders.

Presented in partnership with the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS).

About the Presenters

Dr. Maria Armstrong has spent her 25-year educational career focused on the role of Latino social networks, leadership, and educational policy. Dr. Armstrong has been named one of the Top 20 Female Leaders of the Education Industry from the American Consortium for Equity in Education, received the Inspiration Award from the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and was the recipient of the Influence Award from her alma mater Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Armstrong currently serves as the executive director for the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS).

Nury Castillo Crawford is a lifelong educator, published author, advocate, and CEO/founder of 1010 Publishing, which connects diverse writers with readers of all backgrounds. Nury has won multiple awards including the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia for three consecutive years and has been named or nominated for Educator of the Year both statewide and nationally. Currently, Nury is a director of academic support for Gwinnett County Public schools where she has broken ground by implementing a Hispanic Mentoring Program focusing on preparing Latino/Hispanic students for their post-K-12 careers and college.

Estephanie Mosquera-Ortiz is the founder of Beaut&Beast Co., a lifestyle and education company dedicated to teaching women and children self-sufficiency and awareness. When she is not promoting these ideals with Beaut&Beast Co., she is teaching them in the classroom. As a teacher, she actively promotes the importance of inclusion and cultural diversity in her instruction. Estephanie is a mentor for the Scholastic Rising Voices Library: Empowering Girls in STEAM.

Michael Haggen is Senior Vice President, General Manager of LitPro & Collections, Scholastic Education Solutions. He has over 25 years of academic experience, having served as a teacher, principal, chief academic officer, and direct report to superintendents in three school districts.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, and receive invitations to upcoming edLeader Panels.

Scholastic Education Solutions provides teachers, families, and communities with the tools they need to support each and every child with print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, expert professional development, family and community engagement, and learning supports.