Monday, June 29, 2020
1:10–1:50 p.m. EDT

Why Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Are More Important Now Than Ever
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the inequities in our society and in our education system. The need for diversity, inclusion, equity and access in the American education system is vital, and school counselors play an important role in advocating for all students to receive the supports they need. It’s imperative for school counselors to connect with all students, especially those most at risk.

Johnnetta Cole, Ph.D., is an accomplished educator and museum professional; noted speaker and author on issues of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion; and a committed advocate for social justice. She currently serves as the national chair and seventh president of the National Council of Negro Women. Cole rose to national prominence as the first African American female president of Spelman College and, later, as president of Bennett College, making her the only person to serve as president of both historically black colleges for women in the United States.

July 2, 2020
4.–4:45 p.m.

In these turbulent times, the ability to communicate emotional safety is more important than ever, both for students and staff. Hear how brain scientists look at stress and security, and the role social/emotional learning plays in processing feelings of safety. It also discusses practical steps professionals can utilize to communicate safety, not only to children but also to faculty and, really, any adult in need of self-care.

Acknowledged as one of the most engaging and crowd-pleasing speakers in the world of neuroscience, John Medina, Ph.D., is a developmental molecular biologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine (Department of Bioengineering). His research interests focus on the genes behind brain development and psychiatric conditions. He was the founding director of the Talaris Research Institute, studying how infants encode and process information at the cognitive, cellular and molecular level. Dr. Medina has spent most of his professional life as an analytical research consultant, working primarily in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries on research related to mental health. These interests – and the ability to speak about them in plain English – span the entire range of the human experience, traceable by the 10 books he’s written.