Sessions

Black history is not only a chronicle of struggle but also one of resistance, resilience, and liberation, shaped by educational systems, policies, and evolving technologies. This workshop delves into the significance of black history in k–16 education, exploring the systemic challenges that contribute to historical erasure and anti-black narratives. It also highlights how digital tools—such as digital archives, AI, and multimodal storytelling—can reclaim and teach Black history in ways that amplify historical accuracy and cultural affirmation.

Participants will engage in interactive discussions that integrate black critical theory, Afro-Pessimism, and Critical Race Theory, offering a lens through which to analyze the intersections of history, education, and technology. These frameworks will guide participants in identifying how educational institutions, both traditional and digital, have perpetuated harmful historical narratives and how they can disrupt this normative culture and instead serve as tools for justice and equity using the power of cultural memory and honest history.

Organizations that serve the underserved come and go, but no one knows they ever existed. Humble as that might be, it does not help to further your efforts if no one knew it ever existed. First, learn about a preservation project that saved information that documented not just the social evolution of African American university students in southern New Mexico but how the university cope with the changes in social climate and expectations. Then learn the steps to preserve your school, organization, project, or even family history.

This breakout session will explore the transformative potential of the New Mexico Indigenous Instructional Scope (NMIIS), an innovative tool designed to promote culturally responsive teaching. Participants will learn about the scope’s development, structure, and implementation strategies, as well as its role in introducing New Mexico’s rich indigenous cultures to all students. The session will highlight the importance of the NMIIS in fostering equitable classrooms and inspire educators to adopt this approach, creating inclusive educational practices that benefit both indigenous and non-indigenous students.

An overview of significant African Americans in New Mexico and the many issues they faced, along with the achievements they made in the fields of education, religion, civil rights, and community development.

Dr. Becknell will also speak on the need for further research in the area of Black contributions in New Mexico.

This presentation equips educators with actionable strategies to address and limit the use of the N-word and other racial slurs in classrooms and other educational spaces. Participants will gain insights into the impact of racial slurs on students, the importance of proactive policies, and effective methods for fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Through real-world scenarios, and practical tools, educators will leave with concrete steps to create a culture of accountability, empathy, and respect in their schools.

Recognizing the mental health challenges facing both educators and students within the current educational landscape, this workshop introduces arts-based therapeutic practices as a potential resource. Grounded in positive psychology research and considered through an Afrocentric lens, the workshop aims to support participants in identifying their strengths, clarifying their purpose, and achieving a renewed sense of flow in their professional practice.

Join an enlightening session on family engagement, viewed through the lens of “Family Partnership.” In this presentation, we will explore innovative strategies to enhance parental involvement from a school perspective, fostering meaningful connections between families and educators. Delving into the core principles of family partnership, we will unveil practical approaches to strengthen the bond between home and school. Participants will discover creative ideas for organizing engaging family nights, designed to cultivate a sense of belonging and collaboration within the school community. Participants will also discover a couple funding strategies for a long running family participant interest. Attendees will leave this session equipped with actionable insights and tangible strategies to bolster the significance of family engagement in their educational settings. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent advocate, this presentation offers invaluable perspectives on harnessing the power of family partnerships to unlock the full potential of every student.

Racism remains a pervasive issue in schools, affecting not only academic achievement but also the health and well-being of students, teachers, and administrators. This presentation delves into the multifaceted impact of racism on the physical and mental health of educational stakeholders. By examining research findings and personal narratives this presentation aims to shed light on the systemic challenges and disparities faced by racially marginalized individuals within school communities. Most importantly, we will explore strategies for fostering more inclusive and equitable educational environments that prioritize the health and wellness of all members.

Workshop description forthcoming.

Workshop description forthcoming.

“Because a mathematics teacher identity is, at least partly rooted in a teacher’s experiences as a mathematics learner, we must explore how those experiences may have been shaped, in turn, by race, class, gender and language.” This session will focus on interrogating our beliefs and practices to continuously improve the teaching and learning of mathematics. We will dive deep into the five equity-based mathematics teaching practices. We will examine a student-centered experiential using the equity-based framework, reflecting on the experience from a learner, teacher, and pedagogical perspective and making connections to your role.

This interactive and engaging presentation focuses on opening the discussion about trauma in our schools and how it impacts learning and student success. Participants will learn the definitions of trauma, investigate and discuss the impacts of trauma on learning and performance on New Mexico students, learn about the intersection of TIC and culturally responsive teaching practices, and take home before the moment, in the moment, and after the moment strategies to be implemented in the classroom immediately.

Male mental health is often couched within the parameters of anger or rage. While this has been an acceptable stereotype, male mental health is vital to ensuring that young male students, especially those of color are better understood and supported. This workshop will provide a brief narration of the lived experiences of males facing mental health challenges and how the Black Men Flower Project is helping to dismantle the myths and illuminate effective support strategies.

The law relates to discrimination against students, particularly students who are members of racial, ethnic, religious minority groups and students who are differently-abled. The course will provide an overview of the constitutional rights of students and federal and state anti-discrimination laws that apply in schools. We will cover the First, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, No School Discrimination for Hair, and the New Mexico Human Rights Act.

This workshop is designed to provide educators an overview of the resources African American Student Services provides to students making a transition from high school to their collegiate journey. Through this workshop, educators will learn hidden gems about UNM offerings, program opportunities for graduating high school seniors, and how best to refer students who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education through our institution.

Workshop description forthcoming.