Sessions

This panel discussion provides participants with vital information about the Student Support Services (SSS) Division of the New Mexico Public Education Department. The SSS division is home to the Black Education Act bureau as well as other student and family centered programming and services. Representatives from each bureau will share important information about their work and ways to access available supports.

This student presentation spotlights student leaders of Black Student Unions (BSUs) who share their own stories and efforts to empower and provide culturally relevant spaces for themselves and their peers. It is also an opportunity for the students to inform educators about effective ways to support them.

Black education spaces are vital for affirming identity, culture, and heritage. Headwraps have long served as powerful symbols of resilience, identity, and cultural pride across Africa and African Americans. I propose to facilitate an interactive workshop that explores the historical and cultural significance of headwraps while engaging educators and the community in meaningful dialogue about incorporating cultural expression into educational environments.

Objectives:

1. Cultural Awareness: Provide participants with historical context on the significance of headwraps within African and African American cultures.
2. Educational Connection: Explore how cultural identity and expression can be intentionally integrated into classroom practices and school culture.
3. Skill Development: Teach participants practical headwrapping techniques as a form of cultural engagement and self-expression.

Session information coming soon.

Check back soon.

New Times, New Approaches: Rethinking Family Engagement in 2026

When I first began my work in family and community engagement, I had a vision of what partnership between schools and families could look like. Over time, the realities of families’ lives—and the evolving cultural dynamics around institutional trust and engagement—required me to rethink that vision. This workshop invites participants to reflect on those same realities and consider how schools can innovate their approaches to family engagement in ways that are responsive, inclusive, and grounded in the lived experiences of today’s families. Additionally, learn about our current BEA family and community engagement programming along with our plans for next school year.

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 session 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.

Discover the research-backed power of arts integration to boost academic achievement and literacy through the lens of Black history. This interactive workshop will guide you through the pedagogical framework and the ready-to-use Black History LEGO Mural Activity. Learn how students can research influential figures, apply color theory, and create collaborative pixel art to deepen their understanding of Black history and art concepts. Walk away with a practical, engaging lesson for your classroom.

Student wellbeing is vital for their overall success. This session places a priority on understanding and supporting students’ current mental health needs. The panelists include mental health professionals who are committed to increasing awareness about the unique needs of black and other minority student groups. They will also provide practical strategies and access to high quality providers.

This student presentation spotlights student leaders of Black Student Unions (BSUs) who share their own stories and efforts to empower and provide culturally relevant spaces for themselves and their peers. It is also an opportunity for the students to inform educators about effective ways to support them.

Discover the research-backed power of arts integration to boost academic achievement and literacy through the lens of Black history. This interactive workshop will guide you through the pedagogical framework and the ready-to-use Black History LEGO Mural Activity. Learn how students can research influential figures, apply color theory, and create collaborative pixel art to deepen their understanding of Black history and art concepts. Walk away with a practical, engaging lesson for your classroom.

Check back soon.

The Culture Chat session is designed to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where participants can explore and reflect on topics related to race, culture, and ethnicity. This session encourages open dialogue that honors diverse identities, lived experiences, and perspectives within the educational community.

his session highlights findings from a Black Student Belonging Project conducted at a Hispanic-Serving Research Institution (HSRI) that used both survey research and photovoice to understand how Black students experience campus climate, belonging, and institutional support. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, the project offers a nuanced view of how students experience and navigate their HSRI.

Participants will learn about the design of the survey and photovoice components and explore key findings that illuminate structural, cultural, and interpersonal factors shaping Black student belonging. Designed for both k–12 and higher education educators, this session offers practical insights for fostering more inclusive and responsive learning environments.