WASHINGTON, DC, June 05, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ --

What: Educators from across the country are attending a national Conference featuring high-quality professional development experiences for learning and networking opportunities to increase attendees' knowledge of Community Schools and Family Engagement. Participants will sharpen their skillsets to lead collaboratively and implement effective strategies to increase educational equity and improve student outcomes. Learn more at https://bit.ly/csxfe23

When: June 7-9, 2023. Click here for the full schedule.

Where: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown: 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Who: Over 4,000 participants from 46 states and hundreds of organizations representing parent and youth leaders; school and district leaders; community organizers and union activists; elected officials; Community School coordinators and initiative leaders; education, justice and health system professionals; early childhood educators; university partners; disability advocates; researchers; and more. Confirmed plenary keynote speakers include:
• Dr. Deb Carrera, Special Advisor to the Secretary, PA Education Department
• Darrell Clarke, Philadelphia City Council President
• Cecily Darden, Special Assistant, Family Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
• Evelyn DeJesus, Executive Vice President, American Federation of Teachers
• Bianca del Rio, Executive Director, University-Assisted Community Schools at Penn's Netter Center for Community Partnerships
• Yolie Flores, CEO/President, Families in Schools
• Dr. Bernadine Futrell, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Equity and Discretionary Grants and Support Service
• Richard Gordon, Principal Paul Robeson HS
• Rose Grillier, COFI Board of Trustees and United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN) National Governing Council
• Ron Hampton, President, DC Chapter Autism Society of America
• Jim Kenney, Mayor, City of Philadelphia
• Eddie Koen, President, IEL
• Sonja Lennox, Washington State Parent Ambassador, Head Start & the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program
• Dr. Karyn Lynch, Chief Student Support Services, School District of Philadelphia
• Dr. Karen Mapp, IEL Board Chair and Senior Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Jose Munoz, IEL Senior Vice President and Director of the Coalition for Community Schools
• Dr. Christine Piven, Chief of Prevention, Office of Children and Families, City of Philadelphia
• S. Kwesi Rollins, Senior Vice President, IEL
• Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia
• Ebony Watson, Deputy Director, IEL Center for Workforce Development

Why: Inspired by our theme, Spreading Love & Supporting All Children, the conference is designed to catalyze collaboration, action and a renewed commitment to transforming our practices, partnerships and systems.

Read the full press release from IEL, the School District of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Office of Children and Families here.

More: Since 1964, IEL has developed leaders who disrupt generational poverty and eliminate systemic racial, class, and disability barriers, to achieve greater equity for all. With expertise in national policy and a deep network of relationships at the community level, IEL works collaboratively to increase access to education and workforce opportunities, so all children and families can create the lives they want to live.

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