INDIANAPOLIS - The 8th Annual Indiana Black Expo Education Conference on Thursday, July 16, 2015 drew more than 400 teachers, administrators and others concerned with educational resources. The educators received and exchanged best practices and professional development training specifically regarding cultural competency. The conference, which was presented by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and Cummins, Inc., took place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis as part of the 45th Annual Summer Celebration.
In preparing the Education Conference, Indiana Black Expo recognizes the need to prepare the teaching force to effectively work with a diverse student population and the need to increase the representation of teachers of color within our schools. As such, the goals for the conferenced was to:
1.) Increase cultural competency among educators, administrators and policy makers,
2.) Increase parental involvement,
3.) Raise awareness about relevant issues around education, and
4.) Provide best practices for classroom instruction
The 2015 conference included two compelling keynote speakers. Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose story of adopting a teenage African American boy was portrayed in the book and film titled "The Blind Side", spoke to attendees about her journey. Actor and author, Hill Harper, engaged the educators in attendance with interactive discussions about problems and solutions regarding our youth in today's society.
A number of break-out sessions were held throughout the one day event as well, allowing professionals from different educational arenas to give valuable insight into the conference's four focus areas. Cummins, Inc. also provided a plated lunch for all of those who attended.
Click here or more images from the 8th Annual IBE Education Conference.
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana. For more information, contact Christine Meyer, ICRC Deputy Director – External Affairs, at (317) 232-2651.