Reflections from the NAIS People of Color Conference

In early December, I had the privilege of attending the annual NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC) in Denver, Colorado, alongside over 8,000 educators and students from independent schools across the country. The conference, one of the largest gatherings of its kind, brought together passionate individuals committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in education.

One of the standout experiences of the conference was a site visit to Denver Academy, a school whose mission closely mirrors our own. Denver Academy serves neurodiverse students in grades 2-12, and their approach to education is deeply rooted in the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I was inspired by their innovative practices, particularly their summer Teacher Academy, which helps educators reframe the signs of learning differences into empowering strategies. For instance, instead of viewing a student’s “excessive talking” as a challenge, teachers at Denver Academy are trained to create classroom environments where dialogue becomes a central part of the learning process. This shift in perspective is both empowering for students and enriching for the entire classroom community.

Another unforgettable highlight of the conference was hearing from Sekou Andrews, a former school teacher turned actor and Grammy-nominated spoken word poet. His keynote address was both moving and thought-provoking. Sekou reminded us of the emotional toll that navigating conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion can take, and emphasized the importance of extending grace to one another, focusing on joy, and finding common ground in our shared purpose. His message, which is beautifully encapsulated in his talk “Making Waves,” resonated deeply with me and I highly recommend watching it. You can find a 12-minute version of his talk here—it’s worth every minute.

On a personal note, one of the most memorable moments of the conference was the opportunity to share a dinner with Dr. Bettina Love, an award-winning author, educator, and thought leader in abolitionist teaching and educational equity. Dr. Love’s work challenges us to reimagine schools not just as places for academic learning but as sites of joy, healing, and justice. I’m excited to share that Dr. Love will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 UnConference, which we co-sponsor with Duke TeachHouse. Her insights into reimagining education are a constant source of inspiration, and I can’t wait for you all to hear from her.

Attending this conference was a truly enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the ways we can advance equity and inclusion in our own community.

Let’s continue to learn and grow together as we make a positive impact on our students, our schools, and our communities!