A Tartan delegation of six students and 17 professional community members attended the National Association of Independent School’s People of Color Conference and adjacent NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference last week. 

 

The events, held in St. Louis, Mo., brought together independent school students and educators from around the country to explore topics around equity and justice in teaching, learning and sustainability for independent schools. St. Margaret’s has long had a large delegation attend both events, and this year was no different. 

 

“The People of Color Conference was a wonderful opportunity to build community with educators and students across the country,” said Victor Cota, St. Margaret’s director of equity and inclusion. “We unpacked some of the most pressing issues facing independent schools and our society at large. We tackled hard truths, explored opportunities at our schools, and reimagined a hopeful future. It is always a powerful experience to join more than 8,000 people from around the country who firmly believe in a world that can be shaped toward equity, justice and love.”

 

The Tartan delegation included teachers from Lower School, Middle School and Upper School, as well as counselors, directors of community life, deans and Breakthrough SJC leadership. The six students who attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference are all involved in the Upper School’s Tartan Inclusivity and Diversity Education (TIDE) student leadership group. 

 

Attendees listened to thought leaders and attended workshops around topics such as recruiting and hiring from a DEI lens, mindfulness for self and others, supporting students from a variety of backgrounds, and cultivating genius in young people. 

 

This year’s theme for the conference was “Gateways to Freedom: A Confluence of Truth, Knowledge, Joy and Power” which called attendees to converge from different paths to a common journey of truth, knowledge, joy and power. 

 

Lower School grade 5 teacher Erika Higgins attended the People of Color Conference for the first time, calling the experience transformative both professionally and personally.

 

“Listening to the keynote speakers offered me the opportunity to hear the latest research and theorizing of how to make space for our students and change the trajectory of their futures,” Mrs. Higgins said. “The smaller sessions afforded me the opportunity to dig deeper into ideas that impact my intersectionality as a Filipino mom, teacher, colleague and wife. 

 

"The experience and insight gained at the People of Color Conference led me to the affirmation that we, as a school, are doing such great work in making sure that our classrooms, offices, and spaces are becoming more inclusive and equitable. However, we have work that still needs to be done and I am looking forward to being a part of that work. PoCC really ignited my desire to do more, be more, and help my students and our school community more."