Empowering Change: Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer

The Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (SWBOCES) Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) hosted its 5th Annual Summer Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in July. This year’s event was more than just a conference—it was a journey through compelling keynote presentations, personal narratives, and groundbreaking discussions that highlighted the vital role of DEI in education.

Keynote Speakers: Personal Narratives and Professional Insights

The Institute began with warm welcomes from PLCS Senior Director Dr. Mary Elizabeth Wilson and Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness Sadika Clarke, who introduced the opening keynote speaker, Dr. Alexandria Connally, Assistant Director of Special Services at SWBOCES.Dr. Connally's session on implicit bias explored racial anxiety, illustrated by an insightful video clip featuring comedian Amy Schumer. She engaged attendees in exercises that brought their own racial anxieties to light and recommended taking the quick Harvard Implicit Bias tests to identify personal subconscious biases. Dr. Connally provided practical strategies for addressing bias in educational environments and concluded with a powerful assignment: “be a thermostat, not a thermometer,” explaining that while a thermometer measures the room’s temperature, a thermostat changes it.

Tuesday's keynote featured Keisha Bell, Managing Director, Head of Talent Management and DEI at DTCC, bringing with her perspectives from the private sector. Bell illuminated the concept of "Allyship," sharing personal stories and experiences that underscore the crucial role of allies in promoting DEI. Her examples of effective and ineffective allyship sparked recognition among attendees, leading to many “A-ha!” moments and inspiring the gathered educators to enhance their commitment to fostering allyship in their schools.  

On the Institute’s third day, Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, delivered another thought-provoking keynote, sharing his personal experiences of otherness, emphasizing that true inclusivity starts with the individual. He highlighted everyone’s personal responsibility in advancing DEI initiatives, and his stories of transformative impact left a lasting impression on the attendees.

  
Comprehensive Coverage of Diversity Areas

This year’s Institute was distinguished by its comprehensive coverage of all areas of diversity, including race, ethnicity, sexual identity and orientation, and special needs. Through more than 15 individual and joint presentations, the speakers combined personal narratives with educational practices, offering a multifaceted perspective on DEI and enriching the learning experience for all participants.

A DEI Summer Institute First

For the first time, the Summer Institute was recorded on video, providing PLCS with archival material that will serve as promotional and educational content throughout the year. The talented student intern production team from the SWBOCES Career Services TV/Video Production program, including videographer Samuel Burgos and audio technician Nyla Walker, both recent graduates, demonstrated skill and professionalism that will support them throughout their future careers.

Highlight: Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion

The final day of the Institute featured a special public screening of the documentary "The Right to Read," drawing a full house. The conference room was transformed into a movie theater for a few hours, with the aroma of freshly popped popcorn filling the air. The film, a Harlem International Film Festival Audience Award winner, powerfully highlighted the urgent issues surrounding literacy education in the United States. Its impact was evident in the audience’s rapt attention and the emotional responses elicited by the film.

Following the screening, a dynamic panel discussion delved into the movie's themes, addressing current deficiencies in literacy education and the initiatives required to address them. The panelists engaged in a thoughtful dialogue about systemic challenges and innovative solutions, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure every child has the right to read. This impactful discussion not only underscored the importance of literacy as a fundamental right but also inspired attendees to advocate for educational equity within their own communities.

Reflecting on the Success

SWBOCES was well represented at the Institute, with many staff attending, including Superintendent Dr. Harold Coles and Chief Operating Officer/Deputy District Superintendent, Dr. Brendan Lyons. Their participation underscored the organization’s commitment to DEI and the importance of leadership in driving these initiatives forward. Special recognition goes to Sadika Clarke, Supervisor of Community,Culture , and Wellness at PLCS and DEI Coordinator for SWBOCES, whose vision and dedication to this year’s Summer Institute were instrumental in its success. Reflecting on the event, Clarke said, "As the organizer of the 5th Annual DEI Summer Institute, I am thrilled and deeply grateful for the enriching learning experiences we shared. Our collective passions united us, and I am excited about the opportunities and advancements ahead."

Affirming SWBOCES's continued commitment to DEI, Dr. Alexandria Connally quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stating, “The time is always right to do what is right.” She reflected on the significance of the Institute and other DEI programs, adding, "In this significant time in our history, we have the ability and a responsibility to do what is right. The movie 'The Right to Read' shares the importance of getting it right. Our children’s future is at stake."