2025 Summer Inclusion Leadership Conference: Full Schedule

10:50am EDT

Supporting Inclusive School Climate Improvement with the Free NJ SCI Survey and Platform

Friday June 6, 2025 10:50am - 11:55am EDT

This session will introduce participants to an innovative free resource called the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey and Platform, developed by Rutgers University in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Education. The NJ SCI Platform supports school and district leaders in collecting high quality school climate data, analyzing results and prioritizing needs, setting improvement goals, and developing, implementing, and monitoring a strategic plan featuring research-based strategies for improving school climate. The presentation will provide an overview of the NJ SCI Platform emphasizing tools and practices for promoting the development of inclusive environments for all students.

Speakers

Alicia Raia-Hawrylak

Project Manager, School Climate Transformation Project, Rutgers University

Alicia Raia-Hawrylak, Ph.D., is Co-Project Manager of the School Climate Transformation Project (SCTP), where she supervises the project's research and evaluation efforts. Alicia completed her Ph.D. in sociology at Rutgers University. She is a former middle school language arts teacher... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 10:50am - 11:55am EDT
Room 206

Session 1

1:05pm EDT

Planting Seeds: Teacher Agency in the Cultivation of Culturally Responsive Classrooms

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 206

Cultivating culturally responsive classrooms begins with school leaders fostering teacher agency as a catalyst for change. This presentation will explore how school leaders can empower teachers to take ownership of their instructional practices, leading to inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participants will examine strategies for engaging teachers in a hands-on process to embed culturally responsive pedagogy into daily instruction, foster meaningful student connections, and advocate for equitable school policies. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, school leaders will leave with practical tools to nurture teacher agency, plant the seeds of inclusivity, and cultivate lasting change across their schools

Speakers

Lisa B. Torres, Ed.D.

Supervisor of English & Social Studies, River Dell Regional Schools

Dr. Lisa Torres is a District Supervisor with 31 years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct instructor. Committed to equity and instructional excellence, she prioritizes culturally responsive teaching, instructional innovation, and... Read More →

Nicole M. Adams, M.S.Ed, M.A.Ed

Assistant Principal, Hackensack Public Schools

Nicole Adams is the Assistant Principal at Hackensack High School with over 20 years in education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct instructor. Committed to student-centered learning, she champions restorative practices, culturally responsive pedagogy... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 206

Session 2

2:25pm EDT

Enhancing Student Success: The Power of Progress Monitoring

Friday June 6, 2025 2:25pm - 3:30pm EDT

Room 206

Effective progress monitoring is a critical component of special education, providing educators with valuable insights into student performance and informing instructional decisions. This workshop aims to equip special education professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to implement effective progress monitoring practices. Participants will learn how to collect, analyze, and utilize data to tailor instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Speakers

Laura Martinez

Inclusion Facilitator, All In for Inclusive Education

Laura Martinez is an Inclusion Facilitator for All In. She is an experienced Special Education professional with a proven track record of supporting diverse learners and fostering inclusive educational environments. She earned her M.S.Ed. in Special Education from The City College... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 2:25pm - 3:30pm EDT
Room 206

Session 3