ISU profs to speak on cultural proficiency at Des Moines educator summit
Two assistant professors in the Iowa State University School of Education will share their expertise on cultural proficiency at Des Moines Public Schools’ first annual Summit on School Climate and Culture, which will be held next week in Des Moines.
Daniel Spikes and Jason Salisbury will be among a national panel of experts in school improvement speaking to nearly 1,200 educators at the first-of-its-kind event Aug. 8 and 9 at the Iowa Events Center.
A series of workshops, speeches and breakout sessions will focus on best practices in improving student behavior, multi-tiered system of supports, cultural proficiency, social and emotional health, and stakeholder engagement.
“The Des Moines Public Schools are always looking for ways to be innovative and ensure that our staff have the best preparation and ongoing professional development,” said Jake Troja, the district’s director of school climate transformation. “There are a few quality conferences out there that address school climate, but none are local. Hosting an event like the summit is a great way to bring in the best of the best nationally and ensure that our staff have an opportunity to continue to develop as professionals and make it cost-effective.”
Spikes’ research shows that students of color would like to see more professors who look like them. His research focuses on school leadership, social justice, anti-racist leadership, racial disparities in education, and school tracking policies.
Salisbury, who worked as a high school special education teacher for eight years, will share his expertise on what school leaders can do to improve the success of students of color. His research has particularly looked at ninth-graders.
The cost to participate is $275 per person. Group rates are available. Participants can register here as late as the day of the summit.
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