WA Charters 2024 Conference: Full Schedule

7:00am PDT

Registration Opens

Saturday May 4, 2024 7:00am - 7:30am PDT
Hilton Seattle Airport & Convention Center

Break

7:00am PDT

Nursing Mothers Room & Prayer Room Opens/ Hours

A sign-up sheet will be posted outside the room.

Saturday May 4, 2024 7:00am - 5:30pm PDT
Emerald A (Nursing Mothers Room & Prayer Room)

Nursing Mothers Room

7:30am PDT

Community Breakfast

Performer Ocean Ging | Whatcom Intergenerational High School

Speakers

Ocean Ging

Student, Whatcom Intergenerational High School

Ocean Ging is an 11th-grade student at the age of 14 years old from Whatcom Intergenerational High School and an up-and-coming guitarist from Bellingham WA.

Saturday May 4, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
Emerald Ballroom (General Session)

Networking

7:30am PDT

Childcare Opens/ Hours

Saturday May 4, 2024 7:30am - 4:15pm PDT
Emerald B-C (Childcare)

Childcare

7:30am PDT

Wellness Room Opens/ Hours

The Conference Wellness Room, sponsored by Seneca Washington, will be open from 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM. The conference wellness room offers a sanctuary designed for rejuvenation and introspection. Attendees can unwind with restorative yoga options tailored to ease both body and mind, or participate in mindfulness practices to cultivate inner peace. Additionally, participants can explore their creativity through various expressive activities, or simply indulge in a quiet moment of contemplation amidst the serene ambiance. No sign-up is necessary. Drop by anytime during the conference for restorative yoga, quiet time, reflection, and rest!

We have partnered with Space Between, a local nonprofit organization that supports social and emotional learning in schools through research-based mindfulness practices. Space Between serves youth, educators, and families across Washington State through:

Weekly Classroom Mindfulness-Based Social Emotional Learning Lessons and Support for Classroom Teachers
Professional Development workshops for Teachers and Staff
Bringing Mindfulness Home for Families
After School Mindfulness and Movement programs
Mindfulness retreats for rest and renewal for caregivers and educators

Speakers

Damithia Nieves

Co-Director & Mindfulness Facilitator, Space Between

Damithia Nieves (she/they) is a Co-Director and Mindfulness Facilitator for Space Between. As a facilitator and educator, Damithia offers trauma-informed, healing centered and culturally responsive movement and mindfulness practices. As a dedicated practitioner and advocate for self... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 7:30am - 4:15pm PDT
San Juan (Wellness)

Experiences

8:00am PDT

Headshots Opens/Hours

A sign-up sheet will be available at the headshot station.

Speakers

Erica Daniels

Owner and Photographer, Emazing Photography, LLC

Starting Emazing Photography, LLC in March 2013, was a leap of faith & my life’s destiny. I’ve been blessed to be a full time photographer since 2018, and I now have a beautiful natural light photography studio in downtown Seattle. I am in love with my work space, which has... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 8:00am - 1:30pm PDT
Community Hall

Experiences

8:30am PDT

Opening General Session

Welcome & Opening Remarks

MC Adan Juarez Cordova | WA Charters
Co-Presidents Rekha Bhatt, Haid Bloxham & Natalie Hester | WA Charters

Charter Student Voices Panel

Facilitator Bely Luu | WA Charters
Tinsae Lopez | Rainier Valley Leadership Academy
Rochelle Jeffries | Why Not You Academy
Jake Christianson | Innovation Spokane Alumni9
Rebekah Martin | Innovation Spokane

Charter Legacy Awards

Nicole Peterson | Anti-Racist Leadership
- Student art by Sunni Baker
Malia Burns | Student-centered Leadership Award
- Student art by Abigale Crigger
Lenny Emperado | Community-rooted Leadership Award
- Student art by Lily Marsh

Speakers

Malia Burns

Chief Executive Officer, OpenSeat.me

Malia is the CEO of OpenSeat, a national non-profit supporting mental wellness in schools. Most recently before joining OpenSeat, Malia served as the Chief Program Officer at Summit Public Schools where she designed and implemented organization-wide pilots and programs to improve... Read More →

Nicole Peterson

3rd Grade Teacher & Education Activist, Spokane International Academy

Nicole Peterson is a 3rd grade teacher and education activist at Spokane International Academy. As a biracial student growing up in predominantly white education spaces, Nicole chose to enter the education world in 2012 to be the teacher she never experienced. Since then, Nicole has... Read More →

Haid Bloxham

Co-President, Finance and Operations, Washington State Charter Schools Association

Prior to joining WA Charters in April 2018, Haid was a manager at the public sector consulting firm Third Sector Intelligence (3SI). In her four years at 3SI, Haid worked with clients across the education spectrum – from early learning to post-secondary – to build sustainable... Read More →

Tinsae Lopez

Student, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy

My name is Tinsae Lopez. I was born and raised in Seattle and spent a small portion of my childhood in Reno, Nevada. I am currently a senior at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy and a running start student at South Seattle College. I am mostly focused on college coursework this school... Read More →

Rochelle Jeffries

Student, Why Not You Academy

My name is Rochelle Jeffries. I am in the class of 2025 at Why Not You Academy and a full-time Running Start student at Highline Community College. I am also a student-athlete – the head Captain for Cheerleading and the hurdler and sprinter for Track and Field. My passion for enhancing... Read More →

Jake Christianson

Alumni, Innovation High School Spokane

Hello! My name is Jake Christianson. I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. I am the middle child in a blended family and I am getting married at the beginning of June to my beautiful fiancé, Rebekah Martin! I am a content creator/content manager for Lite-Check, a truck fleet... Read More →

Rebekah Martin

Alumni, Innovation High School Spokane

I am 18 years old and the oldest child in a family of 7 children. I grew up in a small town called Tonasket, Washington and moved to Spokane, Washington in 2018. I started attending Innovation High School, part of Pride Prep Charter Schools, halfway through 9th grade. I then participated... Read More →

Lenny Emperado

Dean of Community Engagement, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy

Bely Luu

Director, Innovative Schools, Washington State Charter Schools Association

Bely (pronounced “Bailey”) Luu (she/her) provides community-centered fundraising and board governance supports and services to school leaders and boards. She hosts the Fundraising Learning Series, which provides equity-driven fundraising practices to help schools raise more funds, tell ethical stories, and center student and community voices. She also coordinates diversity, equity, and inclusion supports to member schools to advance educational justice and dismantle oppressive systems.Bely... Read More →

Natalie Hester

Co-President, External Affairs, Washington State Charter Schools Association

An experienced advocate and leader in the K-12 education space with a background in economic and community development, Natalie has spent more than two decades working to ensure that families in South Seattle and statewide have access to affordable housing, and high-quality education... Read More →

Rekha Bhatt

Co-President, Innovative Schools, Washington State Schools Association

Rekha joined the WA Charters team in 2014 and created the Association’s school services arm. She oversees start-up and operational granting to schools and supports the School Leadership and Design Fellowship, the Strong Start planning year program, and the True Measure Collaborative... Read More →

Adán Juarez Cordova

Director of Talent & Culture, Washington State Charter Schools Association

Adán brings extensive skills in talent diversification and development. With a decade of experience in education, he has taught middle school math, recruited and certified new teachers, and consulted on school staffing solutions. Adán has committed to mission-driven work as he overturns... Read More →

Damithia Nieves

Co-Director & Mindfulness Facilitator, Space Between

Artists

Abigale Crigger

12th Grade Student, Innovation High School/PRIDE

Lily Marsh

10th Grade Student, Innovation High School/PRIDE

Sunni Baker

11th Grade Student, Innovation High School/PRIDE

Saturday May 4, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am PDT
Emerald Ballroom (General Session)

General Session

9:45am PDT

Break

Saturday May 4, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am PDT

Break

10:00am PDT

Are Washington Schools Ready for Equitable AI Integration?

Feedback Survey

As of April 2024, only seven states, including Washington, have provided schools with guidance on navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI). Initially, the AI conversation centered on plagiarism and bans, but now, most guidance focuses more on urging educators to accept AI and use the technology to enhance teacher effectiveness. This is a critical shift in approach because preventing students access to AI knowledge runs the risk of widening the digital equity gap. In this session, panelists will discuss Washington’s readiness to build AI literacy equitably for students. You’ll hear from national and statewide experts on where Washington stands amongst other states; from a workforce industry leader about what our state education strategy needs to include to ensure students are ready for a new jobs future; and from a charter public school leader about his vision for using AI to disrupt educational inequity.

Speakers

Bree Dusseault

Principal, Center on Reinventing Public Education

Bree Dusseault is principal and managing director at the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), studying how districts and other public school systems drive innovation and durable change. She also researches how states and districts are creating conditions for effective and... Read More →

Jolenta Coleman

Washington State, Microsoft Philanthropies, Senior Program Manager

Jolenta has over 20 years of experience across policy and program administration in the education and workforce sectors. As the Senior Program Manager for the Washington State team at Microsoft Philanthropies, Jolenta oversees education partnerships and investments. Prior to joining... Read More →

Jeff Utecht

Education Consultant

The child of two teachers, Jeff’s been rethinking education since his teenage years working the family farm in the Spokane Valley. His first mentor, a fourth grade teacher, agreed to let Jeff serve as a volunteer teacher at the age of 17. From these very first experiences in the... Read More →

Dan Effland

Executive Director, Summit Atlas Public High School

After working for 10+ years as a professional musician based in Chicago, Dan was inspired by some incredible experiences working with young people in Chicago Public Schools to change paths and dive fully into the world of K-12 education. Going through Teach for America, Dan earn... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Crystal A

Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Balancing the Pressure: Cultivating Resilience and Well-being in Students

Feedback Survey

This session delves into the unique pressures faced by students today, such as academic and cultural expectations, language barriers, social media, mental health stigma and more. Through interactive exercises, participants will gain insight into these challenges and their impact on student behavior and school climate. The session will offer innovative strategies to alleviate stress, improve academic performance, and enhance student engagement, equipping educators with tools to support the well-being and success of students and staff.

Speakers

Jeremy Smithson

Sr. Partnerships Manager, Clayful

Over the past 20 years Jeremy has been on a mission to empower others to grow, develop, and become their best selves. Serving in Higher Education and EdTech, he developed a passion for academics and ensuring students receive the best education possible. As an Associate Dean and Adjuct... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Crystal C

Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Intentional Decision Making for Leaders

Feedback Survey

Leaders are faced with the challenge of making critical decisions, and building investment for those decisions, on a daily basis. By applying a decision-making framework, leaders can create inclusive processes and build a roadmap for uniting school communities around collective solutions. In this session, participants will be introduced to the value and core tenets of intentional decision making. Participants will be provided with a challenge facing leaders and a decision-making tool to help arrive at a solution. Participants will be able to engage in a simulation and build skills that are applicable to everyday leadership challenges.

Speakers

Greg Ponikvar

Executive Director, Marshall Street Institute

Greg’s passion for education began at his own large, diverse public high school where he witnessed how the quality of educational experiences can dramatically affect lives, for better or for worse. Since then, he has devoted his life to the creation of outstanding learning experiences... Read More →

Katie Ryan

Executive Director, Marshall Leaders Institute

Katie Ryan has spent the last 20 years as a leader within the education and social impact sectors. She is currently the Executive Director of The Marshall Leadership Institute- an organization committed to supporting leaders harness their super powers to improve outcomes for young... Read More →

Dr. Ayanna Gore

Vice President of Selection, Teach for America

With over 16 years of experience in education and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from DePaul University Chicago, Dr. Ayanna L. Gore is a passionate educator and consultant. She's a systemic iniquity interrupter, dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Gore... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Mercer

Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Join the Movement: Celebrating 10 Years of Parent Power!

Feedback Survey

Join us for a celebration of 10 incredible years of parent power!

Connect with fellow parents, raise a glass of sparkling apple cider, and savor delicious chocolate-covered strawberries.

Relive the incredible journey of parent power over the past decade! We wouldn't be here without the dedication and passion of our amazing parents.

This is a celebration for YOU! Come raise a toast to our collective achievements and enjoy an afternoon of connection.
WA Charters and all charter public schools in WA are thrilled to celebrate with you!

Speakers

Natalie Hester

Co-President, External Affairs, Washington State Charter Schools Association

JT Williams

Regional Advocacy & Organizing Manager for Western Washington, Washington State Charter Schools Association

Jonthomas “JT” Williams works to support high quality, anti-racist educational programs that uplift the voices and stories of families from the Global Majority. He does this through advocacy, collaborating with educators, and working together with families to dismantle oppressive... Read More →

Darcelina Soloria

Regional Advocacy & Organizing Manager for Eastern Washington, Washington State Charter Schools Asssociation

Darcelina lives in her hometown of Spokane, Washington. Raised by a single parent with an eighth-grade education, Darcelina understood the value of education from a young age. She is the first in her family to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree; she enjoyed her educational experience... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Crystal B

Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Re-imagining Intervention: Using The Science of Reading to Drive Equity

Feedback Survey

Far too often, students in reading intervention are relegated to practicing lower-level skills. Yet, this approach can mean students never have the opportunity to catch up to peers. As a matter of equity, all students deserve and can benefit from rich work with challenging texts. This session will focus on the research about how students can engage with text that is beyond their "reading level," along with how to select and scaffold texts. The strategies shared are applicable to all ELA classrooms, not just intervention!

Speakers

Catlin Goodrow, MAT

Literacy Intervention & Coaching, Spokane International Academy

Catlin Goodrow began her journey in education in 2003, and since then she has been a teacher, a literacy and leadership coach, an education consultant and presenter, and a curriculum writer. She is currently an interventionist and coach at Spokane International Academy, a public charter... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Orcas

Breakout Session

11:30am PDT

Community Hall Exhibits

Saturday May 4, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Community Hall

Networking

11:45am PDT

Lunch & Afternoon General Session

LUNCH & AFTERNOON GENERAL SESSION Emerald Ballroom
Welcome Back
Adan Juarez Cordova & JT Williams | WA Charters
STEM STEAM Make Dream: Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Keynote Speaker Dr. Christopher Emdin

Speakers

Dr. Christopher Emdin

Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Professor of Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also the Director of Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship At the STEAM DREAM and Ideal Lab. He previously... Read More →

Adán Juarez Cordova

Director of Talent & Culture, Washington State Charter Schools Association

JT Williams

Regional Advocacy & Organizing Manager for Western Washington, Washington State Charter Schools Association

Saturday May 4, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Emerald Ballroom (General Session)

General Session

12:05pm PDT

STEM STEAM Make Dream : Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

In a thought-provoking presentation, Professor Emdin delves into the prevailing attitudes, efforts, and misunderstandings within the fields of STEM and STEAM. The discourse expands on the discussions surrounding STEM subjects and the integration of the arts component in STEAM, all the while underscoring the importance of fairness and social equality in the push for a society that is more diverse and just. By weaving personal anecdotes, delving into the past, and looking towards what lies ahead, listeners are encouraged to embrace a "dream culture" in STEM that reshapes how we approach education, parenting, and community engagement.

Speakers

Dr. Christopher Emdin

Saturday May 4, 2024 12:05pm - 12:40pm PDT
Emerald Ballroom (General Session)

General Session

12:45pm PDT

Break

Saturday May 4, 2024 12:45pm - 1:00pm PDT

Break

1:00pm PDT

Concrete Steps to Advance AI for Equity – Whether You’re a Network Leader, Teacher, or Parent

Feedback Survey

In SY23-24, AI for Equity convened on a monthly basis 170 network leaders from 40 nationwide CMOs that collectively served over 300,000 students. Alongside those leaders, they've built a playbook for how to leverage AI for equity in the coming years. In this session led by AI for Equity's CEO, Aaron Cuny, parents, caregivers, educators, and school leaders will hear lessons-learned from AI for Equity's school network partners, preview key AI resources, and engage in action planning and collaborative conversation. The session will focus on the adaptive and change management drivers necessary to advance this work, regardless of your role in your school system.

Speakers

Steven Carney

Executive Director & Founding School Leader, Rooted School Vancouver

Steven Carney, M.S. in Educational Administration, is not only the Executive Director of Rooted School Vancouver, guiding the institution on its mission to foster upward mobility through innovative education, but also the founding force behind Western Sierra Collegiate Academy in... Read More →

Dan Effland

Executive Director, Summit Atlas Public High School

Aaron Cuny

Founder & CEO, Alliance of AI for Equity

As Founder and CEO of AI for Equity, Aaron supports school system leaders to leverage AI technology in service of a more just and equitable future for all students. Previously, Aaron co-founded and led Ingenuity Prep Public Charter School, where under his leadership, the school’s... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Crystal A

Breakout Session

1:00pm PDT

How to Reach More Students Through Creative Staffing: Lessons from the Field

Feedback Survey

In this session, participants will learn about two ways that Washington schools are individualizing the educational experience for students. With Catalyst Public Schools, learn how to implement productive learning stations for students in 1st to 8th grade. With Lumen High School, learn about an innovative model to build a protective student-adult relationship through an individualized mentor who helps students navigate school. Following a brief introduction, participants will engage in an experiential activity to learn about the two initiatives. The session will conclude with a discussion about the structures necessary to implement the initiatives, and how they can be adapted to their context.

Speakers

Sivan Tuchman

Founder, Datability Education Consulting

Dr. Sivan Tuchman is an education research consultant focused on supporting schools and districts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities using data and evaluation. Sivan completed her PhD in education policy at the University of Arkansas where focused her research on policies... Read More →

Georgia Heyward

Co-Founder & Principal, Fig Education

Georgia Heyward is the Founder of Fig Education Lab, which conducts research and program design projects to reduce inequities in school and life outcomes. She started her career as a bilingual educator before working in education research and policy.

Tatiana Epanchin

Founder/School Leader, Catalyst Public Schools

Tatiana is the co-founder and leader of Catalyst Public Schools. A seasoned educational leader for education reform organizations, she is a collaborator and strategic thinker who increases educational opportunity for young people. She has proven experience in designing and facilitating... Read More →

Shauna Edwards

Founder/School Leader, Lumen High School

Shauna is the founder and Executive Director of Lumen High School. She is adriven and experienced non profit director in the community service sector, with skills in building relationships, communications strategies, and outreach programs. She has many experiences growing partnerships... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Orcas

Breakout Session

1:00pm PDT

Listening & Looking Forward with Gen Z

Feedback Survey

A growing body of work has increased awareness of the values, interests, and political activity of Generation Z, also referred to as Gen Z or Zoomers. However, understanding this generation of young people is only part of the challenge. We must also prepare ourselves and our schools for a future where Zoomers are increasingly in positions of leadership and influence – and that includes helping them attain these critical roles. Attendees will find ways to listen and thoughtfully engage with the members of Gen Z as co-workers, classmates, and neighbors so that future plans for every sector of society are developed collectively. You’ll also hear about Gen Z charter perceptions in Washington based on the WA Charters’ 2024 statewide poll.

Speakers

Sarah Stamper

Chief Research Officer, Murmuration

Sarah Stamper is the Chief Research Officer at Murmuration – a nonprofit that amplifies the power of civic engagement with data, tools, and insights for organizations building healthier and more equitable communities. Sarah’s team conducts research and builds tools that supercharge... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Mercer

Breakout Session

1:00pm PDT

No Guessing Over Here: Talent Mapping 101

Feedback Survey

Talent strategy is truly a marathon - from the beginning-of-the-year team-building activities to ask-back conversations, each month presents an opportunity to implement a dynamic talent strategy centered around real-time teacher insights and aspirations. In this workshop, we will delve into the world of talent mapping: a staff-centered approach to recruitment and retention. This method provides comprehensive, strategic planning toward staffing needs, fortifies team culture, and establishes robust talent pipelines. By the end of our session, you'll be returning to your team with new talent strategies to propel staff recruitment and retention objectives for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.

Speakers

Jessica Lamb

CEO, Lamb Consulting, LLC

Jessica Lamb is the Founder and CEO of Lamb Consulting, which supports school leaders in building strong staff cultures and talent systems that increase teacher satisfaction and disrupt teacher attrition. With over a decade of experience, she has held a diverse range of roles as a... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Crystal B

Breakout Session

1:00pm PDT

Turning The Tide: Practical Steps for School Turnaround

Feedback Survey

During this session, participants will review a case study of Burke High School in Massachusetts, a school that saw dramatic student achievement gains after creating an instructional vision and utilizing teaming structures to execute that vision. Participants will analyze the structures that were in place at Burke and identify which structures may be implemented or improved upon at their own schools. The facilitator will share the Massachusetts Turnaround Practice Components, Rubrics, and school Self-Assessment. Lastly, participants will analyze sample school improvement plans (with a focus on instruction) and use these resources to begin to create an improvement plan for their own school.

Speakers

Jake Schmitz

Managing Director of Instructional Supports, School Works

Jake Schmitz is the Managing Director of Instructional Supports at SchoolWorks. In this role, he oversees SchoolWorks Instructional Supports service area, spearheading the ongoing development of SchoolWorks Classroom Visit Tool (CVT) and the accompanying MORE (Master, Observe, Rate... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Crystal C

Breakout Session

1:30pm PDT

Headshots Closes

A sign-up sheet will be available at the headshot station.

Speakers

Erica Daniels

Owner and Photographer, Emazing Photography, LLC

Saturday May 4, 2024 1:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Community Hall

Experiences

2:30pm PDT

Break

Saturday May 4, 2024 2:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Break

2:45pm PDT

Building Belonging Through Anti-Bias Adult Culture

Feedback Survey

In what ways do we elevate or silence our identities as adults in schools? How does that impact our relationships with students, our quality as educators and leaders, or our capacity to show up as our best selves every day? In this session, participants will explore their own sense of belonging and the existing conditions that contribute to or hinder anti-bias adult cultures in our schools. Collectively, we will share ways to build inclusive staff cultures within our communities that enable us to best support our students.

Speakers

Sahba Rohani

Executive Director, Roots ConnectED

Sahba Rohani serves as the Executive Director of Roots ConnectED (RC). RC is an initiative she co-founded and launched in 2017, after over a decade of experience and learning at Community Roots Charter School, a pioneer in the diverse by design movement, located in Brooklyn, NY. She... Read More →

Brandi Forte

Program Developer & Project Manager, Roots ConnectED

Brandi Forté has worked in educational settings and communities in California and New York since 2004. She joined Community Roots, a Roots ConnectED learning site, in 2006 as a founding teacher. Holding multiple roles and teaching grades K-5 led to a lens informed by experiences... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Crystal C

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Co-Architects of Education: Fostering Effective Parent Partnerships

Join us for an engaging session where administrators and parents share narratives of successful school-family partnerships, showcasing their impact beyond the classroom. Explore insights into building trust, overcoming challenges, and enriching student support. Collaboratively engage in break-out sessions designed to thoughtfully challenge what we know while building a more resilient and responsive Charter School community. Whether you're an educator, parent, or community member, your presence is warmly welcomed as we collectively shape a brighter future for education together.

Speakers

Jessica de Barros

Executive Director, Washington State Charter School Commission

Jessica de Barros is a policy leader committed to closing opportunity gaps and promoting racial justice. Her previous experience includes serving as Executive Director of Communications, Government and Public Relations for Puget Sound Educational Service District, an agency supporting... Read More →

Emily McLeod

VICE CHAIR, DES MOINES, LANGUAGE ACCESS, FAMILY EDUCATION. LANGUAGES: ENGLISH, WAFAB

Emily McLeod lives in Des Moines, WA with her husband Andy and their two children: Connor and Charlotte. The McLeods are a founding family at Impact | Puget Sound Elementary in Tukwila, where Emily also founded the family engagement group. Her children now attend Rainier Prep Charter... Read More →

Yolanda Fontemont

I am a mom of 3 boys; 18, 12 and 10. My Oldest son, Anthony, is a Junior at Summit Olympus. I have been a parent advocate at Olympus for the last three years as well as for my other boys in TPS. I have always been involved in my kids’ schools but when Anthony started Olympus and... Read More →

Lenny Emperado

Dean of Community Engagement, Rainier Valley Leadership Academy

Eric Willard

WAFAB

I am a Midwest born, Brooklyn transplant to the South Sound. My spouse and I have 2 children in Charter Schools and I enjoy a very active lifestyle including the outdoors, craft beverages, grilling, and gardening.I got involved in Charter Schools to get better support for my children... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Crystal A

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

How Can Washington Increase and Sustain Students of Color and Women in STEM?

Feedback Survey

By 2030, two thirds of jobs in Washington state will require foundational STEM literacy or a STEM credential. We know there will be a significant gap between available STEM jobs and the graduates with the credentials to fulfill them, one that is even larger for historically underrepresented students. Forty years ago, the Washington state legislature created Washington MESA to increase the number students of color and women in STEM fields. In this session, panelists will discuss how our state, a major STEM industry hub, is doing with this goal and what it will take to support students to enter and sustain in these fields. Hear from current charter public school students pursuing STEM studies and a professional in the STEM industry about what they experienced in the classroom and beyond to support their journeys to STEM.

Speakers

Ezari Chandler

Student, Rainier Prep

My name is Ezari Chandler and I attend Rainier Prep as an eighth grader. One of my biggest aspirations in life is to become a design engineer. I plan to apply to the University of Washington and major in Human Centered Design and Engineering while minoring in Business. I want to use... Read More →

Tim Tran

Assistant Principal, Rainier Prep

Tim Tran is excited to move back to the Pacific Northwest where he grew up to work at Rainier Prep. He is a proud Vietnamese American and loved growing up with his huge Vietnamese family, including over 30 cousins. Tim loves working with students and helping them grow and experience... Read More →

Vicente Arroyos

WA MESA Alum, UW Doctoral Student & founder of AVELA - A Vision for Engineering Literacy & Access

I am a Ph.D. student in Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington (UW), working with Vikram Iyer. . Before I joined the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, I did my Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering at UW, where I researched origami structures... Read More →

Keelayna Ballard

Student, Spokane International Academy

My name is Keelayna Ballard. I am a Junior at Spokane International Academy and I also attend NewTech Skill Center for Pre-Dental. I have been at SIA for the last 7 years. My decision to go into the dental field was based on my having such nice teeth, I want to give others the confidence... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Mercer

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Inequitable by Design: Washington's Broken K-12 Funding System

Feedback Survey

We will build understanding of how Washington state provides funding resources to support students with a focus on inequities in our funding structures. In service of building an equitable funding system in Washington we need to broaden understanding of the extent of the inequities and cut through the complicated formulas that fund schools in Washington to build community support for a new way to fund schools. Attendees will share their experiences, perspectives, and vision for the future as we learn and share around funding equity and how current resourcing inequity impacts school communities.

Speakers

Mary Fertakis, M.Ed.

Educational Equity Consultant

Mary Fertakis served on the Tukwila School Board for 22 years - a district that was identified as the most ethnically diverse in the United States during her tenure. She was actively engaged in the culture, policy, community engagement, and resource allocation changes during the transition... Read More →

Jacob Vela

Chief Policy Officer, League of Education Voters

Jacob Vela, Chief Policy Officer at League of Education Voters where he leads the policy and research operations. Jacob has been working in education policy for over a decade including a focus on Washington state’s funding structures and how they impact equitable access to education... Read More →

Saturday May 4, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Orcas

Breakout Session

2:45pm PDT

Preparing for the Future: Tools to Boost Your Leadership & Develop Your Bench

Feedback Survey

Are you tirelessly working around the clock, feeling completely exhausted while striving to give your best to every task? If so, this session is tailor-made for you. It transcends theoretical discussions, providing practical tools for both current and emerging leaders to enhance effectiveness and foster sustainability in your roles. Engage in interactive discussions and shared experiences to reflect on best practices in leadership effectiveness, sustainability, and succession planning. Moreover, participants will acquire tangible tools designed to simplify your lives and thoughtfully prepare the next generation of organizational leaders. These invaluable resources will be shared through Seminar, an innovative knowledge platform and collaboration network for charter leaders nationwide. Join us to embrace innovation, fortify your leadership journey, and contribute to a resilient and future-ready educational landscape across Washington.

Speakers

Jen Davis Wickens

Co-Founder, Seminar

Saturday May 4, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Crystal B

Breakout Session

4:15pm PDT

Wellness Room Closes

The Conference Wellness Room, sponsored by Seneca Washington, will be open from 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM. The conference wellness room offers a sanctuary designed for rejuvenation and introspection. Attendees can unwind with restorative yoga options tailored to ease both body and mind, or participate in mindfulness practices to cultivate inner peace. Additionally, participants can explore their creativity through various expressive activities, or simply indulge in a quiet moment of contemplation amidst the serene ambiance. No sign-up is necessary. Drop by anytime during the conference for restorative yoga, quiet time, reflection, and rest!
We have partnered with Space Between, a local nonprofit organization that supports social and emotional learning in schools through research-based mindfulness practices. Space Between serves youth, educators, and families across Washington State through:

Weekly Classroom Mindfulness-Based Social Emotional Learning Lessons and Support for Classroom Teachers
Professional Development workshops for Teachers and Staff
Bringing Mindfulness Home for Families
After School Mindfulness and Movement programs
Mindfulness retreats for rest and renewal for caregivers and educators

Speakers