I had the opportunity to participate in the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) 67th Annual Fall Conference (Oct 25-29) in the beautiful and vibrant city of San Diego, CA. Education professionals, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative practices, and explore the latest trends in urban education. The conference served as a vital platform for over 1,500 attendees to connect, learn, and work collectively toward the common goal of improving educational outcomes for students in our nation’s largest urban school districts.
This year’s conference theme, “Sailing Into the Future of Education,” reflects the aspirations of CGCS and emphasized the importance of collaboration and solidarity in facing the myriad challenges that urban schools districts encounter. The conference offered a plethora of sessions and workshops spanning various focus areas, including educational equity, innovative teaching practices, leadership development, and effective governance.
More than 200 breakout sessions were integral components of the conference, providing in-depth discussions and hands-on learning experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into specific topics, exchange ideas, and gain practical tools to enhance their work in urban education. Topics ranged from addressing the achievement gap, supporting English Language Learners to developing principal pipelines, implementing technology in the classroom, and fostering socio-emotional learning.
The conference also featured a diverse group of keynote speakers who provided valuable insights and inspiration to include former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY); Emmy Award Winning Journalist and Detroit native, Jemel Hill; and actor/playwright John Leguizamo. National Public Radio (NPR) education reporter Sequoia Carrillo moderated an all student Townhall with eight students hailing from urban school districts nationwide, delving into the urgent concerns facing students today. Renowned educators and thought leaders addressed attendees, sharing their experiences, research, and strategies to foster a more equitable and effective education system. The keynote sessions served as a powerful catalyst for reflection, dialogue and action, motivating participants to implement changes in their respective districts.
Several honorees recognized during the conference included: School board member Michael O’Neill of Boston Public Schools, honored as the 2023 Green-Garner Award recipient, the nation’s highest honor in urban education leadership recognizing an outstanding superintendent and school board member in alternating years, along with Dr. Christina Kirk, 2024 Queen Smith Award recipient from Oklahoma City Public Schools for her commitment to urban education. But the honoree who resonated most with me was Sylvia Mendez (age 87, civil rights activist, retired nurse, and 2011 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient) for her contributions in desegregating public schools (i.e., Mendez, et al v. Westminster School District), a 1947 federal case involving a 9-year-old girl, the first successful federal school desegregation decision in the nation shielding children of Mexican ancestry from public school segregation in California.
One of the conference’s major strengths was its ability to bring together a diverse group of individuals committed to improving urban education. The networking events and informal gatherings provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. These connections are vital in creating a supportive community and fostering collaboration beyond the conference.
As Stephen Covey, author and educator says in his most popular book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Habit 7: Sharpening the saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have—you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.”