Because Field is committed to the idea of a welcoming community that embraces and truly values different identities, lived experiences, cultures, and perspectives, we send a contingent of faculty members to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (PoCC) for professional development. Five faculty members including Debario Fleming (DEI Director), Taylor Jones (DEI and PE), Monte Woodard (science), Alexis Redford-Maung-Maung (History), and Bishop Walker (History), Ingrid Loveras (College Counseling) attended the 2024 conference held in Denver, Colorado in early December.
PoCC is the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools' commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development. This year’s PoCC theme—Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures—is a call to action for the unique time we’re experiencing. According to NAIS, This year’s theme proposed to “evoke the presence and strength of our ancestors and the vibrant imagination of the young and young at heart—both are necessary to eradicate injustice and create the conditions for individuals and our communities to thrive.”
Learn more here.
In addition to attending workshops and seminars, Field's Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Debario Fleming and DEI Coordinator Taylor Jones were chosen to present a session on "Playing with Polarization: Building Empathy and Understanding Through Creative Dialogue" to NAIS school members from the U.S. and abroad. A faculty member from another independent school commented on the seminar, "I can use the lessons in my own community; it's practical and transferable and offers creative ways to explore different perspectives that aren't centered directly on race, opening minds for those more challenging conversations."
