‘Infinity of Inclusion’ Conference to Help Educators Address Real Needs of Diverse Student Population

Meeting individual students where they are – whether they’re learning English as a second language, dealing with personal trauma, or facing cognitive or developmental challenges – has become an increasing focus in classrooms. As a result, The College of Saint Rose is answering the call from educational leaders for more training around considering students’ varying needs or backgrounds.

On April 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saint Rose will host “Infinity of Inclusion: The Rewards and Challenges of Educating Everyone,” a one-day conference for those who work with the students in preschool through 12th grade that touches upon serving Engaging English-Language Learners and helps educators become advocates for trauma-informed communities and students with exceptionalities. Conference attendees will receive a certificate of Continuing Education Credits (CEC).

The day includes breakout sessions, as well as a keynote address by Dr. Neenah Estrella-Luna, a visiting associate professor at Salem State University in the Department of Sociology, whose work focuses on questions at the intersection of social justice, social relations, and governance. She has been extensively involved in the development of community engagement, public dialogue, public learning, and public communication initiatives related to racial equity, social justice, and democratic governance.

Sophia Paljevic, who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Thelma P. Lally School of Education at Saint Rose, will present “Assumptions Aren’t Always Accurate: A Teacher’s Reflections on Diversity, ELLs, and Children Living in Poverty.” Paljevic is a third-grade teacher in the New York City School District and serves on the board of directors for the Association of Teacher Educators.

Organizers say the conference topic was prompted by school leaders’ requests.

“We believe that the conference will address the needs of all educators,” said Dr. Terri Ward, interim dean of the Thelma P. Lally School of Education at Saint Rose. “The sessions focus on how we build classrooms, schools, and communities where every person is valued, supported, and nurtured. It’s a day designed to help us reflect while also learning practical strategies for change.”

The conference will take place in the Thelma P. Lally School of Education, 1009 Madison Avenue, Albany. The cost is $25 for faculty and professionals and $15 for students. Register for Infinity of Inclusion online.