Frances Willson Thompson Critical Issues Conference

The COVID-19 pandemic has further illuminated many challenges to teaching and learning in the P-20 system. However, the pandemic has also afforded an opportunity to learn from each other as we navigate these challenges. With that in mind, the University of Michigan-Flint is hosting its Critical Issues in Education: Teaching and Learning in the Era of COVID conference on May 19-20, 2023. This conference is designed to bring P-12 and higher education professionals together to explore similarities and differences across contexts, examine shared experiences, and develop deeper understandings of overlapping concerns.

The two-day event begins Friday, May 19 with the Frances Willson Thompson Critical Issues Forum. Following dinner and opening remarks from UM-Flint Provost Feist-Price, a keynote address will be provided by Alycia Meriweather, Deputy Superintendent of External Partnerships, Enrollment & Specialty Programming in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. The Friday night events conclude with a panel featuring 

• Kevelin Jones, Superintendent, Flint Community Schools
• Charlotte O’Connor, Owner, Charlotte O’Connor Academic Coaching, LLC
• Jason Wilson, Vice President of Student Academic Success, Mott Community College
• Delsa Chapman, Deputy Superintendent, Michigan Department of Education 

On Saturday, May 20 the conference continues with breakfast, a student panel, breakout sessions, and a keynote lunch presentation from Charlotte O’Connor.

The impact that COVID-19 has, and continues to have, on education cannot be overstated. The aim is for presenters and participants alike to leave feeling heard and valued and to begin to develop a learning community across educational settings. While building a growing sense of community is vital, an additional goal is for conference goers to take away ideas that they might begin to incorporate into their own professional practices.