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Maryland Accelerates Hosts 4th Annual National Leadership Conference

Maryland Accelerates held its 4th Annual National Leadership Conference on June 15-16 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md.

Jul 7, 2023 8:00 AM

Dr. Sheneka Williams Served as Keynote Speaker for Professional Development Event

maryland accelerates conferenceMaryland Accelerates held its 4th Annual National Leadership Conference on June 15-16 at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md. This professional development opportunity was hosted by Frostburg State University in collaboration with Frederick, Washington and Garrett County Public Schools, National Center for Teacher Residencies and the U.S. Department of Education.

Maryland Accelerates is a comprehensive partnership between FSU’s College of Education and the above mentioned high-need, rural school districts which was created to improve the preparation of new educators, address the needs of rural schools and improved student achievement.

Dr. Sheneka William, professor and chair of the Department of Education Administration at Michigan State University, served as the keynote speaker. Williams was raised in Alabama and has a personal interest in the lives and educational experiences of African Americans living in rural areas. Her current research focuses on rural education and school desegregation, both of which have been published in educational books and journals. Williams’ keynote to audience members highlighted the need to prepare future teachers for place-based context, and she facilitated a breakout session for fellows and coaches that focused on student success in different contexts.

In attendance to offer welcoming remarks was Dr. Boyce Williams, Dean, College of Education at Frostburg State University, and William Ferguson, president of the Senate and State Senator for the 46th Legislative District in the Maryland General Assembly.

Dr. Nancy Shapiro, Associate Vice Chancellor for Education and Outreach and Special Assistant to the Chancellor for P-20 Education at the University System of Maryland, served as the moderator for a Superintendent Fireside Chat with panelists Ms. Barbara Baker, Superintendent, Garrett County Public Schools; Dr. Cheryl Dyson, Superintendent, Frederick County Public Schools; and Dr. David Sovine, Superintendent, Washington County Public Schools.

Attendees participated in a variety of professional development activities during the two-day conference including breakout sessions, guest speakers, roundtable discussions, team building and networking. The conference closed with a panel discussion with Maryland Teachers of the Year speaking on the topic of teacher leadership.

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