This session will help participants review school data to develop plans and set intentions leading to change in students’ school experiences. Highlighting a targeted approach designed to address discrepancies in outcomes of Black students in grades 3–5, presenters will share their journey from inception to current progress, and a transparent look at next steps. School leaders will walk away with practical strategies to plan, communicate, and actively dismantle inequities within their own buildings. Devices required
Jodie is a School Counselor at Alston Ridge Elementary School in Wake County Public Schools with 14 years of experience. A passionate advocate for student success, she led her school to achieve RAMP status in 2023. Jodie is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and a Licensed Clinical... Read More →
Dr. Trina Clinkscales is a dedicated School Counselor at Alston Ridge Elementary School, bringing 25 years of experience as an elementary educator and counselor to the Wake County Public School system. Throughout her career, she has served students and families in Greenville, Gwinnett... Read More →
Niko is the Principal of Alston Ridge Elementary School in Wake County Schools. He has served as an elementary school principal and assistant principal for 15 years at Alston Ridge Elementary, Fuller Magnet Elementary in Southeast Raleigh, and Forestview Elementary in Durham Public... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT Room 13
Just like the weave of a piece of cloth determines its strength and beauty, intertwined supports for our Beginning Teachers are essential to grow their efficacy and job satisfaction for retention. Hearing from four varied perspectives in the BT support process (Principal, BT Mentor Coordinator, Alternative Licensure BT, and SPED BT) will provide actionable ideas to apply to schools of all levels.
This session equips school leaders with practical strategies to build momentum, strengthen buy-in, and navigate resistance leading PLCs to move beyond compliance to a culture of shared ownership and results. Walk away with clear next steps to onboard teams, sustain engagement, and keep the work focused on what matters most: student learning.
PLC Coordinating Teacher, Office of Professional Learning, WPCSS
With 20 years of professional experience in education, DeJuana Richardson serves as a PLC Coordinating Teacher in the Office of Professional Learning at Wake County Public Schools. She is a two-time graduate of Fayetteville State University, where she earned degrees in Elementary... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:25pm - 1:25pm EDT Room 13
