Teaching Uncomfortable Truths

Wednesday, December 7, 2022
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Online

   

Presenters: Jen Westmoreland (left), Dr. Steven Unowsky (right), Superintendent – Dr. Osei Astein (not pictured), Superintendent – Dr. Kimberly Colbert (not pictured), Superintendent – Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri (not pictured)

Schools are the cornerstone of American society. They remain the most effective space to learn and affect change. Learning the history and current events that happen around us or to us can be difficult. Yet, if we are to do better as a society, our students must understand why and how oppression exists so that they are better prepared to end it. The panelists will help empower current and aspiring educators to teach uncomfortable truths despite efforts that work against this.

Speaker Biographies

Jen Westmoreland (she/her) was first elected to the Hopkins School Board in 2017, re-elected in 2021, and currently serves as chair. She has been working in education for over two decades, including as a faculty member at Normandale Community College since 2009. Jen holds an M.A. in French & Francophone Studies (UCLA) and an M.A. in Literature & English Studies (MN State University – Mankato). She is currently pursuing a doctorate in the Department of Educational Leadership at MN State University – Mankato. Jen’s advocacy work at the local, state, and federal levels focuses on multilingual and culturally-affirming teaching, anti-racist policy and practice, and support for LGBTQ+ students, educators, and parents/caregivers. She is the proud mom of Lyla (a 6^th grader in Hopkins Schools) and partner to Mary Moriarty

Dr. Steven Unowsky is an professional educator with more than 20 years of experience in school leadership, having worked in public, private and international schools. He has served as the superintendent for Richfield Public Schools since 2014. He holds a doctorate in education leadership, a master's in educational psychology-counseling and a bachelor's in child psychology. He believes deeply that being a champion for equity involves action, not just words. He has dedicated his career to ensuring that students and families are supported and empowered through policy and practice by building a team or aligned educators to ensure equitable and inclusive outcomes for students. 

Register

This event is part of the GEER Fall 2022 Personal Development Opportunities online series. See the full list of workshops here.