CEWL enjoys giving platforms to our members and education thought leaders so they can discuss the issues that matter most to them. Our panel discussions are designed to advocate for the policies and legislation we need to deliver the schools you and your students deserve.

Diane Ravitch is one of America's greatest thought leaders in the education space. She is a historian of education, an educational policy analyst, and a research professor at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Previously, she was a U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education. In 2010, she became "an activist on behalf of public schools". Her blog at DianeRavitch.net has received more than 36 million page views since she began blogging in 2012. Ravitch writes for the New York Review of Books. She is the author of The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education, Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools, Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America's Public Schools, and Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms.

Join Jaheim President, a history teacher at Berea Middle School for a conversation about his pathway to teaching, male/minority recruitment, and his reflections on being an early career educator.

Mev McIntosh discusses her journey as a public school advocate. Starting with her family history, she shares her evolution into a warrior for students and their teachers.

Join Mel Moore for a conversation about fighting for LOVE over FEAR!

Jed Dearybury discusses the importance of advocating for our LGBTQ+ educators and students.

Join SCASL President, Jamie Gregory and SCASL Intellectual Freedom Chair, Cassie Owens Moore for a conversation about South Carolina's new book banning regulations.

Dr. W. Ian O’Byrne (College of Charleston) is a problem solver that can turn thoughts into action. He is energized when he examines all the pieces, takes control of a situation, and acts. His research investigates the literacy practices of individuals as they read, write, and communicate in online spaces. Ian has been involved in initiatives ranging from online and open pedagogy, integrating technology in the classroom, computational thinking, and supporting marginalized students in literacy practices. In this interactive livestream, we will explore the dynamic relationship between socio-emotional learning and generative AI. We will discuss how AI technologies can support emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience in students. Gain actionable insights on implementing AI-driven SEL strategies and hear about the benefits and challenges of this integration.

Join Shawn Ginright, PhD for a conversation about his book, The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves. The book is an activist’s road map to long-term social justice impact through four simple shifts. Despite what we’ve been told, the most critical mainspring of social change isn’t coalition-building or problem analysis. It’s healing: deep, whole, and systemic, inside and out. Ginwright breaks down the common myths of social movements—a set of deeply ingrained beliefs that actually hold us back from healing and achieving sustainable systemic change. He shows us why these frames don’t work, proposing instead four revolutionary pivots for better activism and collective leadership. Ginwright is Professor of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University and author. His research examines the ways in which youth in urban communities navigate through the constraints of poverty and struggle to create equality and justice in their schools. Ginwright has also been noted for his studies in hip hop academics.

Join Rona Neely (Veteran Educator) and Kiyania Brown (Behavioral Health Clinician) for a powerful and personal story about intergenerational trauma and how healing took place. (Trigger Warning: This video contains information related to physical and sexual abuse.)