NJEA Consortium Design Team Ambassadors Complete Phase I
The NJEA Consortium recently marked a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to inclusive education. Dr. Kim Pinckney led the fifth in a series of facilitated design sessions for the Design Team Ambassadors (DTAs), serving as a powerful conclusion to Phase I of our collaborative work and a springboard into the next chapter of professional excellence.
Reflecting on a Journey of Authenticity and Courage
The session provided a vital space for ambassadors to recap and synthesize the accomplishments of the past several months. Central to the discussion were the insights gained during the team’s immersive NYC field trip. By visiting the Central Park Conservancy, the Dyckman House, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the DTAs explored how history, space, and art intersect with educational equity. During this fifth session, the team transitioned from these experiential site visits to the technical work of diving into Macro-Curriculum Transfer Goals. The dedication shown by our ambassadors continues to be anchored in the Consortium’s core values of authenticity and courage.
Expert Insights: The NEA Liberatory Design Model
A highlight of the day was a working lunch micro-teach led by guest speaker David Coleman from the National Education Association (NEA). Coleman’s session focused on the NEA Liberatory Design Model, providing the ambassadors with essential frameworks to challenge systemic inequities within instructional design. This model empowers educators to move beyond traditional structures and create learning environments that are truly liberatory for all students.
Looking Ahead: Scaling and Sustaining in Phase II
As we celebrate the phenomenal accomplishments of Phase I, the momentum continues to build. The NJEA Consortium is proud to announce that we are officially moving into Phase II, supported by an NEA Professional Excellence Grant: Scaling & Sustaining.
In this upcoming phase, the work of the DTAs will evolve as they begin designing asynchronous eLearning courses based on the results and research gathered during Phase I. This transition ensures that the innovative practices developed by this team can be scaled and shared with educators across the state.
A Community of Practice
The success of these design sessions is a testament to the curiosity, humility, and compassion of our Design Team Ambassadors. Together, we are not just designing curriculum; we are building a more just and equitable future for every student in New Jersey.