Conference

NCABSE First Annual State Conference

March 8-9, 2024, Chalotte, NC

Conference hosted by North Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, NC Department of Public Instruction and North Carolina NABSE Affiliates: ABSE at UNC Charlotte, Cumberland County ABSE, Greater Charlotte ABSE, Winston Salem/Forsythe ABSE, Wake County ABSE, Wayne County ABSE

Who Should Attend The Conference?

Superintendents, principals, school Board members, teachers, instructional coaches, deans, professors, retirees, administrative/educational support staff, clergy, curriculum staff, students, parents, community, and any individual or organization concerned about the education of our nation's children.

Conference Theme

"Leading Change and Embracing Innovation: Focusing on Accountability, Evidence of New Mindsets,
Positive Results and Improved Student Achievement"

Conference Highlights

Friday, March 8, 2024
Keynote Speaker:  Dr. Crystal Hill 

Dr. Crystal Hill, Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s first African-American, female superintendent, was recently elected after serving as Interim Superintendent and Chief of Staff in the second-largest school district in North Carolina. Prior to joining Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Dr. Hill, Chief Academic Officer for Cabarrus County Schools, led the district in achieving the highest level of academic performance in history. Dr. Hill demonstrates the attributes of a transformational and reform leader that results in effective student and school improvement. She communicates respectfully and effectively with parents and the community when dealing with public issues utilizing great customer relation skills. Dr. Hill earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Instructional Technology, both from North Carolina A&T State University. She also earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.

Conference Highlights: Friday, March 8, 2024:
Impact of Instructional Leadership on Student Achievement
Leadership & Financial Literacy
Geeks/Affiliates, Affiliate Meeting & African Attire Event
Parent Engagement
Superintendents' Session
Invited Presenters: Rock Star Teachers and Principals
NABSE's 50th Affiliates Anniversary
And more!

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Keynote Speaker   Dr. Jerry D. Weast

For 50 years, Dr. Jerry D. Weast has been a leader in public education as a superintendent of schools in 5 states and a consultant and mentor to the next generation of school system leaders through his Partnership for Deliberate Excellence.

As superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland) from 1999-2011, Dr. Weast led the district to deliver on its promise of equity and access to high-quality education for all students. The system’s students achieved the highest graduation rate among the nation’s largest school districts for four consecutive years and the highest academic performance ever in MCPS.

Dr. Weast was Superintendent of the Year in North Carolina and Maryland; finalist for National Superintendent of the Year; and twice a recipient of North Carolina's highest honor, Order of the Long Leaf Pine among many other honors.

In the book Leading for Equity, Harvard Business School and Education School professors analyzed Dr. Weast’s successful leadership. His work has been acknowledged in numerous books and case studies. His strategic yet visionary leadership has resulted in improved outcomes for students in each district he has led.

Conference Highlights: Saturday, March 9, 2024:
Reading for All
Equity at The Top
Excellence for All
Superintendents Session
Special Invite to Principals and Teachers
Leadership & Literacy
Panel: North Carolina Teachers & Principal of the Year
Educational Awards Gala
And more!

These professional development sessions are for everyone. Leadership is more than principles or practices --it requires heart, courage, and wisdom. These are the qualities that the nationally recognized presenters possess. There will be networking opportunities for everyone. You will have an opportunity to learn, and share strategies and best practices that focus on effective leadership, teaching, and learning that results in quality student learning. As a result, leaders will focus on accountability, changing mindsets, and positive results to improve student learning!

Conference Will Feature:

Professional Development Sessions

Teaching and Learning
NC Teacher of the Year & NC Principal of the Year
Regional Teacher and Principal of The Year
Social and Emotional Learning
Leadership Development
Whole Child Approach in Supporting Children
Greeks/Affiliates Session with Leadership Panel; Literacy, STEAM & STEM
(CEU) Credit for K-12 Attendees & Affiliate Activities

Invited Nationally known speakers

Glenn Singleton, CEO of Pacific Institute, Courageous Conversations
Dr. Chance Lewis, Carol Grotnes, Belk Distinguished Professor
UNCC Chairperson of Urban Education
Dr. Kevin Adams, Former Superintendent of St. Louis Public School
Numerous Awards, Districts’ Change and Innovative Leadership
Dr. Jerry Weast, Former Superintendent of Diverse School District with Local, National Awards for Transformational Leadership & Reform
Dr. Pamela Wathall, former Title & Transformational Model Elementary School Principal

Message From Founder/Director

Welcome to the First North Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators' Annual State Conference. We are hopeful that you have registered to attend. The Local Planning Committees have been working extremely hard to ensure educators and school leaders receive strategies ad best practices that will be useful for your school district.

This letter is to encourage superintendents and school leaders to market the NCABSE First Annual State Conference in your school district by posting this letter in your school newsletter and publications for all staff. Please register today for our first annual conference if you haven't already done so.

There are sessions for you whether you are a teacher, central or local administrator, superintendent, district board member or parent. You don't want to miss this wonderful gathering. You will have an opportunity to learn more and grow together so that we leave as better educators for the children we love, serve and support. Please complete your registration today.

Please reflect on the Conference Theme throughout the conference. "Leading Change and Embracing Innovation: "Focusing on Accountability, Evidence of New Mindsets, Positive Results and Improved Student Achievement." The information sharing and opportunities will have an impact on African-American students and educators.

Dr. Betty Howell Gray
North Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators
NCABSE & NC NABSE Affiliates

Betty Howell Gray, Ed.D.

The Schedule

Conference Hours:
Friday, March 8, 2024

Conference Registration: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
OPENING PLENARY SESSION: 8:00 am - 10:30 am

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Conference Registration: 7:00 am - 12:00 noon
SECOND PLENARY SESSION: 8:00 am - 10:30 am

NCABSE 2024 1st Annual Conference
The Park Expo and Conference Center

The Venue

We are thrilled to announce that our First Annual Conference will be held at The Park Expo and Conference Center, the second-largest event space in Charlotte! Get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

Hotel Accommodations

Sheraton Charlotte Hotel
555 South McDowell Street, North Tower,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28204

NCABSE Statewide Annual Conference March 2024 -- Courtesy Block

Hotel Accommodations --Register and indicate the days and your stay at the hotel  -- Make your registration today Hotel Phone 704 372-9610

Complimentary WIFI Guest Rooms

  1. Jr Suite Upgrade at Group Rate
  2. 1 VIP Amenity-Chef's Choice
  3. Reduced Overnight Self-parking$18.00 per car/ per day (Regularly $25.00)
  4. Marriott Bonvoy Points

We welcome all conference attendees to register ASAP for the Conference at the Sheraton Hotel and identify your Room Stay.

Sheraton Charlotte Hotel NC

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP & TEACHING
that results in
QUALITY STUDENT LEARNING

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