Colonial School District students, staff report leadership gains after national Black Men in Education conference

Two students from Colonial School District described how attending the Black Men in Education Convening Conference last November deepened their interest in teaching and provided opportunities to meet policymakers.

Carlene (named in the transcript) told the HR committee on Feb. 2 that the conference — in its eighth consecutive sold-out year — drew more than 1,400 participants and included about 80 breakout sessions and more than 100 main-stage speakers. "Attending the conference through the HR lens highlighted where we have influence and responsibility," she said, arguing the district should prioritize recruitment and retention, "strong onboarding, mentorship, and clear leadership pathways."

Doctor Melissa Figueroa Douglas introduced the students and said they attended roundtables with policymakers and were among the few high-school participants. She told the committee the BMEC CEO publicly complimented how the students represented themselves.

Jayla Plant, a senior who spoke to the committee, said two breakout sessions — "the power of poetry" and "recognizing the leader within" — helped her see that "everyone is a different type of leader" and bolstered her belief she can pursue teaching. Skyler Harrison, another senior, said the conference felt "very welcome" and that listening to educators' stories "helped me see new possibilities for my future."

A staff member offered to assist the students with job interviews after graduation. In public comment, Erica Harrison (identified as Skyler’s mother) thanked the district and Doctor Figueroa Douglas for the opportunity and praised the students’ leadership.

The HR committee adjourned after the brief presentations and public comment.