Conference on Culturally Relevant education & Literacy
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Stanford Graduate School of Education
Join us for a powerful day of professional growth and community collaboration focused on culturally relevant teaching and inclusive literacy for K–12 education.
Join us for a powerful day of professional growth and community collaboration focused on culturally relevant teaching and inclusive literacy for K–12 education. This inaugural conference brings together educators, authors, researchers, and community leaders to deepen equity-centered practices and expand access to diverse children’s literature. This convening will also offer free professional development for k-12 educators in culturally responsive pedagogy and feature a keynote session with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, the pioneer of culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy and Dr. Tara Yosso, the founder of cultural community wealth.
Highlights include:
- Professional development seminars on integrating diverse books and culturally relevant curriculum
- Free diverse book giveaways to enrich classroom libraries
- Author talks featuring leading voices in children’s literature
- Research presentations on the impact of diverse books on student outcomes
- Panels and discussions on navigating and resisting book bans and anti‑DEI policies
- Complimentary admission, breakfast, and lunch for all attendees
Be part of a growing community committed to equity in education, practical strategies, and collective action for inclusive literacy.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 30, 2025
8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Stanford Graduate School of Education
A full day of learning, connection, and collective action to advance inclusive, justice-centered literacy in K–12 education.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Check-In + Breakfast: Enjoy a light breakfast, check in, and a special book signing with author, librarian and Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets.
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Kick off the day with a welcome from The Conscious Kid and Stanford GSE.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Keynote Address: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and the Stories That Shape Us
Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings
An illuminating keynote examining how diverse children’s literature can deepen culturally relevant pedagogy – affirming students’ identities, enhancing engagement, belonging and academic achievement, and cultivating the critical consciousness needed for justice-centered learning.
10:45 AM – 10:55 AM
Dr. Ladson-Billings Q&A with Educator audience.
11:00 AM – 11:35 AM
Panel Discussion: Teaching Truth – Navigating Book Bans in K–12 Education
Educators and advocates share real strategies for resisting censorship and promoting equity in restrictive environments.
Joanna Ho, Caroline Pritchard, Maggie Tokuda-Hall
11:40 AM – 12:15 PM
Author Talk: Uplifting Black Voices in Children’s Literature
Featuring: Derrick Barnes
Award-winning author Derrick Barnes shares the inspiration behind his work, exploring the power of positive Black narratives and the impact of authentic representation in children’s literature.
12:15 PM – 12:25
Derrick Barnes Q&A
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Lunch Break + Diverse Book Fair Giveaway
Enjoy lunch and browse our free diverse book tables to build your classroom library.
1:20 – 2:05
Breakout Session: Professional Development Seminar
Topic: Culturally Relevant Curriculum in Action and Selecting and Evaluating Inclusive and Anti-Bias Books for the Classroom
Hands-on strategies for integrating diverse books across subjects and grade levels. Educators will also learn tools to assess bias, authenticity, and cultural relevance in selecting children’s and YA literature.
Dr. Tara Yosso
2:05 – 2:15
Dr. Yosso Q/A
2:20 – 3:00
Research Presentation: What the Data Says – The Impact of Diverse Books on Student Learning
Scholars share new findings on how representation in literature shapes student outcomes.
Ramon Stephens and Katie Stephens, The Conscious Kid
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Illustrator/Author Panel
Featured authors/Illustrators discuss their work and the importance of representation in storytelling.
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Bellen Woodard and Raakhee Mirchandani
4:00 PM – 4:45
Culturally Relevant STEM
Beyond representation: best practices for creating culturally-relevant STEM classrooms
Dr. Kirk Rogers
5:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Evening Reception + Cocktail Hour
Launch Celebration: Journal of Black Language & Culture
Join us to celebrate the launch of the new Journal of Black Language and Culture with music, drinks, and community.