Every parent wants to see their child succeed. It is up to us as educators to engage stakeholders in the learning process, and this means ensuring that students’ caregivers know what students are learning, what content their student is mastering, and how they can support their child in improving their performance. This is easier said than done - and when educators are experiencing record-levels of burnout, this expectation is daunting.
In this session, we will bring together educators from DC Public Schools and Stafford County to discuss the hallmarks of good caregiver communication, the tools they use, and the strategies they use to approach education in a sustainable way.
Our Guests
Jessika Alvarado, Math teacher, Columbia Heights Education Campus, DC Public Schools
Jessika Alvarado is an 11th year teacher at Columbia Heights Education Campus, specializing in 9th grade math. With a passion for teaching, Jessika has dedicated her career to empowering students, particularly English Language Learners, to excel in mathematics. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the lead for CHEC's Family Engagement Leadership Team, supporting and training teachers at her school to strengthen relationships with families through home visits. She also supports the family engagement training of teachers in the district through DCPS Family Engagement Collaborative. Originally from California, Jessika earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from UCLA. Her passion for education drove her to pursue a master's degree in education studies at Johns Hopkins University
Chris Lawson, Math teacher, North Stafford High School, Stafford Community Schools
10 year Math Educator at North Stafford High School in Stafford, Va. Originally from Indianapolis, IN. Graduated with a General Science Bachelors degree from Indiana University of Indianapolis, then moved to Virginia in 2012. Entered an Education Certification Program and received my license in January of 2014. I have been teaching at North Stafford since January 2014. Discovered and enrolled into the Modern Classroom Cohort in December of 2020. Became a DMCE in January of 2022. I would say my most enjoyable hobbies involve Lego. So much to the fact that I brought it as a theme to my classroom, to help students build their skills. When I am not in the classroom, I am full on Husband/Dad mode. #GirlDad #DanceDad #STEMDad
Paige DeLozier, Engagement Marketing Manager, Talking Points
Paige has a passion for education that ranges from classroom instruction to student and family engagement and teacher advocacy. She finds great purpose and satisfaction in participating in developing and distributing resources that benefit all stakeholders in the world of education. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a K-6 focus. She is a licensed educator in the state of Tennessee with an ESOL endorsement. As the Engagement Marketing Manager for TalkingPoints, Paige uses her teaching experience, passion for communicating and building relationships, and belief in TalkingPoints' mission to help teachers, students, and families find success.