James Hiers and Cheryl Hiers present:
You Matter: Connecting the Dots through Culturally Responsive Learning
This session will highlight and introduce strategies that enhance the culturally
responsive learning environment for children that have experienced trauma, and other disparities in school. bur presentation will draw connections between relational trust and learning, emphasizing teaching, curriculum and personal ownership that fosters achievement for early learners. Goals: 1. Understand the impact that (poverty) trauma has on learning, social-emotional health and critical wellness of children. 2.Develop strategies to strengthen educator’s knowledge, skills, and disposition to effectively teach across racial and cultural lines. 3. I know I have it when I can design culturally responsive learning experiences that foster critical wellness in children of poverty.
James L. Hiers Jr. is currently an Education Specialist for the Southeastern Cooperative Education Program, serving public schools in Chesapeake. His primary responsibility is administrator and advocate in the Special Education learning environment. His philosophy of education fosters the value of equity, "Equity is the answer for education today." This philosophy is an extension of his interest and concern for children that are experiencing disadvantages and disparities under the current pedagogy of education.
Mrs. Cheryl Hiers is an elementary assistant principal for Hampton Public Schools. Prior to becoming an administrator, Mrs. Hiers worked for several years as a school counselor. Mrs. Hiers worked for ten years as a family counselor and field supervisor for a private organization in Norfolk, Virginia. She was a special education teacher for Hampton Public Schools for four years and a teacher/counselor for Southeastern Public School Consortium (SECEP) in Norfolk for three years.
