Thursday April 29th: Innovation through a Pandemic: What We’ve Learned and What We’ll Carry Forward

APRIL 29, 2021: Leaders across Colorado joined us on Thursday, April 29 to talk through innovation in education. We looked at the disparities brought to light as a result of remote learning, innovative practices schools/community organizations have adopted, and how we move forward with more equitable and collaborative practices as a community. Our VIRTUAL panel also included student voice, so catch up by watching the recording!

Click the button below to watch the webinar recording.

“[The pandemic] really put awareness on the inequities we have and that we need to do a better job of closing those inequities and gaps in the future.” “I hope that the reimagined future is that we have this hybrid idea and we unbundle learning and engage families in what they think is good for their students.” – Katy Anthes, PhD., Commissioner at the Colorado Department of Education

“This pandemic has really validated the fact that these students are much more than just students; they’re siblings, employees, and they’re people who are truly pioneering this new way of learning.” – Gabriella DeLeon, CYC AmeriCorps member serving at Montbello Career & Technical High School

“The big takeaway from the pandemic is relationships and workplace learning. So many kids had to get jobs and schools finding ways to value and give credit for that and turn those into learning experiences became essential.” – Ben Cairns, Principal at Lake County High School

“What we’ve done with synchronous learning is nothing short of miraculous. While students are learning in the classroom, other students are at home learning while quarantined. That’s absolutely a tool that we can take forward and that, I think, will advance public education throughout the nation.” “We had the highest participation in parent teacher conferences ever because of the virtual option. We have found a new way to engage parents.” – Dierdre Pilch, Superintendent at Greeley-Evans Weld County School District 6

“We have to have some courageous conversations. We have to be willing to acknowledge certain pre-pandemic school structures, patterns, and systems that are a disservice and leave them behind.” Brad Riley, Behavior Technician at Denver Public Schools – Student Equity & Opportunity Department

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Thanks to our Panel Moderator, Allegra “Happy” Haynes, and the entire Panel for their time!

Katy Anthes, Ph.D., Commissioner at the Colorado Department of Education

Ben Cairns, Principal at Lake County High School

Gabriella DeLeon, CYC AmeriCorps member serving at Montbello Career & Technical High School

Deirde Pilch, Superintendent at Greeley-Evans Weld County School District 6

Brad Riley, Behavior Technician at Denver Public Schools – Student Equity & Opportunity Department

CYC students who’ve persevered through the year!