Spartanburg Day School

Eight Spartanburg Day School faculty members and four students attended National Association of Independent Schools conferences this week aimed at diversity and inclusion.

Faculty, including Rachel Deems, Kevin Wynn, Teresa Strait, Aixa Anderson, Avery Beeson, Elizabeth Flores, Tim Teel and Amanda McGrath, attended the online People of Color Conference. The conference, title New Decade, New Destinies: Challenging Self, Changing Systems, and Choosing Justice, aims to provide a space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. 

This conference was filled with sharing experiences with leaders and newcomers from all over the world as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the independent school community. Conference sessions helped equip attendees with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve and enhance the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, social-emotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike. 

Students, including Adom Appiah, Sam Gaines-Phillips, Azra Erbatu and Molly Jones, attended the NAIS online Student Diversity Leadership Conference. The event is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders from across the U.S. and abroad. SDLC focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community.