We all want to create a welcoming classroom environment where our students feel safe and accepted. In this session, we will explore the queer youth experience throughout RI and how we can build strategies to construct a more inclusive classroom culture. Utilizing the Highlander Institute’s Culturally Responsive Framework, we will look at small shifts that have a boundless impact on your classroom practice.
Mike Miele
Mike is an Educational Strategies Specialist at Highlander Institute. As an ESS, Mike is focused on helping to bridge the equity gap in student learning through personalized, blended, and data-driven instruction. Prior to working at the Institute, Mike taught both 1st and 5th grade, also working as the Science and Technology Coach for Foster Public Schools in Foster, RI. Mike holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Rhode Island, and Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Elementary and Elementary Special Education from Johnson & Wales University. It was at JWU that Mike received training in PBL (project-based learning) & UbD (understanding by design). Mike enjoys learning, collaborating, and making connections with like-minded educators and districts. Mike lives in Warwick, RI with his wife, Megan, and their daughters, Julia and Luna.
Mike is an Educational Strategies Specialist at Highlander Institute. As an ESS, Mike is focused on helping to bridge the equity gap in student learning through personalized, blended, and data-driven instruction. Prior to working at the Institute, Mike taught both 1st and 5th grade, also working as the Science and Technology Coach for Foster Public Schools in Foster, RI. Mike holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Rhode Island, and Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Elementary and Elementary Special Education from Johnson & Wales University. It was at JWU that Mike received training in PBL (project-based learning) & UbD (understanding by design). Mike enjoys learning, collaborating, and making connections with like-minded educators and districts. Mike lives in Warwick, RI with his wife, Megan, and their daughters, Julia and Luna.
Dawn Manchester
After 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher in Warwick, Dawn has decided to follow her passion and join the Highlander Institute as an Educational Strategies Specialist. She appreciates problem solving and collaborating with colleagues, always finding ways to positively impact the learning of all students. She currently lives in Warwick, RI with her partner, three step-children and dogs.
After 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher in Warwick, Dawn has decided to follow her passion and join the Highlander Institute as an Educational Strategies Specialist. She appreciates problem solving and collaborating with colleagues, always finding ways to positively impact the learning of all students. She currently lives in Warwick, RI with her partner, three step-children and dogs.