2:00 pm - 2:50 pm (Room TBD)

Facilitator: Locha Brooks
Organization: 1st Class Educator
Role: Founder/CEO

Session Description:
In today’s increasingly diverse educational landscape, it is imperative for school districts to prioritize inclusive practices that model valuing the expertise and brilliance of minority service providers in the educational procurement process. Moderated by respected educational leader Locha Brooks, this panel discussion brings together Illinois leaders, Superintendent Dr. Sharon Kherat of Peoria PS 150 and Deputy Superintendent Jeff Dase of  Rock Island-Milan District 41 where they actively collaborate with the minority educational consulting providers. The conversation will raise awareness about the challenges faced by minority educational consulting vendors in the industry, and discuss strategies for overcoming these obstacles to promote a more inclusive and diverse educational ecosystem. The goal is to share insights and strategies for crafting high quality and effective professional development programs while highlighting the intentionality used in vendor selection as a means of promoting inclusion in educational services procurement. The session will introduce successful case studies and best practices from these school leaders that have effectively partnered with minority educational consultants to develop and implement culturally responsive professional development programs while honoring the invaluable role of minority educational consulting vendors in providing guidance and support to school districts. The Superintendents will provide actionable strategies and a framework for other district leaders to establish and foster long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with minority educational consultants, ensuring sustained progress towards inclusion goals. 

Session Objectives/Outcomes:

Participant Goals/Benefit(s): The panel will highlight the invaluable role of minority educational consulting vendors in providing expert guidance and support to school districts as they strive to meet the unique needs of diverse student populations.

The Goal of this Session is to:

• Strategically inform District Leaders on the Importance of Collaborating with Minority Educational Vendors as a means of advancing equity in the education industry holistically.
• Increase awareness and understanding of the unique value proposition and expertise that minority educational consulting vendors bring to school districts in promoting equity and inclusive practices.
• Raise awareness about the barriers and challenges faced by minority educational consulting vendors in the industry, and discuss strategies for overcoming these obstacles to promote a more inclusive and diverse educational ecosystem.
• Provide a framework on identifying and selecting high quality educational partners.
• Building partnerships with minority communities and leveraging community resources.

Professional Biography:
Locha Brooks, 36 is originally from St. Louis, Missouri now residing in the great state of Texas in the DFW area. She is the founder and CEO of 1st Class Educator, LLC - one of the leading educational consulting firms providing staff development and assistance to organizations. Ms. Brooks has a passion for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access which is shown throughout her organization’s commitments. With the help of her 1st Class Educator team, they lead professional development initiatives on various topics from DEI, cultural competency training, International Educator Assistance, beginning teacher assistance and much more.

Ms. Brooks continues to work nationally within the US and globally in the UK and in Africa. Ms. Brooks proudly graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Harris-Stowe State University (HBCU), received a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Lindenwood University, and completed post-graduate work at Harvard University in the Women in Educational Leadership program. Ms. Brooks is currently pursuing an EDD in Racial and Social Justice for the University of Missouri St. Louis. Ms. Brooks goal is to transform and enhance the landscape of education globally to advance our society and empower educators with strategies on how to increase their impact.

Jeff Dase has been dedicated to the students and communities of Illinois since 1998. He assumed the role of Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 on August 12, 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and was the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Decatur Public Schools since July 2019. Currently, Jeff is pursuing a doctorate in psychology and a chief school business officer certification. He holds an EdS in Educational Leadership, an M.A. in General Administration, and a B.S. in Elementary Education. Additionally, he has completed a Leadership Academy for aspiring leaders at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, as well as several superintendent preparation programs, including those offered by NABSE and IASA (IL). Jeff is also a participant in the Chicago and CAHN Fellows Program (New York).