Using World Cafes in Education Launched Across Illinois

August was a month full of opportunities to share my platform of belonging and to connect with educators across the state. The World Café dialogues platform launched this month: generating conversations on creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments for both students and educators.

Institute Day at LaGrange School District 105 World Cafe

ISBE BOARD MEETING 8/14 – I had the opportunity to present at the Illinois State Board of Education's board meeting. I shared my platform on building belonging through World Cafés and uniting educators across the state with this dialogue model.

AREA 1 TITLE DIRECTORS 8/21 – I was invited to share my platform with the Regional Office of Education Area 1 Professional Development directors. I also had the chance to observe their meeting, gaining valuable insight into the critical role they play in supporting professional development for educators across their regions.

LaGrange School District Institute Day 8/22 – I had the honor of opening Institute Day at LaGrange School District 105 with a World Café. Over 300 educators, both certified and classified, came together to discuss strategies for increasing belonging, with many highlighting the success of their morning meetings as a key strength of building belonging with students in the district.

 Fox Valley Park District 8/26 – I led a World Café with early childhood educators and staff from the Fox Valley Park District’s educational programs. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was how much the educators value the sense of family and community that exists within their teaching environment.

Institute Day at Fox Valley Preschools in Aurora World Cafe

Each of these events reinforced the importance of building strong, supportive communities within our schools and educational programs. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working toward a future where every educator and student feels a deep sense of belonging.