Educator Support Initiative: Evidence-Based Research for Equitable Learning Environments
About This Project
The National Academy of Education announces a partnership with the Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA) at the Southern Education Foundation (SEF).
The goal of this initiative is to provide evidence-based guidance to educators and policy leaders for delivering effective learning experiences that fully engage the cognitive, social-emotional, and cultural strengths and resources of all students. SCOA offers technical assistance and training, upon request, to address educational inequities related to race, sex, national origin, and religion, promoting equitable educational opportunities. Together, SCOA and NAEd work to advise, assist, and serve public schools and districts in developing and implementing research-informed, equitable education policies and practices that ensure all students have access to high-quality, inclusive learning environments.
Our Work
Webinar Series: Building Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Belonging and Deeper Learning
Part 1: Foundations of Supportive Learning Environments
Explore how learning, development, relationships, belonging, and emotion shape student engagement and access to deeper learning. Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang and a panel of educators connect research from the learning sciences, human development, and neuroscience to practical, research-informed strategies that help educators create engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
Speakers:
- Eshé Collins, Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA)
- Amy Berman, Deputy Director, National Academy of Education
- Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Fahmy and Donna Attallah Chair in Humanistic Psychology Director, University of Southern California Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education; Professor of Education, Psychology & Neuroscience, Brain & Creativity Institute; Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California
- Samantha O'Connor, High School Chemistry Teacher, Harpeth Hall School, Nashville, TN
- Peter Karp, Principal, Institute for Collaborative Education, New York, NY
- Mathew Nuñez, Social Studies Teacher, Da Vinci RISE High, Los Angeles, CA
Part 2: Building Supportive Learning Environments Through Instructional Practice
Featuring Megan Franke and H. Richard Milner IV alongside two educators, this conversation bridges research and practice by highlighting research-informed instructional practices and the everyday teaching moves that make supportive learning environments visible in classrooms. Panelists share practical, evidence-based ideas for building meaningful relationships, cultivating inclusive classroom communities, and creating learning experiences that support student engagement.
Speakers:
- Jennifer Banks, Director of Instruction, Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Ann Arbor, MI
- Megan Franke, Vice Chair of Professional Programs; Professor, UCLA School of Education & Information Studies, Los Angeles, CA
- H. Richard Milner IV, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Education and Sociology; Founding Director, Research in Education Applied to Development of Youth (READY) Lab, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Micah Pate, Principal, Cooper Lane Elementary, Landover, MD; National Academy of Education
- Eshé Collins, Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access
Part 3: Building Supportive Learning Environments Through Policy and Systems
Featuring Cynthia Coburn and Carla O'Connor, alongside K-12 practitioner Carina Windom, this conversation bridges research, policy, and practice by exploring how decisions at the school and district level influence teaching, learning, and students' everyday experiences. Panelists share research-informed and practical ideas for creating coherent systems, strengthening supportive school environments, and ensuring that policies and practices expand opportunities for all students.
Speakers:
- Cynthia Coburn, Professor, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
- Carla O'Connor, Professor, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan
- Carina Windom, Director, Office of Equity + Social Justice, Atlanta Public Schools
- Amy Berman, Deputy Director, National Academy of Education
- Eshé Collins, Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access
Past Webinar Series
How to Address Racial, Ethnic, and Economic Segregation in K-12 Schools - Webinar
Experts in the field and school leaders share the profound harms of segregation to students and society. Gain insights concerning initiatives and strategies to proactively address segregation and ensure every student has equal access to quality education.
Speakers:
- Eshé Collins, Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA)
- Amy Berman, Deputy Director, National Academy of Education
- Effie Mcmillian, Chief Equity Officer, Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools
- Frank Pantano, Executive Director, Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools
- Genevieve Siegel-Hawley, Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Lucas Hostetter, Director of Strategic Planning, Richmond Public Schools
Accompanying Video Recording
Download Brief Summary
How to Improve Student Social-Emotional Well-Being - Webinar
Experts in the field and school leaders discuss the value of nonacademic supports and teachings in school districts and their profound impact on students. Gain insights concerning initiatives attempting to combat social-emotional learning at the national and state level. Uncover practical strategies to bridge gaps in social-emotional development and mental health services, addressing the needs of all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Speakers:
- Eshé Collins, Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA)
- Rob Jagers, Vice President of Research, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
- Rose Prejean-Harris, Director of Social Emotional Learning, Atlanta Public Schools
- Andy Tucker, Director of Policy, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
- Amy Berman, Deputy Director, National Academy of Education
Accompanying Video Recording
Download Brief Summary
How to Improve Access to Rigorous Coursework - Webinar
Uncover the effects of unequal access to challenging courses on educational outcomes across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Learn strategies to minimize these disparities and create inclusive academic settings.
Speakers:
- Amy Berman, Deputy Director, National Academy of Education
- Michal Kurlaender, Chancellor’s Leadership Professor of Education Policy at the School of Education, University of California, Davis
- Karolyn Tyson, Professor and Chair of Sociology, Georgetown University
- Oswaldo Alvarenga, Deputy Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Dallas Independent School District
Accompanying Video Recording
Download Brief Summary
QUESTIONS?
Please Contact:
Amy Berman
Deputy Director
aberman@naeducation.org