OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Carly Gubitz (Left) and Hannah Leverenz (Right)

Hannah Leverenz (Left) and Carly Gubitz (Right)

Culturally and Historically Responsive Education

Name: Carly Gubitz

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Advocacy & Political Action

Conference Host Organization/Institution: NYU Metro Center

Conference/Competition Name: NYU Metro Center's 2024 Equity Now

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2024-05-17 Conference End Date: 2024-05-17

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
My main takeaway from the conference is that joy should not be absent from education. Additionally, it is crucial to inject joy into the learning process to cultivate student engagement. I also felt very positive about the people in the education field and the policy work being done to make improvements.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
I am a tutor for the Petey Greene Program (an organization that connects high-quality tutors with currently or formerly incarcerated individuals to help them pursue their academic goals), and I was reminded how pertinent social-emotional and culturally responsive learning is for students. The conference reminded me to recenter these practices and include joy.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
In my next tutoring assignment, I want to work on my ability to connect with the students. If I recenter SEL and CRE, I can build stronger bonds with my students. I will try to incorporate more joy into the lessons that I have control over.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
I think bringing your NYU Wagner business cards to hand out while networking is important. It's important to go in with an open mind and talk with people. Even if it is just small-talk, it is important to introduce yourself to new people.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Education, Inequality, Race, and Poverty