WSUNER conference, Social Justice Fair to draw educators, students to ‘Learn Local’

The Social Justice Fair takes place at 5 p.m. on March 4 in the Hangar, followed by the WSUNER Learn Local Conference on March 5 at 7:45 a.m. in Allyn Hall and the Hangar.

After holding the event virtually last year, the Wright State University Network for Educational Renewal (WSUNER) Learn Local Conference, hosted by the College of Health, Education and Human Services, is back in person.

Once again, the conference will partner with the Social Justice Fair to bring a two-day experience.

Both the WSUNER Learn Local Conference and the Social Justice Fair focus on educators’ outstanding work and the difference they make.

The WSUNER Learn Local Conference will take place on Saturday, March 5, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Allyn Hall and the Hangar.

Registration for the Social Justice Fair will begin at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 4, in the Hangar.

Registration for both events is free and open at wright.edu/wsuner. Masks are required for both events.

The WSUNER Learn Local Conference is expected to attract more than 200 local educators, administrators, organizations and Wright State community members. The conference will include a light breakfast, feature three breakout sessions, with a total of 31 topics to choose from, and will wrap up with awards and door prizes.

Amy Elston, Ph.D., assistant director of the Office of Partnerships and Field Experiences and a lecturer in the School of Education and Leadership, is excited about the energy of the conference.

“Every year has been a wonderful opportunity for us to show gratitude to educators for the amazing work they do,” Elston said. “Also, the sessions are outstanding.”

Angela Johnson, Ph.D., professor of English language and literatures, and Elston are the co-coordinators of the Social Justice Fair, which was previously called the Language Arts Fair. Changing the focus of the event to social justice opened it up for more disciplines as a way to celebrate the good work of teachers and their students, including area middle and high school students, Johnson said.

Students and educators who attend the Social Justice Fair can share their projects via posters, research or creative works.

“It’s always a joy to see the students’ work and to reconnect with our alumni and to meet new teachers,” Johnson said. “I hope to see a wide mix of students from many disciplines as well as folks from the community.”

The Social Justice Fair will feature a talk by guest speaker Lyn Ford, an award-winning storyteller and author of “Beyond the Briar Patch: Affrilachian Folktales, Food, and Folklore” and “Supporting Diversity and Inclusion with Story.”

After student and teacher project sharing, Ford will share her stories and perspectives, with a book signing and meet-and-greet to follow.

“I had seen Lyn perform stories at a conference, and she was mesmerizing,” Johnson said. “She has a unique perspective to share as an Affrilachian, or African American Appalachian, storyteller.”

Johnson encouraged anyone who is interested in the Social Justice Fair to attend and even present.

“The fair takes place during Wright State’s spring break, so parking is a breeze,” Johnson said.