HOW CAN WE SUPPORT STUDENTS to flourish and succeed? How do we encourage a love of learning and cultivate students’ passions? Juliana Urtubey, a National Teacher of the Year, challenges schools, families, and communities to create “joyous and just” learning environments that ensure everyone can shine. In her presentation, Urtubey will discuss how joyous learning brings a sense of belonging and a just environment makes certain that we acknowledge and dismantle barriers. She will share examples of how intentional, holistic, and inclusive practices build welcoming spaces for all. 

Speaker

Juliana Urtubey is a National Board Certified Teacher in PreK-5th grade bilingual and special education settings. She uses her platform as the 2021 National Teacher of the Year to advocate for a “joyous and just” education for all students, one that is inclusive and celebratory of all students’ identities, families, and communities. She shares her message with pre-service teachers, educators, and policymakers, including at the White House, and through the media, including People magazine, the NBC’s “Today” show, Univision, Telemundo, and Colombia’s El Pais, El Espectador, and RCN Noticias. In 2022, President Biden appointed Urtubey to the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. She is a teacher fellow and member of the board of directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Urtubey is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a BA in bilingual elementary education and an MA in special bilingual education from the University of Arizona.