Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion Conference

The College of Education at Idaho State University acknowledges the distinctive challenges faced by educators in rural Idaho and aims to promote discussions on belonging, equity, and the empowerment of teachers to address the diverse learning needs of their students. The complexity of the educational landscape is increasingly pronounced, with issues ranging from addressing students' mental health and emotional needs to ensuring equitable access to digital resources for online or hybrid instruction. This complexity is further exacerbated by the nationwide teacher shortage, which disproportionately affects rural schools due to the reluctance of prospective educators to pursue opportunities in these areas.

The Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion (BEI) Conference is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue among educators regarding evidence-based strategies to advance equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, with a specific emphasis on rural contexts. True equity entails allocating resources to areas of greatest need, dismantling barriers, and providing targeted support. A sense of belonging is cultivated when individuals feel recognized for their unique contributions, connected to their peers, supported in their development, and aligned with their values. The goal of the conference is to generate and share ideas that will contribute to achieving genuine equity and fostering a sense of belonging within rural educational settings.

The BEI Conference is organized by the Idaho State University College of Education and ISU Diversity Resource Center and is geared toward engaging educators in dialogue regarding various evidence-based strategies to address equity and inclusion in schools, including rural settings. For more information, email coeevents@isu.edu.

The participants will be able to:

1. 1. integrate equity and inclusion strategies to promote student learning in rural P-12 learning environments. 
   2. appreciate diversity on the ISU campus, Pocatello community, and larger society. 
   3. promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members. 
   4. provide a platform for ISU teacher candidates to share their concerns, challenges, and strategies about equity and inclusion in the classroom.
   5. promote instructional strategies and services to meet individual, cultural or environmental differences.

Past Conference Information: 

• 2023 DEI Program and Agenda
• 2022 DEI Program and Agenda
• 2021 DEI Program and Agenda