Hope in Action: Critical Reflection, Advocacy for Radical Change, and Equity-Oriented Strategies for Educators in a Polycrisis [Past Event]
March 26, 2025
Schools are facing a "polycrisis" that demands innovative and equitable responses from educators. Dr. Patricia Virella MSEd '09 joined us to discuss actionable strategies for teachers and leaders to navigate these complex issues and foster hope in their classrooms and communities. Focusing on critical self-reflection and advocacy for radical change, Dr. Virella introduced an eight-pillar framework for equity-oriented crisis leadership. Through real-world examples and practical tools, we learned how to address the disproportionate impacts of crises on marginalized students, build resilience, and create a more equitable and supportive education system, one classroom at a time.
We also celebrated Dr. Virella's latest book Crisis as Catalyst: Equity-Oriented School Leadership During Difficult Times (Harvard Education Press 2025).
Dr. Patricia M. Virella is an Assistant Professor of Urban Educational Leadership at Montclair State University. Additionally, Dr. Virella is the Founder of My Academic Writing Routine, an organization committed to demystifying academic writing for grad students, focusing on graduate students of color.