The fourth annual Educational Leadership Summit, presented by Cal State San Bernardino’s James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education, will focus on “Education as A Civil Right: Safeguarding the Future of America's Public Schools” when it convenes on Thursday, Nov. 14.

The summit, sponsored by SchoolsFirst Credit Union, will take place from 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m. at the at the Santos Manuel Student Union North. Online registration for the summit is free and can be done on the Eventbrite webpage.

The summit offers education professionals the opportunity to engage with experts and thought education leaders and explore cutting-edge ideas and trends shaping education’s future. Participants will be able to connect with like-minded professionals and potential partners from school districts, universities and other institutions. Through thought-provoking talks, engaging panel discussions and interactive workshops, you will gain valuable insights and perspectives on the latest advancements in education and educational leadership.

The summit will feature four keynote speakers:

  • Derek W. Black, professor of law and the Ernest F. Hollings Chair in Constitutional Law at the University of South Carolina School of Law, will present the first keynote, “School House Burning: Public School Education and the Assault on American Democracy;”
  • Edwin Gomez, Riverside County superintendent of schools, the 2024 California Association of Latino Superintendents & Administrators Superintendent of the Year and CSUSB alumnus, will present the second keynote, “Advancing Educational Access for All Students in the Inland Empire Region;”  
  • Dina Walker, CEO of BLU Educational Foundation, will present the third keynote, “The State of African American Education in the Inland Empire;” and
  • Ashish Vaidya, president and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement, will present the fourth and final keynote, “Roles and Activities Towards the Preservation and Furtherance of Public Education Opportunities in the Inland Empire.”

Also during the summit, there will be opportunities for discussions and networking, and table discussion session on “How Can the University and the K-12 System Partner to Protect Public Education?”

For more information, visit the Educational Leadership Summit webpage.