Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET

Join the Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA) at the Southern Education Foundation and the National Academy of Education for the final webinar in our three-part series on building safe and supportive learning environments.

This session will examine how policy, systems, and organizational conditions shape students’ experiences and opportunities to learn. Bringing together research and K-12 practice, the conversation will explore how decisions at the school and district levels can create more supportive, coherent environments where students can belong, engage deeply in learning, and thrive.

Participants will leave with:

  • Research-informed ideas for strengthening K-12 policies and systems that support belonging and deeper learning
  • A stronger understanding of how school and district structures shape students’ learning experiences
  • Practical considerations for identifying and addressing systemic barriers to supportive learning environments
  • Strategies for aligning policy, systems, and practice to create conditions where all students can thrive

Speakers include:

  • Eshé Collins, Director, Southern Center for Opportunity and Access
  • Cynthia Coburn, Professor, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
  • Carla O’Connor, Professor, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan
  • Carina Windom, Director, Office of Equity + Social Justice, Atlanta Public Schools
  • Amy Berman, Deputy Director, National Academy of Education

Button: Register today 

Missed the first two sessions? Catch up on the conversation by watching: