Bold Moves, Shared Purpose: Highlights from the 2025 WLC Educator Symposium
What does it take to transform tomorrow’s education? For over 200 educators gathered at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, a new vision began to take shape during the 2025 WLC Educator Symposium: Transforming Tomorrow by Making Bold Moves Today.
Hosted by the Wilmington Learning Collaborative (WLC) and Education First, the sold-out two-day gathering brought together educators from WLC partner schools across Christina, Red Clay, and Brandywine districts, as well as others from throughout Wilmington and beyond, creating a unique space for collaboration and shared purpose.
Speaking to the power of the event, WLC Executive Director Dr. Laura Burgos shared:
“The Wilmington Learning Collaborative 2025 Educator Symposium was filled with positive energy, critical conversations, and insights from both our classrooms and our trusted partners. We convened over 200 educators and provided a safe space for cross-district collaboration. Our educator community showed up, supported each other, and reflected on the journey ahead. The catalyst for change is in the room. It is you. It is me. It is us. I remain honored to lead our collective work.”
Building on two years of collaborative work, the symposium’s agenda focused on two themes: Connected Schools—emphasizing collaboration and community engagement—and Students-First—prioritizing student-centered strategies to meet diverse needs and promote success. Throughout the event, educators participated in interactive workshops, keynote presentations, and open conversations designed to break down barriers and foster a unified commitment to reimagining learning in Wilmington.
A drumline performance by Kuumba Academy opened Day One with joy and power, centering students from the very first moment and setting the tone for a gathering rooted in purpose.
In his keynote address, Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, drew from his leadership journey to emphasize what makes change stick: clear communication, humility, and strong teams. “We will never tutor and mentor our way to excellence,” he said. “From the research, we know the number one thing to invest in is teachers.”
Following him, Sharif El-Mekki, founder of the Center for Black Educator Development, emphasized the need to invest in a diverse, community-rooted teaching force. He spoke about the long-standing traditions of Black educators and the culturally grounded practices that have supported student success for generations. Too often, he noted, these practices are overlooked or reframed as new.
“We think it’s innovative,” he said, “But it’s actually history that we chose to ignore, that we chose not to support and protect.”
During her remarks at lunch, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten echoed the day’s call for intentional leadership and equity, urging educators to turn data into action grounded in empathy and understanding.
“Data is not a hammer,” she said. “Data can be and has been weaponized, but it can be, and is best used as a flashlight.”
Breakout sessions further translated the day’s themes into action. Educators explored trauma-informed teaching with Children & Families First, literacy strategies with Creative Curriculum, inclusive culture-building with Harlan Elementary, and student-led problem solving with The Bayard School. National partners like TNTP offered big-picture insights, while local school teams shared grounded strategies from their own classrooms.
As the first day wound down, the energy softened, but the sense of purpose remained. Attendees were treated to a meditative sound bath experience and fresh juices, offering an intentional close to a day filled with connection, reflection, and bold ideas.
Day Two opened with a moving keynote from Dr. Ivory Toldson, who challenged educators to rethink how they interpret data and define success. He called for a shift “from probability to possibility,” reminding the audience that “statistics can tell a story, but they don’t tell the whole story.”
Dr. Toldson urged leaders to move beyond comparisons and standardized metrics, focusing instead on each student’s unique potential and strengths. He encouraged educators to become “data nerds” who balance heart and analysis, using data as a tool to connect with students.
“Compassionate understanding is when we recognize that data should be a tool to help us connect with people,” he said. “When we think like conventional technicians and focus only on numbers without seeing the whole picture, we can’t help students become their best selves.”
“We should think about data as a living organ that we can treat with the type of sensitivity we would treat any person.”
One of the day’s most memorable moments was a student panel moderated by Dr. Archie Moss of Transcend, giving educators a rare chance to hear directly from students about their school experiences.
Panelists described school as “stressful, messy, but still fun” and shared how caring teachers, activities like dance and basketball, and opportunities to be heard make them feel part of the community. They also spoke candidly about challenges like bullying, the need for quiet spaces to focus, and how teacher support can help them keep going when school feels hard.
Following the panel, attendees enjoyed a powerful student dance performance by the Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy Dance Team, which was created around the theme of bullying—a poignant reminder of the emotional depth behind the day’s conversations.
Day Two’s breakout sessions sparked new energy and fresh perspectives as educators explored brain-based classroom management with Jounce, equity through curriculum decolonization with Delaware State University, bold learning strategies with Transcend, sharpened their writing skills with Learning Focused, and uncovered ways to bring joy and inclusion to every classroom with WLC. These hands-on sessions fueled lively discussions and inspired educators to rethink their practices and reimagine what’s possible for their students.
The symposium closed with a creative team activity: educators designed banners capturing their biggest takeaways, moments of inspiration, and aspirations for the year ahead. Teams proudly presented their banners, a fitting close to a symposium grounded in connection, purpose, and possibility.
The impact of those two days resonated with educators long after the final session. Here’s what a few attendees had to say:
Samina Miles, Teacher at Shortlidge Academy:
“Shortlidge Academy loved fellowshipping with other brilliant educators and stakeholders.”
Michelle Lacombe, School Counselor at Pulaski Early Education Center:
“Pulaski staff truly enjoyed participating in the WLC Symposium! It was great to share two days of transformation and growth. We are excited to do it again next year!”
Deloris Williams, School Counselor at Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy:
“This has been a truly rewarding experience. I’m looking forward to meeting with my building Educator Leader Team next week as we begin our planning process. I hope everyone finds this experience just as meaningful.”
Philmekia Donato, Teacher/Consultant at Vision Academy School of Excellence:
“Huge thank you to the WLC for such an intentional and inspiring experience. Every detail felt thoughtful, and the energy in the room was unmatched.”
Daakia Manigault, Teacher at The Bayard School:
“What an amazing event! I really enjoyed hearing the passion from the speakers. It was very engaging. I feel like a sponge; I’ve been soaking up the knowledge, and it feels good.”
Together, these reflections show a community inspired, energized, and ready to transform education by making bold moves today. Building on the success of this inaugural symposium, the WLC team is already looking ahead, eager to deepen connections, expand opportunities, and continue this important work with even more educators next year.
The journey to transforming education in Wilmington Schools has truly begun.
