2025 Conference Speakers

Dr. Eddie
Glaude Jr.
New York Times Bestselling Author & James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University

Pedro
Martinez
Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Jean
Desravines
The Wallace Foundation, President

Dr. Howard Hepburn
Superintendent, Broward County Schools, FL

Dr. Patrick Tutwiler
Massachusetts Secretary of Education

Dr. Erick
Pruitt
Superintendent, Ankeny Community
School District, IA

Dr. John
Jenkins
Chief Program & Implementation Officer,
New Leaders

Dr. Pedro
Rivera
President of Thaddeus Stevens College
of Technology, PA

Dr. Dino Coronado
Superintendent in Residence

Brandy
Spencer
Los Angeles Unified School District
Specialist, Career Ladder Programs

Miguel
Garza
Los Angeles Unified School District
Interim Director Certificated Employment, Region North

Jacob
Guthrie
Los Angeles Unified School District
Director of Recruitment, Selection, & Retention, Black Student Achievement Plan

Dr. Erick
Alfonso
Belleville Public Schools
Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Michael E. Coleman Jr.
Camden City School District
Yorkship Elementary School Principal

Dr. Lazell Williams
Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
F.L. Schlagle High School Principal

Antwayne Sanders
Griffin-Spalding County School System
Executive Officer of Elementary Education

Dr. Jeremy
Eddie
Aurora Public Schools
Assistant Principal

Dr. Jacob
Waites
Center City Public Charter School
Principal

Dr. Andre Samuels
Friendship Public Charter School
Director of Secondary School Performance

Dr. Harold McCray Jr.
District of Columbia Public Schools
MacArthur High School Principal
About The Convening
Get ready to supercharge your leadership at the MCEL National Convening, December 12–14, 2025, in the dynamic city of Orlando, Florida— In an era of rapid change and mounting pressures on our educational institutions, bold, visionary leadership has never mattered more. This year’s theme, “The Resilient Leader,” celebrates the power of grit, adaptability, and unwavering purpose to transform challenges into breakthroughs.
With only 3 percent of educators identifying as men of color—and attrition threatening to decimate our ranks within the next decade—our community faces a critical crossroads. Now is the time to come together, recharge, and recommit to the work that matters. At this convening, you’ll find a vibrant, affirming space to be your full self, deepen your skills, and forge connections that fuel both personal and professional growth.


