• Dr. Alida Anderson - Inaugural Visiting Committee Member & Scholar
• Moet Archer – American University EdD Program Liaison & General Support
• Bonnie Berry – Conference Partnerships & Logistics
• Jaquial Durham – General Support & Partnerships
• Dr. Antonio Ellis – Conference Director & Senior Professorial Lecturer
• Mark Forsberg – Conference Registration and Logistics
• Dr. Rodney Hopson – Conference Chair
• Leslie A. Jones – Conference Speakers
• Morgan Lee – Sponsorship Coordinator & General Support
• Terence Mayo - Executive Assistant to the Director & General Support
• Maya Mercado-Garcia – Administrative & Technical Assistance
• Jason Pier – Marketing & Communication
• Brittany Rockwell – Graphic Design

Submit Your Proposal

Download the Call for Proposals here (200k PDF).

The American University School of Education is pleased to announce the 2025 Summer Institute on Education Equity and Justice (SIEEJ) Conference, taking place from June 19 to June 21, 2025, in Washington, DC. This year’s theme, “Fostering Antiracism through the Arts in K-12 Education,” seeks to explore the transformative role of the arts in advancing equity and challenging racism in PreK-12 classrooms. We invite educators, researchers, practitioners, and advocates to submit proposals that address innovative and practical ways the arts can be leveraged to dismantle racial inequities, empower students, and promote inclusive learning environments. These presentations will take place in-person on June 20 and 21 in Washington, DC.

Proposals should reflect the conference’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in education and the arts. Submissions may explore topics such as developing inclusive curricula in visual arts that celebrate diverse perspectives, using theater and performance as tools to challenge racial biases, or employing music to amplify voices of resistance and resilience. Additionally, proposals might consider storytelling and creative writing as powerful means to combat racism, the application of digital media and technology to promote antiracist education, or the integration of community-based art projects to address racial justice issues in local and global contexts.

Each proposal should include a session title, a detailed abstract describing the session’s objectives and relevance to the conference theme, and an explanation of how the session will engage participants. Presenters are encouraged to highlight practical strategies, innovative approaches, and opportunities for audience interaction. Proposals should also include the target audience, such as educators, school leaders, researchers, or community advocates, along with brief biographical information for each presenter. At the end of your proposal, indicate if you would like to present in-person or virtually. All accepted proposals will be required to register for the conference by May 1, 2025.

Proposal Topics

Proposals should align with the conference theme and may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

1. Inclusive Art Curricula: Strategies for integrating antiracism into visual arts education.
2. Theater and Social Change: Using theater and performance to challenge racial biases and promote equity.
3. Music and Social Justice: Incorporating diverse musical traditions to amplify voices of resistance and resilience.
4. Storytelling and Literature: Employing creative writing and literature to combat racism and foster equity.
5. Digital Media and Technology: Utilizing digital tools to engage students in antiracist dialogue and activism.
6. Community-Based Art Activism: Engaging students in collaborative art projects addressing racial justice.

Submission Guidelines

1. Proposals must be submitted by Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
2. Email proposals to aellis@american.edu and equityandjustice@american.edu with the subject line “SIEEJ 2025 proposal.”
3. All proposals will be reviewed for alignment with the conference theme, originality, practical application, and opportunities for meaningful participant engagement.
4. Notification of acceptance will be sent by Monday, April 1, 2025. Accepted presenters will have the opportunity to share their expertise with a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to advancing anti-racism through the arts.

We invite you to join us in shaping the future of education by sharing your insights and experiences at the 2025 SIEEJ Conference. Together, we can harness the power of the arts to inspire critical conversations, create inclusive learning spaces, and empower the next generation of students to become advocates for social justice. For more information about previous conferences, please click here . We look forward to receiving your submissions and to building a dynamic and inspiring program for this important event.

Check back for conference resources in April, including books, articles, and recordings.