Several 2023-24 Michigan regional teachers of the year join Michigan Teacher of the Year Candice Jackson in a lively discussion on a variety of topics.

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Carey DeWitt and Kevin Epling talk about the antibullying legislation Matt’s Law, compliance among Michigan School Districts and the legal effects of noncompliance.

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According to Autism Speaks, over 60% of neurodiverse students experience bullying while in middle and high school. How can educators balance the needs of these students with their neurotypical peers? Join author, expert and therapist Franki Bagdade to answer these questions.

How do you accommodate with dignity while also recognizing and celebrating the diverse strengths in your classroom?

Franki Bagdade, a local clinical therapist and educator, owns and operates FAAB Consulting, which offers school and camp consultation, as well as training for professionals in education, camping and mental health fields. In addition, Franki runs a solo private practice as a clinical social worker specializing in ADD, ADHD, anxiety, emotional regulation, executive functioning and parenting support.

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The Community Conversation on Bullying is excited to welcome Shyam Thakker. “I was born in Kenya and moved to the USA after high school for my education and career. I have a BS in Allied Health & Behavioral Sciences from Wayne State University and two Masters degrees from Eastern Michigan University, one in Education and the other in Educational Leadership. I have a beautiful daughter who is my inspiration and motivates me to not only be the best father that I can be, but also a better educator. I taught Science for 16 years and am now a Behavior Specialist and Consultant for the Dearborn School District. I was voted as the #1 Educator in North America in 2019 and was nominated for a Presidential Award in 2021 and 2022. I also received a letter of commendation from the White House and was recognized by Governor Whitmer, and two different State Representatives for my excellence in the field of Education. I go around various schools to help with self-care when needed.”

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Rasheda Williams, the visionary behind Empowered Flower Girl, delves into the ways in which youth advocates – including parents, educators, mentors, and mental health professionals – can uplift young individuals, particularly girls and young women, to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Her focus is on fostering healthier relationships among youth and with themselves.

Rasheda Kamaria Williams is a captivating speaker and social entrepreneur driven by a commitment to empowering youth and their advocates. She is the author of “Be EmPOWERed: How to Live Above & Beyond Life’s Drama” and the driving force behind Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise dedicated to reshaping youth dynamics and self-perception.

With over 15 years of dedicated service, Rasheda has been unwavering in her efforts to positively impact the lives of children and teenagers, championing youth advocacy, girl power, and mentoring programs.

Her relentless dedication has earned Empowered Flower Girl numerous accolades, including the “Impact Award” from Kumon North America and recognition as one of “29 Inspirational Female Entrepreneurs Who Are Positively Impacting the World.” Additionally, Rasheda has been featured in Exeleon Magazine’s “15

Dynamic Entrepreneurs of 2020” and honored as one of MentHer Magazine’s “Top 20 Social Impact Founders” in 2021. In 2022, she was celebrated among Hope magazine’s Hope 25 and recognized as a Community Icon by Esteem We/Detroit Possible. Most notably, in July 2023, Rasheda was distinguished as the Empowerment Enterprise Founder of the Year by Acquisition International Magazine and received the prestigious Social & Business Impact Award.

The post 2023 Community Conversation on Bullying – Session 1 first appeared on Defeat The Label.

Guiding the event, Moderator Kevin Epling, a parent advocate and national co-director of Bully Police USA, along with Jamie Kaniarz from Defeat the Label, extend a warm welcome to viewers joining the conference.

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Cornelius Godfrey, M.A. Ed., has two decades of educational experience serving under-resourced and marginalized students and families. Beginning in nonprofit mentoring, Cornelius’ work then led to the world of special education advocacy and instruction. After founding and leading a community organization for students and families of color, Cornelius transitioned to a central office administrative role with a focus on equity and inclusion. Most recently, Cornelius has been working as a diversity and equity consultant, serving in Oakland County and throughout Michigan.

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This amazing discussion brings together educators from around the state for a wide-ranging conversation about bullying, social norms, what educators are seeing in their schools and classrooms, and how they are working to create a kinder classroom community.

The post 2022 Virtual Community Conversation on Bullying – Session 2 first appeared on Defeat The Label.