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Summer Learning Institute

Justice-Centered Education for a Changing World

July 22-24, 2026

The Summer Learning Institute, hosted by the School of Education, brings together Saint Louis University faculty, regional school teams and community organizations for learning that is reflective, practical and grounded in mission. The institute is designed for participants who want credible content, thoughtful facilitation and time to translate learning into action

This free professional development event is open to classroom teachers, instructional coaches, school and district leaders, higher education partners, nonprofit teams, grant writers and community collaborators invested in educational equity. The agenda is structured so school and community teams can attend together, compare learning across sessions, and leave with coordinated next steps.

All sessions will take place on Saint Louis University's campus. Specific building and location details will be available at a later date.

Agenda

July 22

Shared Purpose

  • 8:30 a.m.: Welcome: Justice-Centered Education for a Changing World
    A cinematic opening that grounds the institute in SLU's mission, equity, community and educator leadership
  • 10:15 a.m.: Keynote and Reflection Labs:
    Participants connect keynote ideas to school, district, nonprofit and classroom realities
  • 2 p.m.: Community Collaboration Studio
    Cross-role teams identify local challenges and begin mapping actionable next steps

July 23

Practice and Resources

  • 9 a.m.: Professional Learning Intensives
    Interactive workshops across equity, leadership, grant writing, resource development and belonging
  • 12:30 p.m.: Networking Lunch: Educator Connection Tables
    Structured networking for educators, school leaders, community partners and university collaborators
  • 3 p.m.: Resource Development Clinics
    Small-group support for turning ideas into fundable, sustainable, partnership-ready initiatives

July 24

Leadership in Motion

  • 9 a.m.: Emerging Leadership Roundtables
    Peer-led conversations on influence, courage, culture, and leadership in changing education systems
  • 11 a.m.: Implementation Sprint
    Participants leave with a 30-day plan, partner map, and personal commitment for continued action
  • 1 p.m.: Closing Convocation
    A final gathering celebrating educator empowerment, community wisdom, and next steps

Focus Areas

Participants of the SLU Summer Learning Institute will gain a better understanding of the following content areas.

Register today
Children work with a SLU student teacher in an elementary-school classroom.

Educational Equity

Move from equity language to daily practices that expand belonging, access and opportunity.

A SLU student-teacher works closely with a education professor in her office.

Instructional Leadership

Strengthen coaching, team routines, and decision-making systems that improve learning conditions.

A SLU student-teacher works on his laptop in a classroom.

Grant Writing

Build practical capacity for resource development, proposal strategy and sustainable program funding.

A group of SLU students work together around a laptop.

Emerging Leadership

Support educators ready to lead through collaboration, reflection, influence and community partnership.