Tidewater Inclusive Educators’ Conference
Tidewater Inclusive Educators’ Conference
July 21-22, 2026
Conducted by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
In partnership with the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and Jewish Peninsula
Thanks to generous support from the Tidewater Jewish Foundation
We are pleased to invite educators, administrators, counselors, and other youth-serving professionals to the 2026 Tidewater Inclusive Educators’ Conference! This intensive two-part experience will equip participants with frameworks, tools, and strategies to counter antisemitism and all forms of identity-based bullying in order to foster inclusive school cultures.
PROGRAM DETAILS
DAY ONE (Led by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities)
Date: July 21, 2026
Times: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Virginia Wesleyan University, becoming Batten University on July 1
Interactive workshops focused on the mechanics of bias, understanding and combatting antisemitism, and practical skills for moving from “bystander” to “upstander.”
DAY TWO (Led by the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater)
Date: July 22, 2026
Times: 7:30am charter bus departure from Hampton Roads – 3:00pm leave Virginia Holocaust Museum to return to Hampton Roads
Location: Virginia Holocaust Museum (with program content during morning travel on bus)
An experiential bus trip to the Virginia Holocaust Museum, providing critical historical context to the consequences of unchecked prejudice.
*Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all program materials are provided for all participants on both days.*
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POINTS
Participating educators will receive a certificate confirming 13.5 hours of professional development.
PROGRAM COST
Early bird registration through June 15 is $25 for both days of the conference. After June 15, the cost is $40 per participant. The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has funds available if cost is a barrier. Email [email protected] to let us know if you would like to receive a scholarship to attend.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities strives to make our programs as accessible and inclusive as possible while acknowledging the existence of external barriers that may prevent 100% accessibility. VCIC leans into our core values of integrity and openness as we work to provide the most accessible experience for all, while welcoming feedback about what we can do better.
Upon request made to [email protected] at least four (4) weeks prior to the event, VCIC commits to:
- Support any needs related to participants’ ASL interpreters or need for large print handouts
- Accommodate dietary restrictions
- Provide large-print handouts and/or support interpreters brought by participants
- Provide venue layout information including nearest parking and accessible entrances
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA CENTER FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success by addressing prejudices, in all forms, in order to improve academic achievement, increase workplace productivity, and enhance local trust. Through workshops, retreats, and customized programs that raise knowledge, motivation, and skills, VCIC develops leaders who work together to achieve success throughout the Commonwealth.
Registration
Questions:
Meagan Starks
Director of Hampton Roads Programs
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
757-390-0720
