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Rooted in Belonging. Routed to Transformation.
January 26-28, 2026
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Before the Journey Begins
Pre-Conference Workshops and City Tours: January 25, 2026
Before Roots to Routes: A Call Forward officially kicks off with our Opening Ceremonies on Monday, January 26, participants are invited to begin the learning on Sunday, January 25.
Join us for pre-conference experiences designed to ground, connect, and inspire. Choose from immersive workshops for educators and administrators or a guided exploration of Philadelphia’s historic roots and routes—city tours that trace stories of resilience and resistance through the lens of marginalized identities. Students are warmly welcome to join the city tours as well, deepening their understanding of place, history, and identity through experiential learning.
In addition, a special pre-conference workshop for students will offer training on how to navigate challenging conversations with courage, care, and skill—helping young leaders prepare for meaningful dialogue throughout the conference.
As we open the pre-conference to the broader community of educators and students in the Philadelphia area, registered Roots to Routes participants receive a special discount on pre-conference registration. Space is limited, so secure your spot today and begin your journey early.
Please note:
Join us for pre-conference experiences designed to ground, connect, and inspire. Choose from immersive workshops for educators and administrators or a guided exploration of Philadelphia’s historic roots and routes—city tours that trace stories of resilience and resistance through the lens of marginalized identities. Students are warmly welcome to join the city tours as well, deepening their understanding of place, history, and identity through experiential learning.
In addition, a special pre-conference workshop for students will offer training on how to navigate challenging conversations with courage, care, and skill—helping young leaders prepare for meaningful dialogue throughout the conference.
As we open the pre-conference to the broader community of educators and students in the Philadelphia area, registered Roots to Routes participants receive a special discount on pre-conference registration. Space is limited, so secure your spot today and begin your journey early.
Please note:
- There will be an optional Opening Happy Hour for registered Roots to Routes participants only at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown from 7:30–9:30 p.m.—a chance to gather, connect, and exhale for the transformative days ahead.
- Students are also invited to an optional pre-conference icebreaker session at the hotel from 7:00–8:30 p.m. (students should plan to have dinner before arriving). This informal gathering will help student participants build community and connections before the conference begins.
Descriptions for Pre-Conference Workshops
All workshops take place on January 25, 2pm-5pm.
The offerings are:
The offerings are:
Workshops for Educators and Administrators:
Challenging Colonial Legacies: Skills for Facilitating Liberation Dialogues with Love and Humanity
You Belong Here: Thriving as an Early Career Independent School Educator
Story Bridge: Cultivating Connection and Belonging through the Power of Story
Collaborative Inquiry on the Anti-DEI Campaign and the Impact on Educational Outcomes
Workshop for Students:
CPR: Reviving the Art of Meaningful Conversations
Challenging Colonial Legacies: Skills for Facilitating Liberation Dialogues with Love and Humanity
You Belong Here: Thriving as an Early Career Independent School Educator
Story Bridge: Cultivating Connection and Belonging through the Power of Story
Collaborative Inquiry on the Anti-DEI Campaign and the Impact on Educational Outcomes
Workshop for Students:
CPR: Reviving the Art of Meaningful Conversations
