Midwinter Retreat 2027 - January 22, 2027

“Reflect. Dig. Write. Repeat.”: Cultivating a Place for Writing in the Portrait of a Graduate
with Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz

Friday, January 22, 2027
9 AM - 3 PM
UAlbany ETEC Building
1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222
Join the Capital District Writing Project as we explore the possibilities of, and place for, writing within the Portrait of a Graduate, inspired by the incomparable scholar, poet, author, Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz.

Dr. Sealey-Ruiz will lead participants in an examination of our own identities, histories, and beliefs as educators. In her work, she reminds us that in our teaching and our learning, “We need people who will celebrate our growth, challenge our thinking, ask us difficult questions, and lovingly remind us of who we are becoming.”

Across the day, we will explore ways of centering writing in this new landscape of a Portrait of a Graduate through:
● Creating self-portraits that explore influences on our teaching and learning identities;
● Exploring where and how writing can play a role in students’ process of designing their pathways toward graduation; and
● Taking a collaborative stance of hope for future graduates.

We will also be joined by local young writers who will share their writing and perspectives.

Across the day, participants will have multiple opportunities to write, share, and connect with others.

We invite school leaders, community educators, preservice teachers, school counselors, and K-college educators of all content areas and grade levels to join us.

Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz is a Professor of English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the 2024 Dorothy Height Distinguished Alumni Awardee from New York University. Her research, published in leading academic journals, centers on racial literacy and educational equity.

Cost: $50 for teachers, leaders, and faculty members.

This event is FREE for UAlbany students.

Lunch will be provided.

The first 20 paid registrants will receive a free copy of Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz’s book, Archaeology of The Introspective Educator’s Guide to Racial Literacy.

Space is limited! Register in advance.

Participants can earn 6 CTLE hours by registering through the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center’s My Learning Plan.

Parking available at the ETEC Building.

Questions? Email Chelsea Goodbred at goodbredch@egcsd.org

Paying by Purchase Order? Please contact Alison Olin at aolin@albany.edu