2026 Summer Institute Keynotes
2026 BEST Summer Institute
Keynotes
Start off your days at the Summer Institute with words of inspiration, equity, and compassion from this year’s speakers.
Designing for Diversity: Considering Inclusive Frameworks to Plan for All
Bio: Based in British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Shelley Moore is a highly sought-after inclusive education researcher, teacher, consultant, and storyteller. She has worked with school districts and community organizations around the world. Her research explores how to support teachers to design for all learners in grade-level academic classrooms that include students with intellectual disabilities using strength-based and responsive approaches. Shelley completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at the University of Alberta, her Master’s at Simon Fraser University, and her Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia.
Empowered Educators, Thriving Schools: Student-Centered Learning for a Changing World
Bio:
Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator who works with teachers, school leaders, and community organizations to advance equitable literacy reform worldwide. His book We Got This explores how everyday choices—especially listening closely to students—can create more just school spaces. He has been featured in Education Week, Brooklyn Magazine, and Teaching Tolerance, and has partnered with organizations including the New York City Department of Education, Scholastic, and the International Literacy Association. Cornelius is also the founder of The Minor Collective with his wife, Kass Minor, a community-based movement focused on sustainable school change. Drawing on his experience teaching middle school in the Bronx and Brooklyn, he brings together his love of literature, technology, and youth culture to build strong learning communities.
Joy: The Secret Ingredient
Bio: Dr. Deonna Smith is an author, former school leader, and advocate for justice. Deonna started her career teaching 5th grade in Oakland, CA, and went on to teach middle school math and science, K-8 intervention, and several electives and academic support subjects along the way. Dr. Smith’s speciality is asset pedagogies, including ensuring that Black and Brown students are able to thrive in their classrooms. After a decade in schools, Deonna has now stepped into the role of facilitator and coach for organizations across the country who want to start, sustain, and scale their equity work.