FUTURE-PROOFED: BRIDGING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, EQUITY, AND INTELLIGENCE
SUNY Old Westbury’s School of Education Summer Institute for Teachers Learning Conference is back!
Future-proofing students requires a mix of entrepreneurial grit and intelligence (both human and artificial) to navigate a changing world!
When: Saturday, June 6th, 2026 (On Campus) 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: SUNY Old Westbury
Our conference is designed for educators
Faculty of institutions of higher education, District education leaders, Principals, P-12 Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Program directors, Curriculum specialists, Pre/In-service teachers, and all those who are strategic and thoughtful in promoting students’ success and leading transformational change at their institutions from a culturally responsive lens.
TOPICS
Teacher as Entrepreneur: Building Childcare Centers, Educational Programs, Tutoring Services, and Consulting Opportunities.
Career Readiness for Future Educators: Mock and formal interviews to strengthen candidates' preparedness, enhance professional dispositions, and bridge the gap between educator preparation and employment.
Student-Centered & Classroom Practices: AI in the Classroom-Explore practical AI tools and strategies for instruction, feedback, differentiation, and personalized learning to support diverse learners and elevate classroom practice.
Special Education & Inclusive Practices: Supporting Students with Autism: Evidence-Based Strategies That Work
Gain knowledge and insights from national and local experts!
Priscilla Zárate
2025 Session One Presentation Team
Priscilla Zárate is the President and Founder of Vanguard Leadership Consulting LLC, a NYS, NYC, Nassau, and Suffolk County MWBE-certified educational consulting firm. Previously, she served as Executive Director at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE), where she oversaw services for more than 150,000 English Language Learners (ELLs) across 1,800 schools. In this role, she spearheaded citywide initiatives to expand high-quality bilingual and ENL programs, enhance educator capacity, and shape policies that ensure equity and excellence for ELLs. Through Vanguard Leadership Consulting LLC, Ms. Zárate is dedicated to transforming education by equipping educators and school leaders with strategic tools, research-based practices, and tailored professional development.
Dr. Arabelle L. Pembroke
2025 Session Two Presentation Team
Dr. Arabelle LaCroix Pembroke is a dedicated educator and the current principal of Riverdale Avenue Middle School (RAMS) in Brooklyn, New York. With over 18 years of experience in education, Dr. Pembroke has cultivated a reputation for her unwavering commitment to student well-being and academic excellence. Under her leadership, RAMS has become a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to thrive both academically and personally.
Jarena Brown
2025 Session Two Presentation Team
Jarena Brown, now in her fifth year of teaching, began her educational career as a paraprofessional in District 75 before advancing to become a self-contained special education teacher in District 23. A Brooklyn native who attended NYC public schools, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from Lincoln University and Master of Education from Touro College. Currently pursuing School Building and District Leadership studies at Molloy University, Jarena lives by the mission that students are the future of tomorrow and should be treated as such.
Rolande Elie
2025 Session Two Presentation Team
Rolande Elie is a Special Education Teacher at Riverdale Avenue Middle School (RAMS). She earned a master's degree in School Counseling and a second master's degree at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where she obtained dual certification in M.S. in Childhood Education (Grades 1 Through 6) and Special Education.. In her role, she strive to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters growth and understanding among all students. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on students' lives. As Rolande continues this rewarding journey, she remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development to better serve my students and community.
Elia Martinez
2025 Session Two Presentation Team
Elia Martinez is a dedicated education professional with over 12 years of experience nurturing children's development across multiple settings. Beginning as a babysitter, Ms. Martinez refined her childcare skills before joining New York Edge's after-school program, where she spent nearly 8 years advancing from Tutor Counselor to Assistant Director.
As a Visual Arts Specialist, Ms. Martinez developed creative programming that engaged students and fostered self-expression. Ms. Martinez currently serves as a paraprofessional at Riverdale Avenue Middle School for almost 4 years. She provides targeted classroom support while creating inclusive learning environments.
Lenox Small
2025 Session Two Presentation Team
Lenox Small is a dedicated special educator and school leader with over 16 years of professional teaching and progressive leadership experience. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Riverdale Avenue Middle School, where he supports instructional excellence and student success across all content areas. Over the course of his career, Lenox has taught students from Kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of instructional settings, including Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT), Bridge classrooms, self-contained environments, resource push-in/pull-out models, and Specialized Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS). He has also held key leadership roles as an IEP Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Teacher Leader—guiding teams in compliance, inclusive practices, and individualized student supports.
Dr. Marty A. Cooper
2025 Session Three Presenter
Dr. Marty Aaron Cooper is an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury and a licensed psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma, and cultural competence. With a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University, his research explores identity development, intersectionality, and mental health equity. A SUNY Chancellor’s Award recipient, he teaches graduate counseling courses and has published widely on gender, sexuality, and aging. Dr. Cooper also maintains a private practice and volunteers with human rights organizations. A frequent media contributor and international speaker, he bridges academia, clinical practice, and advocacy to promote mental health inclusivity.
Renata Robinson-Glenn
2005 Session Four Presenter
Renata Robinson-Glenn is a middle and high school social studies teacher in New York City. Throughout her 19 year career, she has worked with a wide range of diverse learners in DOE schools. For the last 15 years she has worked at the Young Women’s Leadership School of Queens in Jamaica. She was awarded the Student Leadership Network Blue Ribbon Teacher Award in 2013 for being a committed teacher who has created “a project based learning environment for her students which enriches the quality of their education.”
