Community Education
Learning is a lifelong pursuit—one that grows stronger through shared knowledge and connection
Our Community Education offerings bring together families, educators, and experts to explore new research, exchange ideas, and inspire action through events like Cecily’s Conference, the Language Justice Summit, and our Community Education Series.
Information and Inspiration: Cecily’s Conference
Cecily’s Conference honors the legacy of Cecily Kaufman, a McLean parent who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. This event brings together more than 300 parents, educators, and other professionals annually for a symposium highlighting new research and best practices in the fields of K-12 education and child development. Keynote speakers are community-based clinicians as well as nationally-celebrated authors and presenters, and have included New York Times bestselling author Rosalind Wiseman, clinical neurologist Bill Stixrud, podcaster and psychologist Scott Barry Kauffman, diversity trainer and speaker Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee, nonprofit leader and learning disabilities advocate David Flink, among others. McLean is proud to organize and host what has become one of the Washington metro area’s most popular educational events, offering participants hands-on, practical strategies for success and immediate use.
Cecily’s Conference
Past events have included:
2026 Cecily’s Conference,
Amber Berry, Keynote
Fostering Connection in a Digital World
2025 Cecily’s Conference, Megan Leahy Keynote:
Empowering the Future through Connection
2024 Cecily’s Conference,
Daniel Lerner Keynote,
Creating Tools for Resilience & Well Being
2023 Cecily’s Conference,
Aliza Presman Keynote,
How to Really Talk to Your Children to Connect
Breaking Barriers, Creating Access: Language Justice Summit
Our Language Justice Summit is a transformative space where educators, administrators, and advocates come together to confront and dismantle the language-based barriers in educational institutions. Geared toward teachers, school leaders, and educational staff, this conference offers practical tools, strategies, and resources to promote linguistic equity in schools. The Language Justice Summit is made possible by the Chai Lys Endowment for World Languages and Global Belonging.
Language Justice Summit
Past events have included:
2026 Summit
Ben Tinsley, Keynote
Pathways to Proficiency & Interculturality
2025 Summit
Allison Perryman, Keynote
Rethinking Language & Culture in the Classroom
2024 Summit
Dr. Jasmine Rogers, Keynote
Educators as the Catalyst of Linguistic Justice
Relevant Resources for Parents: Community Education Series
At McLean, partnering with parents is as much a part of our school as the books on our shelves and the art on our walls. One of the ways we support our families is through the Community Education Series, presentations by local and national experts on subjects of interest such as the Science of Reading, substance use and abuse, child rearing in a rapidly changing world, a parent’s guide to AI, and mindfulness. These workshops are held throughout the year, offering parents an opportunity to connect with relevant topics and each other.
Community Education Series
Past events have included:
Raising Healthy, Motivated & Self-Driven Young Adults
Understanding & Managing AI Risk
The Science of Reading
Restorative Practices in a School Community
