Dr. Zachary Scott Robbins

Based on "The Teachers Black Students Need," this session with Dr. Zachary Scott Robbins equips educators to teach Black students with rigor, respect, and authentic relationships. With over two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, Dr. Robbins brings proven strategies to address discipline disparities, cultural misunderstandings, and implicit bias. Participants will explore three core principles:

• Relational trust—building consistent, honest, and affirming relationships that earn student buy-in, even in the face of resistance.
• Academic rigor—challenging students through meaningful work, clear expectations, and feedback that communicates belief in their abilities.
• Culturally responsive practice—validating identity, uplifting student voice, and replacing deficit thinking with asset-based approaches.

Through compelling stories, relevant data, and a clear framework, attendees will gain practical tools to challenge students without lowering standards, respond effectively to resistance, and dismantle harmful patterns in instruction and discipline.

This session is ideal for teachers, instructional coaches, and leaders committed to equity-focused teaching. Participants leave with actionable strategies and a pathway to foster thriving classrooms while driving systemic change through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).