Equity Under Construction | Summer Institute 2026

Dates: July 12-17, 2026
Location: John Burroughs School, St. Louis, MO

In moments of challenge, we build together.

The 2026 Equity Exchange Summer Institute invites educators and leaders into the worksite of equity. Whether you're laying a foundation or reinforcing long-standing commitments, this in-person experience provides the tools, frameworks, and relationships to construct meaningful, lasting change.

Designed for experienced educators, district/school leaders, and change-makers in both public and private institutions, this week invites those ready to roll up their sleeves and build equity together.

This year's theme—Equity Under Construction—isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a mindset. The work of equity isn’t finished. It’s active, collective, dynamic, and powered by the people who show up to do it. You'll leave this week with renewed purpose and concrete plans to name inequities, build stronger systems, and sustain momentum in the face of challenge.

What You'll Experience

Think Tank Sessions
Bring your most urgent questions and leave with draft solutions. These sessions provide a space to sketch equity frameworks, test ideas in real-time, and refine approaches through collaborative design and peer insight.

Hands-On Practice with Practitioners
Apply frameworks, tools, and protocols alongside experienced equity leaders. Leave ready to turn insight into action at your school or organization.

Exchange Pods (Small Group Work)
Engage in intimate, facilitated groups to dig deeper into your specific context. Build trusting relationships that strengthen your learning and leadership.

Personalized Coaching
Receive one-on-one or small group coaching from seasoned mentors who support your goals, growth, and challenges.

Community Care Retreat
Sustainability begins with care. Daily sessions focused on self and community well-being are embedded throughout the week—because we can’t build what we don’t nourish.

Why Attend?

Name It
Develop the clarity to recognize and name inequities that exist across your systems and culture.

Build It
Co-create structures, practices, and strategies that reflect your commitment to lasting equity work.

Sustain It
Learn how to carry equity forward—even through resistance, fatigue, or shifting political winds. Stay anchored and aligned when it matters most.

Why This Institute Matters

The 2026 Institute is an invitation to work—not just reflect. It’s for educators and leaders who are done waiting and ready to dig in. You’ll join a powerful community of builders who know equity isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily, evolving practice. You’ll leave not only with ideas, but with a blueprint for action.

Register Now

Early-Bird Registration (Until April 1, 2026): $1,800
After April 1: $2,000
Includes all programming, meals, and daily transportation to/from the hotel.

Registration with Hotel:
Early-Bird: $2,600 · After April 1: $2,800
Staying in the hotel is highly encouraged for full participation in the relational experience.

Need Funding?
We have limited financial support available. Please request assistance through the registration form. Our team will follow up with you directly.

To Register

Testimonials

…What I have to say, with all the heartfelt enthusiasm I felt when I was a new teacher in a world that was figuring out what a school world could be if focused on the experience of all people as co-contributors and co-designers, is “The Equity Exchange is a game changer.”

Carla Young (TEE Facilitant)
Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access
Cranbrook Schools

…I have learned to appreciate the joy of engaging in equity work alongside others I genuinely enjoy spending time with. I have acquired new tools that I now use within my district and work and have gained a fresh perspective on my professional role as a leader in equity work. I have transitioned from striving to be a hero to being a host, creating connections with others to enhance my capacity for effective work and supporting the capacity building of others.

Ben McClusky
Elementary Music Teacher
Mehlville (MO) School District

…During my time as a TEE participant, I was so pleased to see that the "self-care" piece was an integral element of the time at the institute. We were presented with a myriad of self-care opportunities… I was so influenced by the experience that I was able to integrate it into my personal and professional life… If you are ready for an institute that benefits all aspects of your life as a change agent, the Equity Exchange is for you.

Joan Edwards (TEE Facilitant)
Director of Equity and Professional Collaboration
Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

…As a diversity practitioner in a trying and often siloed position, it’s easy to forget that you are not alone in the work. TEE provided a space for us all to just be together. To rest, to breathe, to connect with each other, and reconnect with the reasons why we choose to continue fighting these fights.

Laurren Chase
Director of Equity and Belonging
Eton School

…The Equity Exchange is a wonderful “next step” for educators who want to move beyond the "what" and into the "how" of leading equity work in their schools.

Rosetta Lee (TEE Facilitant)
Faculty and Professional Outreach Specialist
Seattle Girls' School

The Equity Exchange has been a real source of pride among the St. Louis Public School District’s various community partnerships…

Kelvin Adams, PhD
Former Superintendent
Saint Louis Public Schools