Yesterday’s keynote with Lee Shainis from Simplify Language was a highlight of the conference! Lee's insights into how we can communicate more clearly with families were both powerful and practical. His strategies for simplifying language and reducing barriers left attendees feeling inspired and empowered to take real action in their work.

From real-world examples to interactive moments, the session reminded us that effective communication isn’t just about translating words — it’s about building trust, understanding, and connection.
Attendees walked away with actionable tools and a renewed commitment to meeting families where they are — with respect, clarity, and purpose. 

- Dr. Ingrid Corpuz - South Carolina Dept of Education Multilingual Learner Program

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I will admit I was dreading a 2.5-hour training but it was really great! It flowed nicely, break out groups were fun and I loved our real world examples. - Tracy, Maine Department of Insurance

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I learned that we all have permission to communicate simply for understanding. – Bill Good, Chief of Communications, Denver Public Schools

 

I walked away with a new appreciation for how difficult it is to simplify communications.

- A’ndra Warren, Adams 12 Five Star Schools (CO)

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That was fantastic! I feel like I have simple steps I can apply to my work tomorrow. - Kate, Communities in Schools (MI)

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Loved the tips regarding removing idioms and verbal phrases, especially as it relates to translating for English learners. – Dave Godfrey, HR Director, City of Westminster (CO)
 

Lee made this training approachable and fun. It helped me realize how important language is to equity and accessibility. I left  feeling intrigued, motivated, and excited to work on simplifying my language. – City of Boulder Communications Manager

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Funny, quick, great tips.  - Liz, Medford Schools (OR)

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I liked that Lee included power and privilege in the conversation. – Gail, Maricopa Health Dept. (AZ)

 

I learned how to simplify my writing and speech to remove barriers and increase accessibility in my work and community. I started implementing the tools immediately after leaving! - Jeffco Public Schools Communications Team Member

 

This is the most engaged/invested/together I have ever seen my team at a meeting in 4.5 years. In the past 10 minutes, 4 people contacted me to express their thanks and appreciation. One wrote: "Lee was wonderful! Truly was so beneficial. I honestly was dreading a 2-hour meeting and I felt it could have been longer." – University of Colorado International Student Services

 

Lee's training is fun, engaging, and interactive. He took the time to get to know our organization and its existing language so that we were working with all relevant examples that created immediate impact on our materials and overall culture. – Erin Kobler, Communications Manager at RootEd

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Love your energy. Love the relevant examples. Love the practice! - Liz, Pro-Colorado Education Project

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The training teaches how to reach every level of communication by breaking down our speech patterns into their simplest form without dumbing it down. -  University of Colorado HR Manager

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The biggest takeaway for me was learning that by simplifying work in English, that will automatically simplify the work in Spanish as well. One of my biggest hurdles is being able to push out communication in Spanish that actually makes sense to our community. Now I know that it can all start from simplifying the English version. - School District Translator

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The feeling in the break room has shifted in the most beautiful way. There was always a friendly nature to things but now people are making a true effort to connect and those folks who normally keep to themselves are smiling and finding little points of connection. Also, folks are really leaning in on flexing their non-native language skills. There’s a lightness and care that you helped us cultivate. THANK YOU!! What a gift. - Stacey Marcellus, Founder of Cappello's

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Learning how to reduce jargon and articulate our message in more easily understandable language will improve our communications and our overall impact. This is an actionable piece of equity that is low cost and high impact; all organizations will benefit from doing this. - Manager of Administration and Grants, Montgomery Coalition for Adult Education Literacy, Tom C.

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I attended Lee's training, and I love that the strategies he teaches can be applied immediately. So often professional development fails to take participants from theory to practice.  Lee nailed it! - VP Programming, Seeds of Literacy, Dr. Carmine Stewart​

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Everyone should take this training and make it a priority. One is sending and receiving so many messages throughout the day, everyday. With these tools one makes sure to be understood and inclusive. I've acquired an irreversible awareness which will support my communication! - Needle and Frame, Andrea

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