Dwight Vidale

Dwight Vidale is the Assistant Head of School for Institutional Equity and Belonging at Collegiate School, an independent school located in New York.13 In this role, he leads initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and a sense of belonging among the school community.

Vidale is an experienced educator with a demonstrated history of leadership and innovation, particularly in the areas of equity, belonging, and co-curricular programming.3 He has been part of the independent school community for over 17 years, serving in various capacities including as a student, faculty member, administrator, and parent.2

At Collegiate School, Vidale oversees the Office of Equity and Belonging, which provides programming and learning opportunities for the community to build meaningful relationships.1 Some of his responsibilities include:

1. Facilitating ongoing faculty and staff professional development
2. Organizing assembly periods featuring speakers who explore identities, histories, and cultures
3. Overseeing workshops and training sessions for adult community members, including families, alumni, and board members
4. Supporting affinity groups for students and adults

Vidale is known for his advocacy of shifting from a focus on "inclusion" to "belonging" in educational settings. He defines belonging as being "seen, heard, valued, and loved" within a community.2 This perspective informs his approach to creating equitable and welcoming environments in schools.

In addition to his work at Collegiate School, Vidale is active in the broader educational community. He runs a blog called "Beyond Fear" and has presented at conferences on topics related to equity and belonging in education.2