Creating ‘Social Justice Leaders for Change’ in Michigan Schools
We are living in an era where we must continue to confront the issues of equity, social justice, diversity, race and racism in our schools every day. The necessary work and change needed to address these deep-rooted challenges, playing themselves out every day across the state begins with each of us. What doesn’t challenge you, can’t change you!
Beyond Equity is MASA’s newest professional learning program to build a better education system for all students. The 18-month collaborative SDEI (Social Justice through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) series will focus on real issues, lived experiences, and district transformation, and is anchored around student voice and activism.
Program Details
MASA’s Beyond Equity program – which includes small and large group discussions; structured exercises and protocols; reading, videos, and reflective journaling; group presentations to share learning and implementation plans; and more – is split into four key phases:
- Phase 1: Inside SDEI
- Phase 2: Equity Assessment and Transformation Audit
- Phase 3: Building a District SDEI Plan
- Phase 4: Implementing a District SDEI Plan
As part of this important work, participants will seek to:
- Understand their own social identities, biases, and prejudices
- Increase their knowledge about the histories and present reality in social identity groups
- Increase their awareness of social justice concepts, such as implicit bias in microaggressions
- Consider how to incorporate their social justice knowledge and awareness into practice
- Develop an initial SDEI district implementation plan
More Information
For more information, contact MASA’s Deputy Executive Director of Professional Learning Dr. Sarena Shivers at sshivers@gomasa.org.
Cohort 1 Participants
Cohort 1 of Beyond Equity is currently underway with district leaders, educators, and board members from nearly every region in Michigan. Participants include:
- Traverse City Area Public Schools/Northwest Education Services (Region 2)
- Holland Public Schools (Region 3)
- Midland Public Schools (Region 4)
- Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools (Region 5)
- Grand Ledge Public Schools (Region 6)
- Potterville Public Schools (Region 6)
- Lakeview School District (Region 7)
- Jackson County ISD (Region 8)
- Lincoln Consolidated Schools (Region 8)
- Farmington Public Schools (Region 9)
- Novi Community Schools (Region 9)
- Rochester Community Schools (Region 9)
- Van Dyke Public Schools (Region 9)