Chippewa Valley Public Schools

This professional development project aimed to address significant demographic shifts in their student population by implementing culturally responsive teaching practices and enhancing the curriculum to better reflect diverse perspectives. The project featured partnerships with various community experts and organizations. The district provided professional development for staff—including specialized cohort training—focused on cultural competence, bias reflection, and inclusive pedagogical strategies. Additionally, new instructional materials were devleoped for African American History, U.S. History, and Women's History learning experiences. The project aimed to foster a school culture that supports academic excellence and belonging for every student.

Partners: 

  • Huda Essa from Culture Links, LLC.
  • Eugene A. Picor from Storyteller, LLC.
  • Chaldean Community Foundation
  • Arab American Community Center
  • Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
  • Altin Zaloshnja - Albanian Speaker from Utica Community Schools
  • Marsha Lewis - African American Speaker from Detroit Public Schools
  • Ebony Carter - At-Risk Specialist, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Nicole Pemberton - Social Studies District Curriculum Leader, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Dr. Karen Langlands - Executive Director of Innovation, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Dr. Monica Eraqi - Instructor, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Terry Wilson - Instructor, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Josh Voss - Instructor, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Kelly Sarver - Instructor, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Kim Johnston - Instructor, Chippewa Valley Schools
  • Stephanie Lange - Student Assistance Professional, Chippewa Valley Schools

Resources that informed this project: 

  • The Consciously Unbiased Educator (CUE) 
  • Cultivating Genius by Gholdy Muhammad
  • Educating for Equity and Excellence by Geneva Gay

Women's History Novels for Teaching, Integration, and/or Student Book Clubs:

  • Three Sisters by Bi Feiyu
  • The Ladies of Managua by Eleni N. Gage
  • The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
  • The Awakening by Kate Chopin
  • Meridian by Alice Walker
  • The Women's Room by Marilyn French
  • Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
  • Probably Ruby by Lisa Bird-Wilson
  • When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar
  • Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades