Equity-Focused Professional Development

  • In the interest of growing the capacity of teachers and staff, Cumberland County Schools offers a cluster of equity-based professional development courses that individuals can take or deliver in schools. These courses are presented by a team of exemplary teacher-facilitators who teach a diverse population of students and are consistent in leading their students to success.  They have a passion for equity and social justice and have engendered a culturally-sustaining classroom environment. Additionally, this team has received extensive training in cultural proficiency, culturally responsive/sustaining teaching practices, resilience, teaching students who suffer from ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and restorative justice.

    Equity Foundational Courses:
    Cumberland's Commitment to Equity & Inclusion, Levels 1, 2, & 3 (to launch 2021-22)

    • Level 1 (launch 2021-22): This course is mandatory for all CCS staff. All participants will garner a basic knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion. They will understand the CCS's position concerning equity, diversity, and inclusion as stated in its Strategic Plan, Mission Statement, and Equity Statement, as well as with federal, state, and local laws and policies. Participants will begin to examine their role in perpetuating inequities and will explore steps they can take to move the work of equity forward.
    • Level 2 (design 2021-22/launch 2022-23): This optional course will provide differentiated pathways based on the type of position held in CCS - teacher, school administrator, Central Services administrator, and school staff. Participants can investigate the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate specifically to their positions and duties. Participants will explore their role in creating (in)equitable environments for students and staff as well as create opportunities for equitable outcomes, opportunities, and distribution of resources.
    • Level 3—Mentored Next Steps in Equity (already in place): This program is for CCS staff who want to advance their equity work. Participants devise a plan of action to further equity within their sphere of influence, be it professional or personal. They implement this plan of action under the coaching of a seasoned equity mentor.

     

Contact Us

  • Equity, Inclusion, and Excellence Department
    Educational Resource Center
    396 Elementary Dr.
    Fayetteville, NC 28301

    Jovan Jones
    Coordinator, Equity & Opportunity
    O: 910-678-2781

    Jemn Hershberger
    Equity Facilitator
    O: 910-491-9000

  • Equity-Focused Classroom Management [EFCM] 

    2021 American School Board Association Magna Award First Place Winner 

    • This course takes teachers on an in-depth analysis and application of classroom management theory, focusing on Equity in the classroom. Participants explore the influence of race, ethnicity, poverty, differing abilities, and diversity and how these variables impact their classrooms. They learn how to apply resilience theory, Conscious Discipline, behavioral management, and the latest discoveries in brain research to create an enjoyable and effective learning environment for all their students. Finally, participants apply their learning to their classrooms and analyze the impact.
    • When: Summer Session, Session 1, Session 2, Session 3, & Session 4. All sessions are HYBRID with online and face-to-face components.
    • Now Available: 

    Interested CCS personnel may register for Equity-Focused Classroom Management via Unified Talent.   

    Teachers participating in Equity-Focused Classroom Management

     International teachers participating in the International Teachers Workshop 

  • Navigating Now | Equity-Focused Best Practices (School-Based)

    • This is a 10-hour course that the Equity teacher-facilitators present to the school's staff. This training occurs in a series of meetings over the school year. The team presents strategies, tips, and tools for the teachers to use, focusing on that particular school and its students. Principals request the team come and work with their staff.
    • When: At the principal's request and according to the school's schedule.

  • New Teacher Orientation and Make-Up Orientation

    • EFCM teacher-facilitators offer a short presentation within the four-day New Teacher Orientation and the two-day Make-Up Orientation. This presentation touches upon classroom management with an equity lens. Equity-Focused Classroom Management is available for teachers interested in a deeper dive.
    • When: New Teacher Orientation is held during the second week of August, and Make-Up Orientation is held four times throughout the year for late hires.

    International Teachers' Workshop

    • This training is hosted by the Beginning Teacher's Support Office and is designed to meet the needs of international teachers brought to the US to teach for Cumberland County Schools. The EFCM team focuses on the needs of international teachers, particularly on cultural variations, understanding American students, recognizing and mitigating the stressors our students face, and how to best reach and teach them.
    • When: This blended class will have face-to-face sessions and an online book study.

  • Mentored Next Steps in Equity - 2021 American School Board Association Magna Award First Place Winner

    • This course takes teachers on an intensive personal and/or professional journey to further their own equity work.  Participants take practical, actionable next steps in fostering equity in their sphere of influence. Participants devise an Equity Plan of Action with concrete, measurable steps and goals. They will receive mentoring by either Central Service personnel, principals who lead in equity, or the Equity-Focused Professional Development teacher-facilitators, in the future, individuals who have completed the Equity Foundational Course and the Equity Next Steps course. These mentors will help them develop their plans and provide follow-up and coaching support.
    • Examples: 
      • Start an Equity team at your school
      • Present an Equity PD at your school
      • Join an organization that focuses on equity in the community
      • Start an Equity-centered podcast, etc.

           Hannah Gray recording her podcast with Dustin Best, Kandy Cox, and