OS-Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Welcome Educators!

This year's theme for equity and justice-centered professional learning is "YOU BELONG HERE". These three words will help organize each experience into opportunities to:

• YOU: Investigate the role identity plays in life and learning
• BELONG: Share strategies to support connectedness and engagement
• HERE: Understand the historical events contexts that have contributed to our current realities

Please take a moment to consider how the offerings below might support your learning. I'm so grateful to be on this journey with you!

PS-Be sure to join the J.E.D.I. Academy Listserv to stay informed. You Belong Here!

Cornelius Godfrey,

Diversity & Equity Consultant

In partnership with the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit, Oakland Schools invites educators from across the county extend a sense of belonging and acceptance through a multi-sensory learning experience. Across 5 sessions, participants will:

• Become immersed in the cultural setting of 4 houses of worship in Oakland County
• Engage in meaningful learning and dialogue
• Reflect and synthesize learning for application
• Build a sense of community with fellow participants

Our Journeys (all journeys 9-3pm, Lunch provided)

• Oct. 8, 2026- Bharatiya Temple 6850 N Adams Rd, Troy, MI 48098
• Dec. 10, 2026- Islamic Association of Greater Detroit 879 W Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 4830712/10/26
• Feb. 11, 2027- Christ Church Cranbrook 470 Church Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 483042/11/2027
• April 15, 2027- Temple Israel 5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323 4/15/27
• May 26, 2027 - Oakland Schools ISD2111 Pontiac Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48328

Join us on Nov. 11, 2026 as we engage in deep equity-centered learning, facilitated by LOCAL experts, educators, and practitioners. Each session has been crafter with the needs of your students, staff members, and communities in mind. We're excited to continue the momentum and impact from last years incredibly successful summit. Don't miss out, REGISTER TODAY!

You'll experience

• Keynote, panel discussions, and breakout sessions
• Opportunities to network and connect with local experts and practitioners
• Practical strategies and takeaways for all educators
• Lunch and refreshments included!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

Restorative practitioners around the county are invited to gather for the second meeting of the Oakland County Restorative Practices Collaborative. This daylong, highly interactive session provides all participants with a deeper understanding of the restorative way, actively engages participants in promising new approaches, and offers the space to network with others doing this important work. Regardless of experience or training, restorative-minded individuals are welcome to attend, whether engaging in restorative approaches in practice or leading restorative initiatives in buildings or districts. Please note: This is not a foundational training experience.

Special educators play a vital role in creating classrooms and educational spaces where every student experiences dignity, belonging, and meaningful accountability. This interactive session explores how restorative practices can be applied and adapted across special education settings, from resource and inclusive classrooms to those settings supporting students with more complex behavioral and communication needs. Participants will gain practical strategies for proactive community building, responsive problem-solving, and developmentally responsive restorative conversations that support students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs/goals. Grounded in both structure and compassion, this learning strengthens relational practice in ways that support both students and the educators who serve them.

Every student brings a unique story shaped by their experiences, identities, and the ways they interact with the world. This session will explore the intersection of disability with other aspects of identity, including race, culture, language, gender, and socioeconomic background. As educators, we have the opportunity to move beyond a singular focus on disability and create learning environments where all students feel valued, included, and truly belong.

Through reflection, discussion, and practical strategies, we will examine how identity impacts student experiences and explore ways to foster a culture of belonging in our classrooms and schools. By affirming diverse identities, we can create spaces where every learner feels seen, heard, and supported.

This full day session is focused on establishing an inclusive and engaging classroom by using strategies that leverage relationships, student identity, positive classroom culture, and professional practices toward improved academic and social outcomes for ALL students. Participants will engage in collaborative learning, strategy practice, and reflection.

This new networking opportunity is open to any educator interested in increasing student agency. This might include Youth Participatory Action Research and participation with the J.E.D.I. Student Summit. Participants will engage in continued learning and networking to connect and grow capacity.

Schools are increasingly diverse, but disparities in student experiences, access, and opportunities remain. This network equips educators to address a crucial need by implementing student led advocacy efforts with tools and a framework to support and mentor students as they lead ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and equity.

We believe that it is crucial for educators to come together and delve into the complexities of inequity within our education systems. This network gathering will provide a unique platform for you to engage with experts, share experiences, and explore innovative strategies to dismantle barriers that perpetuate disparities among students. By joining us, you will not only expand your knowledge but also contribute to the collective effort of reshaping the future of education.

Let's collaborate towards a more equitable and empowering educational landscape.

The J.E.D.I. Student Summit invites district teams of educators and students to learn and co-design learning together. Through engaging sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, students and educators learn and grow in their ability to co-design solutions to community challenges.

The Oakland County African American Male Task Force is a collaboration of educators, parents, community members, and other allies committed to the pursuit of positive life outcomes for African American male students. Our goal is to close the gaps in equity, opportunity and access between African American males in Oakland County, and their White and Asian peers, by providing them with the necessary support to ensure equal access and opportunity to an equitable education and schooling experience.

Meeting Schedule:

• Sept. 14, 2026 IN PERSON 5-8pm
• Oct. 4, 2026 VIRTUAL 4:30-6pm
• Dec. 7, 2026 VIRTUAL 4:30-6pm
• Feb. 22, 2027 IN PERSON 5-8pm
• April 5, 2027 VIRTUAL 4:30-6pm

Are you an Oakland County educator seeking to continue your equity learning? Are you in search of opportunities to be in community with others who are engaged in developing equitable practices? If you answered yes to either question, please consider joining the JEDI Academy Listserv. You'll get up-to-date information on upcoming professional learning, opportunities to connect with a community of learners, and access to supports along your learning journey.

Greetings! My name is Cornelius Godfrey, and I serve as the Diversity and Equity Consultant for Oakland Schools. It is my privilege to support the transformational work of advancing equity, honoring diversity, and increasing inclusion in our community. At Oakland Schools, we believe every child deserves access to a high quality education. My goal is to leverage relationships, resources, and adult professional learning to grow our collective capacity provide that to Every Student, Every Day.

Let's Connect!

• CLICK HERE to schedule a meeting with me.
• cornelius.godfrey@oakland.k12.mi.us
• 248.209.2272

In accordance with state and federal law, Oakland Schools does not discriminate, nor permit discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy or parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), disability, age, height, weight, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, in its educational programs and activities, employment, or enrollment. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other legally designated youth groups. For questions or complaints regarding unlawful discrimination or harassment, employees should contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Personnel Management, and Labor Relations at 248.209.2466 or Complaints@oakland.k12.mi.us. Students and others should contact the Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator at 248.209.2467 or CivilRights.TitleIX@oakland.k12.mi.us.