Cultivating Language & Literacy

K–5 educators have a special gift—they spark curiosity and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. This workshop series offers practical ways to bring science and literacy together, making lessons hands-on, engaging, and meaningful for your students. You’ll discover strategies that help culturally and linguistically diverse learners ask great questions, explain their thinking, and support their ideas with evidence—all while growing their identities as readers, scientists, and future problem-solvers.

Every participating teacher will receive a classroom science kit plus access to virtual resources, including student texts, lesson plans, and culturally relevant strategies that keep the learning going long after the workshop ends.

Audience: K-5 educators are encouraged to attend with partners or teams, including other science teachers, coaches, ELD teachers and/or interventionists.

Dates & Locations

November 18, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
in-person at Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford

January 19, 2027

Boys College Teachers Only

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
virtual

Those Participants NOT Attending Boys College

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
virtual

March 2, 2027

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
in person at Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford, MI

April 15, 2027 - Showcase Learning Layered Lab (Boys College Teachers ONLY)

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
in person at Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford, MI

Registration Cost

Oakland County LEO Districts: FREE!
Oakland County Non-LEO Districts: $75
All Registrants Outside of Oakland County: $325
Registration fees include a science kit, two science texts and 3 lunches for in person dates

11 SCECHs for this series are pending.

Dr. Rosalyn Shahid, Literacy Consultant

Dr. Rosalyn Shahid is a literacy consultant, an adjunct instructor, a lover of books, and a social justice advocate. She is a native Detroiter, graduate of “thee” Cass Technical High School, and a former Detroit high school English teacher, which grounds her work. The primary aim of her research and practice is to build teacher capacity, and by extension, empower students through advanced literacy instructional models. Her work examines the interconnectedness of adolescent development, equity pedagogy, and disciplinary literacy. Dr. Shahid holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), a Master of Education in Reading and Reading Specialist Endorsement (K-12) from Marygrove College, and a Ph.D. in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University. She currently works as a consultant for Wayne Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) where she supports districts throughout Wayne County.

Dr. Ashelin Currie, Literacy Consultant

Dr. Ashelin R. Currie is a literacy advocate, consultant, and leader who strives to make the world a better place through working with and motivating others to learn, grow, and be passionate about reading and writing. Ashelin impacts literacy and learning by supporting school district leaders, literacy coaches, and teachers. She was a general education teacher for six years, an elementary reading specialist for seven years, and a literacy coach and Multi-Tiered Support Systems coordinator. In addition to her work at the elementary and middle school level, she has taught courses at Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Mott Community College.

Cornelius Godfrey, Diversity & Equity Consultant

Skilled educator and equity advocate, team leader and facilitator with over two decades of experience working with underserved students and families. Passionate about cultivating humanizing and courageous spaces that promote improved outcomes those for most impacted by inequity. Confident and effective communicator, adept at leading collaborative efforts and growing capacity and reflective practitioner-ship.

Cornelius earned a BA in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University and an MA in School Principalship from Central Michigan University. Prior to joining Oakland Schools, Cornelius served in the classroom as a special education teacher in Clarkston School District, and as Supervisor of Educational Equity, Inclusion and Community Relationships in Troy School District.

Christy Osborne, ELD Consultant

Christy Osborne has served in various roles dedicated to educating English Learners and consultation for ELD Programs over the past several years. As an ELD consultant and SIOP trainer, Christy is an advocate for educational excellence, equity and opportunity for all multilingual learners. As part of the leadership and continuous improvement unit, she consults with schools identified through State Systems of Support. She earned her Master's degree in Linguistics with a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement from Oakland University.

Amber Richmond, Science Consultant

As a graduate of Wayne State University, earning both a B.A. in Elementary Education, with a minor in Integrated Sciences, and an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, Amber Richmond began her teaching career in the metro Detroit area as an elementary science teacher, becoming an active member of the local science community. After 8 years, she accepted a central office position as a K-8 Science Training and Support Coordinator, supporting her district through transitioning their instructional pedagogy in science into 3-dimensional alignment. Recently, Amber transitioned to Oakland Schools to serve as a Science Education Consultant for Oakland County, hoping to inspire change in practice by supporting districts in focusing on the whole child through a lens of equity and inclusion, to foster positive identities in science education.

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, familial status, 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.

Cultivating Language & Literacy