Participation in both sessions is encouraged but not necessary. Each session will include opportunities for both small and large group discussion, reflection to deepen learning, and synthesis of learning through applicable and analytic exercises. 

Audience: K-5 Teachers, 6-8 Teachers, 9-12 Teachers, School Leaders, Specials Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Support Staff

Introducing Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury, Ph.D.

Dr. Bailey-Fakhoury is a sociologist of education whose primary research examines the relationships between gendered racial socialization, racial-gender identity development, and academic achievement—particularly as they relate to African American girls. Her research also extends into exploring how African American parent networks strengthen home-school-community relationships. Dr. Bailey-Fakhoury facilitates workshops and trainings on inclusive and equity-minded pedagogies and practices, stereotype threat, professional identity development, and instructional leadership coaching. Her research has been published in journals such as the Michigan Family Review, the Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race, and The Urban Review.  

As a King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellow, she received her Ph.D. in sociology from Wayne State University as well as her M. Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education, and earned her AB in sociology from the University of Michigan. Before joining CECI at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 2013, Dr. Bailey-Fakhoury taught for 15 years in the Detroit Public Schools. In 2015 she was recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award by the GVSU Graduate Student Association and was the 2018 recipient of the Burch, Jacobs & Moore Diversity Teaching Excellence Award from the GVSU Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center.

Introducing Lisa René Norris, Ed.S.

Lisa Rene’ Norris has been a devoted educator throughout her career which has spanned over 37 years. Lisa Rene’ received her Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University and Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from GVSU.

Lisa Rene’s career began in Grand Rapids Public Schools where she spent a large portion of devotion and time in teaching students with physical and health impairments. In GRPS, she was able to hone her skills in learning how to develop classroom management skills which she was able to utilize in professional development trainings during workshops and team building for colleagues in the buildings where she taught.

These experiences came in handy as Lisa Rene’ moved into roles of administration and higher education. One of her passions is teaching and interacting with teachers who want to learn the techniques of developing relationships with students and their families. In her current role as the Elementary Placement Specialist at GVSU, Lisa Rene’ maintains relationships with administrators in districts throughout W. Michigan and Detroit. 

She has a keen awareness of the necessity of interactive reciprocal teaching for all students in PK-12 education and how essential this skill development is for teachers to have success in the classroom as they develop positive relationships with those students and their families.  

At no cost to participants, up to 4.0 SCECHs can be earned for participating in our Equity Leadership series (2.0 for each session). Learn more about SCECHs and our process HERE.

Please contact Jayme Lesperance, Manager of Teacher Development, if you have any questions about this series.