How Stories Unite Us

A key factor in developing and supporting a life-long love of reading is ensuring that all children are engaged and see themselves in the literature that reflects their lives and the world’s diversity. As students understand that diversity is an integral and vital part of the very fiber of our country, another step toward equity in America can be made.

An essential part of MDE’s ongoing efforts to improve literacy achievement, the second goal of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, includes identifying and presenting resources that provide the opportunity to experience educational materials that reflect students’ race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. MDE is committed to helping educators understand the role and importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the literature taught in classrooms Pre-K-12.

Each conference session will feature a unique one-hour keynote address from a celebrated author renowned for their work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keynote speakers will discuss the history and value of diversity in literature and ways to expand diversity in literature in the classroom. Each virtual conference session will include an opportunity for participants to choose a 50-minute educator-led breakout session aligned with their current professional interest: Pre-K, K-5, 6-8, 9-12, and administration.