We invite teachers, families, and community members to explore and make use of the resources in this toolkit. Through recommended readings, lesson plans, professional development and training opportunities, and special observances and events, we will grow our understanding and appreciation of different cultures, perspectives, and life circumstances that shape our community.

Related Resources

• The Opportunity Atlas
• Compassionate Schools Project
• StriveTogether Network
• Riley Institute at Furman University
  
• Spartanburg County Racial Equity Index (2018 - PDF report)
• Social and Econominc Wellbeing of the Residents of Spartanburg (2018 - PDF report)
• Spartanburg Network for Economic Mobility
• Spartanburg Academic Movement
• Speaking Down Barriers
  
  Diversity & Inclusion Professional Development Opportunities

Racial Equity Institute: REI’s two-day Phase I training is designed to develop the capacity of participants to better understand racism in its institutional and structural forms. Moving away from a focus on personal bigotry and bias, this workshop presents a historical, cultural, and structural analysis of racism. With shared language and a clearer understanding of how institutions and systems are producing unjust and inequitable outcomes, participants should leave the training better equipped to begin to work for change.

The following District 7 community members have participated in REI training:

• Mr. Jeff Stevens, Superintendent
• Jonathan Duvall, Principal of Jesse Boyd Elementary School
• Kyndran Hilton, Principal of Meeting Street Academy (along with numerous Meeting Street teachers)
• Dr. Vance Jones, Principal of Spartanburg High School
• Verotta Kennedy, Director of Viking Early College
• Dr. Leonard Starks, Dean of Students of Viking Early College
• Monica Hunter, District Social Worker
• Ernest Rice, Assistant Principal of McCracken Middle School
• Neyda Mora, Spanish Teacher, Spartanburg High School, Alliance Member
• Bettina Johnson, Guidance Counselor, Drayton Mills Elementary School, Alliance Member
• Alexis Clowney Fox, Assistant Principal of Mary H. Wright Elementary School
• Johnny Rhode, Assistant Principal of E.P. Todd School
• Dr. Lavetta Collins, Assistant Principal of Spartanburg High School
• Dr. Terry Pruitt, Chief Academic Officer

The following District 7 community members have participated in the Riley Institute at Furman University training:

• Mr. Jeff Stevens, Superintendent

The following District 7 community members have participated in the Diversity Leaders Initiative through the Riley Institute:

• Dr. Terry Pruitt, Chief Academic Officer
• Nicole Thompson, Former Principal of Carver Middle School and 
• Margaret Peach, Principal of McCracken Middle School