The Lab on Belonging
Coming in 2026
About the Lab
Move beyond surface-level inclusion initiatives, participants will develop frameworks for creating learning environments where all students can authentically engage, connect, and thrive. Through dialogue-based sessions, critical reflection activities, and collaborative problem-solving, you will develop practical strategies that honor the full humanity of all learners.
This lab is perfect for:
-
K12 TeachersDevelop practical strategies to create classroom communities where all students feel valued, while navigating the unique challenges of fostering belonging a within standardized educational structures. -
Instructional DesignersLearn to design inclusive learning experiences that center marginalized perspectives, accommodate different learning needs, and foster meaningful connection. -
Higher Ed FacultyExplore how pedagogical traditions can be reimagined to honor different ways of knowing, creating learning environments where all students can authentically engage with course content and with each other. -
Curriculum SpecialistsDevelop curricular approaches that integrate marginalized voices, perspectives, and cultural contexts throughout educational materials and assessments.
Some Essential Questions
- How do we elevate marginalized voices and affirm cultural ways of knowing?
- How do our identities and power positions shape belonging for ourselves and learners?
- What barriers prevent belonging, and how do we create affirming communities?
- How do we redesign curriculum and pedagogy for equity and diverse learning?
Learning Outcomes
- Examine how identity and power shape belonging in educational spaces.01
- Identify barriers to belonging and co-create affirming learning environments.02
- Design curriculum and pedagogy that centers marginalized voices and diverse knowledge.03
- Engage in collaborative dialogue to cultivate spaces of justice and belonging.04
Denise Stevens
Lead Facilitator
Dr. Denise Stevens serves as the Director of Leadership Development for Clayton County Public Schools, just south of Atlanta, and brings over 31 years of experience in district and school leadership. Throughout her career, she has held multiple roles, including teacher, assistant principal, principal, chief financial officer, adjunct professor, and leadership coach.
As a turnaround principal, Dr. Stevens led four schools—two of which served large populations of non-English speaking families in low-socioeconomic communities. These experiences deepened her commitment to diversity and belonging, leading her to establish Parent Academies, hire multilingual liaisons, and facilitate cultural diversity training for staff and new teachers across the district.
She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and currently oversees 10 leadership academies, supporting more than 200 district leaders. A motivational speaker, Dr. Stevens is recognized as an Amazon Best-Selling Author of one book and the co-author of another, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to promoting educational excellence.
She brings a wealth of experience, vision, heart, and a deep commitment to diversity and belonging to every role she serves in education.
As a turnaround principal, Dr. Stevens led four schools—two of which served large populations of non-English speaking families in low-socioeconomic communities. These experiences deepened her commitment to diversity and belonging, leading her to establish Parent Academies, hire multilingual liaisons, and facilitate cultural diversity training for staff and new teachers across the district.
She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and currently oversees 10 leadership academies, supporting more than 200 district leaders. A motivational speaker, Dr. Stevens is recognized as an Amazon Best-Selling Author of one book and the co-author of another, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to promoting educational excellence.
She brings a wealth of experience, vision, heart, and a deep commitment to diversity and belonging to every role she serves in education.
You Belong Here
Be part of a community of educators ready to make difference a pedagogical strength, and to build classrooms where everyone has a place.
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