The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) in Downey, CA, became a hub of inspiration as educators from across L.A. County gathered for the GENIUS Initiative’s three-day summer professional learning event. Designed for district, site and equity-focused educator teams, the event offered a transformative experience centered on closing opportunity gaps for Black/African American and other marginalized students.

The event’s keynote, Dr. Tyrone C. Howard, nationally recognized scholar and advocate for equity in education, challenged attendees to reimagine their roles as change agents and offered compelling insights into the intersection of race, education and policy. His message resonated deeply, leaving participants inspired and motivated to lead with purpose.

Attendees immersed themselves in the Supporting the African American Learner: A Guide for Transforming Beliefs, Systems, and Practices for Black Students (STAAL) research framework, engaging in sessions that unpacked systemic barriers and explored strategies for equitable outcomes. The STAAL framework served as a foundation for deep reflection and practical planning, empowering teams to return to their schools with actionable tools to drive change.

A highlight of the event was the expert practitioner panels, where seasoned educators shared real-world insights and success stories. The panelists included Chrystie Edwards, founder of The Teaching Nerd, an education consulting firm; Dr. Kiese Vita, scholar-practitioner, learning designer and Black-brilliance pedagogue; Dr. Shaneka Bullins, founder and CEO of STEAM Dream Educational Services; and Ann-Marisa Megumi Wada, art teacher and founder of RootEd Foundations. These panels fostered rich dialogue and peer learning, reinforcing the power of community-driven solutions and culturally responsive practices.

Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with community partners dedicated to educational equity. Community partners in attendance included: Make Music Count, Music For Your Mental Health, Legacy Mastery Academy as well as representation from LACOE’s Math, PBIS, Literacy and PRISM teams. These partnerships emphasized the importance of holistic support systems and collaborative efforts in uplifting student success.

As the GENIUS Initiative continues to grow, LACOE remains committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting educators in their equity journeys. The summer professional learning event, Freedom Dreaming for Student Success, stands as a testament to what’s possible when educators come together with a shared vision. This event marked a significant milestone in that mission, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.