Welcome to the MCVSD Diversity.com Blog, a go-to resource for fostering inclusivity and equity in education within our district. This site is dedicated to bringing together educators and community members to celebrate and promote diversity through a variety of resources, activities, and collaborative initiatives.

My goal as the district’s Diversity, Access, and Inclusions Coach is to empower teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. I believe that sharing experiences and learning from one another will have a significant impact on our classrooms, schools, and communities. Together, we can have a powerful impact on student learning today and in the future.

I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to this role. Back in 2003 when I joined the staff at CHS, I had no idea that I’d spend 22 years in the classroom. During that time, I’ve built a computer programming CTE track of five courses, created professional development workshops on topics such as use of AI and creating connections through empathy and equity.

I started my journey in diversity and equity at the New School, earning a certification in Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in Design. At the 2023 Computer Science Teachers of America conference, I presented my equity centered design approach to teaching computer science to a national audience of educators. I served as a Social Justice Fellow at Monmouth University during the 2022-2023 school year and was awarded a grant through the Grunin Foundation to create a unit in my advanced programming class that addresses racism and inequity in software design. More recently, as part of my doctoral studies at Rider University, I’m researching equitable admissions policies to promote diversity in our applicant pool.

All of this to say I’m excited to get started and hear what the staff and students of MCVSD need to successfully embrace diversity, access, and inclusion in the coming school year. Please feel free to reach out to me at lgesin@ctemc.org with any questions, suggestions, or concerns. I look forward to working with the MCVSD community this year!