
Equity in Literacy Fellowship
Our West Michigan students–diverse in background, language, and identity–reflect our future. Our schools should give them daily opportunities to build on their strengths and grow into their fullest selves. Right now, we have room to grow. True change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen alone.
We as educators can give all our students a fair chance by growing ourselves. That’s where the Equity in Literacy Fellowship can help.
About the Fellowship

Three days of summer learning (two in June and one in August) focusing on both equity and content plus four Weekend Workshops; classroom visits, planning support, and feedback
Opportunities to receive on-site support around the shared goals in the building
Collaboration with educators across Kent County as well as purposeful, targeted collaboration within school teams
Learning sessions designed to effectively bolster the knowledge and practice of teacher teams aligned to school priorities
About Mary Kay Murphy
Before joining Leading Educators, Mary Kay taught grades K-8, was a building principal, and was an instructional coach. In addition to school system work, she also gained experience working at national non-profits as a leadership coach at Partners in School Innovation and Associate Director at The Education Trust-Midwest.
Mary Kay holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Aquinas College and a M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband, three children, and fur baby Miss Scout.
Mary Kay Murphy in the news
About Tina De La Fe
Previously, Tina was an instructional coach and ELA teacher in South Florida, including two years as a Teach for America corps member. She also taught Math and Verbal post-secondary exam courses at Florida Atlantic University. While in the U.S. Peace Corps in the West Indies, Tina worked on projects including after-school learning centers, libraries and adult education classes.
Tina holds a Masters of Education from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English-Journalism/Communications from Averett College. She holds certifications in English, Reading and School Guidance Counseling, and was proud to be a finalist for the 2016 GLSEN Educator of the Year Award.
Tina De La Fe in the news
About Kristine Schipper
Previously, Kristine worked as an elementary teacher in the Grand Rapids Area. She also spent time as a School Innovation Partner working closely with building leaders in schools with historically underserved students to develop systems of improvement to foster sustainable building transformation. Most recently, Kristine held the role of Curriculum Director where she developed systems of professional learning, supported the district instructional vision and established coaching structures to support teachers.
Kristine holds an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Bethel University. She lives in Lake Odessa, Michigan, with her husband and three children. Kristine enjoys hiking, reading and being a parent cheerleader at her childrens’ events.
About Jennifer Sierra
Jen holds a B.S. in Child Development and an M.A. in Teaching and Curriculum, both from Michigan State University. Before joining Leading Educators, she was a classroom teacher for 10 years in Godwin Heights Public Schools and worked as a coach for a non-profit focused on supporting school transformation. She is honored to be able to serve the students and educators in the districts that she both attended and taught in.
Jen lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her teenage twins. She loves traveling, baking, surfing, going to concerts and comedy shows, spending time outside, and cooking.