Action for Equity: History and Government
Helping Schools Foster Inclusive History and Government Classrooms
Our mission is to empower educators with the tools, professional development, and culturally relevant strategies needed to create inclusive classrooms where every student feels a sense of belonging.
Through the A4EHG grant, we focus on expanding access to higher-level classes for underserved and underrepresented students, fostering equity-driven teaching, and driving academic success across diverse communities.
Together, we are building an educational environment that engages, supports, and uplifts every learner.
Key Features and Benefits
· Professional Development & Coaching: Dynamic workshops and ongoing coaching to enhance instructional practices, promote positive teacher mindsets, and create inclusive, engaging classrooms.
· Research-Based Resources: Tools to support high expectations, belonging, and culturally relevant curriculum strategies.
· Collaborative Nationwide Community of Practice: Opportunities for educators to collaborate, share best practices, and receive ongoing support to close the AP achievement gap.
· Federal Support: A U.S. Department of Education-funded program expanding access to AP U.S. History and Government for underserved students.
· Teacher Stipend for Participation: Compensation for educators participating in professional development and collaborative initiatives.
· Increased Student Opportunity: Inspiring success among historically underserved and underrepresented students in rigorous AP courses by fostering engagement and belonging.
Hear from our Current Partners:
“There are some things that I’ve taken from this work and applied not just in my classroom but in professional development at the school level. It’s not just applicable to the classroom—it reaches far beyond, impacting a larger number of students and even extracurricular programming.”
“It’s been really exciting to work with other social studies teachers. One of the things that most professional development programs lack is that actual ‘walk away with something to use tomorrow’ component. The opportunity to learn from each other and be inspired by each other is really helpful.”
“I think the one thing the EOS team has done a really great job of is making the lessons turnkey. Teachers can implement them right in their lesson plans, and it’s small tweaks that could be easily applied to what they’re already doing – just to make it more relevant, more iterative, to give children opportunities to do better and continue to own their work.”
Meet the Team
Anna Leigh Marquez is the Partnership Director for the A4EHG grant initiative, bringing 17 years of experience in education with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has served as a DEI Instructional Coach, Department Chair, and Social Studies Teacher, earning recognition as Teacher of the Year at both Ardrey Kell High School and West Charlotte High School and as a finalist for Teacher of the Year for the Project L.I.F.T. Learning Community. At Ardrey Kell, Anna Leigh led DEI initiatives, facilitated professional development, and collaborated with the Instructional Leadership Team to improve instruction. As an AP Pilot African American Studies Teacher, she crafted culturally relevant curricula to empower students from diverse backgrounds. Her leadership and expertise equip her to support educators in creating culturally responsive AP U.S. History and Government classrooms. Anna Leigh is committed to ensuring all students have access to rigorous academic opportunities and feel a sense of belonging. She is passionate about building strong communities and actively contributes to school and community initiatives.
Dr. Stacey Brown has 28 years of experience in education and currently serves as the Director of Learning and Development for the A4EHG grant initiative. She leads professional learning for teachers to foster belonging among underserved and underrepresented students in AP U.S. History and Government classes. Passionate about equitable education, she has dedicated her career to creating spaces where students thrive.
Previously, Dr. Stacey worked in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a High School Equity Specialist, focusing on increasing African American and Hispanic student enrollment in AP courses. She also spent 15 years at the University of Maryland, where she supported diversity and student success initiatives in Academic Achievement Programs and the University Career Center.
Outside work, Dr. Stacey is active in her community and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and practicing mindfulness.