Alumni Spotlight: School Psychologist Shannon Ryan Takes Community-Driven Approach to Research and Practice

by Rachel Berger
November 25
"I was someone who always knew I wanted to work with kids," says Shannon Ryan. She had her eyes set on something a little outside the box, not in a classroom setting, and not even necessarily in a school setting.  Ryan remembers, during her high school years, being drawn to child-focused work. She received her first exposure to school psychology as an academic area of focus while studying under a professor as an undergraduate student exploring the predictive validity of early literacy screeners to long-term reading outcomes. This passion for research and clinical work was then...

Fostering Community Engagement: CEHD Faculty Sabbaticals

by Christine An
November 21
Faculty sabbaticals provide academic scholars with a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities, contribute to the social good/make a social impact, advance research and further their professional growth. At Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), a commitment to empowering diverse communities is reflected in the impactful work of its faculty. Building on a long history of faculty sabbaticals focused on community engagement, the sabbatical experiences of Avi Kaplan and Christine Woyshner exemplify how faculty engage in innovative...

Celebrating 20 Years of Jumpstart at Temple University: Transforming Lives Through Literacy and Community Engagement

by Ivy Hoa Nguyen
November 19
This year, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University celebrated the 20th anniversary of its partnership with Jumpstart, a national early childhood organization dedicated to ensuring every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed. The milestone was first celebrated at this year's annual Read for the Record event, where the university's community came together to inspire a love of reading among young learners in neighboring schools. Jumpstart is a national movement supporting preschool children in under-resourced communities to achieve academic...

When it All Adds Up: A Life of Learning

by Kirsten N. Halker-Kratz
November 14
Dennis Skehan, EDU '76, first learned about Temple University during his sophomore year at Holy Cross College. The draft took Skehan out of school, but after military service, Skehan remembered that the Temple Intern Teaching Program offered full-time employment and the opportunity to earn a master's degree in education. He enjoyed a vibrant and varied career, holding teaching positions in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. His first teaching experience was as an elementary school substitute teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts. He taught math at Lenape High School...

Staff Spotlight: Elijah Rhea, first-generation college student

by Maria Klecko
November 08
Temple University recently invited members of the university community to share their experience and perspective as first-generation college students. The College of Education and Human Development's Elijah Rhea was among those featured. His story is below. Elijah Rhea Assistant Director of College Access and Persistence Initiatives, College of Education and Human Development BA, psychology, Towson University, 2013; MEd, elementary education and teaching, Relay Graduate School of Education, 2017 What does it mean to you to be a first-generation student? Being a first-generation...

Temple Parents Invest in Access to Education for Learners with Diversity of Needs

by Derek Coffman 
October 30
The College of Education and Human Development is excited to announce the generous pledge of $100,000 from Andy Bondy, and Lori Frost, two legends in behavioral health, communication, and applied behavior analysis, as well as proud Temple parents, twice over. Their commitment will support two separate funds at the college: the Andy Bondy and Lori Frost Endowed Scholarship, and the Andy Bondy and Lori Frost Experiential Learning Fund.  Additionally, as part of Temple University's Made for More, an ambitious three-year, $125 million fundraising initiative to create new student...

Unlocking the Future of Research Through Open Science Framework

by Christine An
October 30
In recent years, the Open Science Framework (OSF) has been making waves in various scientific fields, from psychology to education. But what does it mean for applied behavior analysis (ABA), a discipline known for its systematic approach to behavior change? Assistant Professor Art Dowdy, who teaches in Temple University's College of Education and Human Development ABA and special education programs, explores how the principles of open science are beginning to shape the future of the research field.  Dowdy noted that OSF is a relatively new development in ABA. This recent...

Saul Axelrod: A Career Dedicated to Applied Behavior Analysis and Education

by Ivy Hoa Nguyen
October 30
The American Psychological Association announces Saul Axelrod as the 2024 recipient of the Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award."This award recognizes me as an educator, and I embrace this title more than anything else," says Axelrod, a professor emeritus with Temple University's College of Education and Human Development.With a career spanning over four decades, Axelrod has contributed greatly to education, marked by his pioneering work in applied behavior analysis (ABA), especially in the areas of behavior modification and academic development of children. He refers to...

Beverly Kirby: Advocating for Systemic Change in Education

by Polina Krilyk
October 30
Beverly Kirby's journey into school psychology quickly evolved from understanding individual assessments to a mission of transforming educational systems. With a bachelor's in psychology from Rutgers University and a master's in special education from Johns Hopkins, Kirby entered Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) as a school psychology doctoral student, motivated to drive change for often-overlooked students.Kirby considers herself a non-traditional student. Before coming to Temple, she was already a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a...

Paul Jones Appointed Psychoeducational Clinic Director

by Rachel Berger
October 22
The Psychological Studies in Education department in Temple University's College of Education and Human Development is proud to announce Paul Jones as the new director of the Psychoeducational Clinic.  Jones received his PhD in school psychology from Temple in 2017. Prior to that, he earned his bachelor's degree from Villanova University, his master's degree from Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom), and a postgraduate certificate from Eastern University.His research focuses on the intersection of self and psychology, and his clinical work is rooted in pediatric pain....

Alumni Profile: Shawn C. Thomas, PhD, CWDP — A Journey of Leadership, Learning and Empowerment 

by Mya McKeown
October 15
A good leader inspires those around them and fosters a culture of collaboration within their community. College of Education and Human Development alumni Shawn C. Thomas (EDU '02) does this each day. Her current job as executive director of adult and continuing education and business engagement at Rowan College of Burlington County combines her passion for leadership and higher education with her personal experiences overcoming obstacles.A North Philadelphia native, Thomas said she saw her parents work long, hard days at the factory, while being paid piecework. "Society said '...

CEHD Releases Annual Report

by Dean Monika Williams Shealey
October 14
As I mark my first year as Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University, I've spent much of that time listening, learning and shaping a new direction for our college. This year, we were ranked No. 48 among the 2024 Best Graduate Schools of Education by U.S. News & World Report—reflecting our dedication to excellence and equity in education.Our new vision, mission, values and strategic priorities are focused on ensuring access to outstanding education and advancing equitable systems. Through research, teaching and community partnerships, we'...

Christine An: Bridging Social Justice Gaps in School Psychology

by Ivy Hoa Nguyen
September 26
Christine An, a third-year PhD student in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University, is on her way to redefine what it means to be a school psychologist in today's world. Her journey, both academic and personal, reveals a deep passion for social justice, diversity and ensuring that the marginalized voices in the mental health space are heard and understood. As an undergraduate student, An was a music major at the Catholic University of America, with aspirations to become a music therapist. Through her internship at Washington, DC's Children's...

Rising Above: Jawaria Ashraf’s Pursuit of Knowledge and Empowerment

by Ivy Hoa Nguyen
September 26
For Jawaria Ashraf, dreams of higher education sometimes felt like distant stars—somewhat out of reach. Yet, with unwavering determination, resilience and the support of her family, she turned her dreams into reality, becoming the first in her family to pursue higher education and a PhD in the United States. Ashraf recently began her first year as a doctoral student in the policy and organizational development program with a concentration in adult and organizational development in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University. Her story is one...

Laura Jia McAneney: A Commitment to Education, Language and Community

by Polina Krilyk
September 26
Laura Jia McAneney, a senior in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University, has distinguished herself through her academic achievements and extracurricular involvement. As an honors student majoring in secondary education world languages with a concentration in French, McAneney's path is shaped by her commitment to cultural understanding and fostering meaningful connections through languages.  Hailing from a small town around the Lake Wallenpaupack area, McAneney sought an environment that would push her out of her comfort zone, leading her to...

Spotlight On Student Success: Professional Experiences

by Rachel Berger
September 26
If you ask prospective students, current students or their families to define what student success means to them, they are likely to talk about academic performance and landing a job in their field upon graduation. Success may be perceived as a future achievement.  In the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University, however, preparation for success has no beginning and no end. Christa Hunter, director of professional experiences in the CEHD, says her office supports students through their entire academic journey.  "We want students to engage with our...

Empowering Student Success: Jennifer Johnson's Vision at Temple University

by Dawn Angelique Roberts
September 25
In the evolving landscape of higher education, the role of Associate Dean of Student Success at Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) has emerged as a crucial position for fostering student achievement and equity. Jennifer Johnson, a distinguished scholar-practitioner, has stepped into this newly created role with a clear mission to promote college access and success for all students across all CEHD programs. As she settles into her new position, Johnson reflects on the opportunity to connect existing initiatives while also addressing...

Staff Spotlight: Sydnora B. Simon - Advancing the College of Education and Human Development

by Dawn Angelique Roberts
September 23
Meet Sydnora B. Simon, the Interim Manager of Facilities Operations for the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University. With over 32 years at Temple, including a decade in CEHD, Simon plays a pivotal role in enhancing the campus environment and fostering a supportive community for students, faculty, staff and visitors.Simon is passionate about collaboration and is actively involved in various initiatives to enrich the college's atmosphere. Her responsibilities include assigning office spaces, coordinating moves, managing payroll, and overseeing special...

Advancing Equity in Schools: Temple University Hosts a Powerful Discussion on Leadership and Inclusion

by Dawn Angelique Roberts
September 18
In an effort to confront the persistent issues related to equity in education, over 50 school leaders and educators from across the Philadelphia region gathered at Temple University on September 12, 2024, for the inaugural Advancing Equity in Schools Through Leadership event. Hosted by Temple University's College of Education and Human Development in collaboration with the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, the event fostered critical discussions around trauma-informed practices and centering equity in an evolving, often resistant, educational landscape. The...

Alumni Profile: Danielle Martin, Temple Made for Inspiring Others

by Rachel Berger
September 05
When Danielle Martin came to Temple University as an employee over six years ago, she knew immediately that it was a place where she could get and give exactly what she needed in life.Martin joined the university as the Academic Success Coordinator at Temple University Harrisburg in 2017. In this role, she served as an advisor for the campus' first-year student program, which allowed Temple students to begin their first year at the Harrisburg location, and then transition to Main Campus as sophomores to complete their degrees. She also helped prepare students and their families...