A Convergence of Passions

by Kirsten Halker-Kratz
May 28
When Sydney Butler (EDU '17) began her studies at Temple University, she knew she wanted to do something within education. Her initial studies in early childhood education were fulfilling, but she also loved her sociology classes and the analysis of societal systems.As a teenager, she worked for Maryland's leading non-profit organization for leadership development for middle and high school students. Butler found that she wanted to combine her love for character development, diversity education and soft skills with education, and that's when she discovered the college's human...

Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development Celebrates Excellence at 2024 Graduation Ceremony

by Dawn Roberts
May 08
Temple University's College of Education and Human Development proudly announces its graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. Held at The Liacouras Center, this event will celebrate the proud graduates of the class of 2024. A live stream will also be available for remote viewing, ensuring that all can join in this momentous occasion. "As we prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, we are filled with pride and admiration for their dedication and perseverance," said Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. "...

Graduation Spotlight: Stephanie Gehret

by Mya McKeown
May 08
Each year, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) chooses two leaders, one from the undergraduate and one from the graduate CEHD community, to represent and speak to the graduating class. At this year's ceremony, special education major Stephanie Gehret will be speaking about her experience as an undergraduate student in CEHD and inspiring her fellow graduates to reach for the stars. Stephanie Gehret exemplifies CEHD's mission and values as someone who strives to create an inclusive space for everyone, and advance equitable systems and practices within her...

Graduation Spotlight: Dara Ruiz-Whalen, a triple ripple

by Rachel Berger
May 07
That teacher. You know, the one who changes your life, who sets you on your path, who truly makes a difference. Who drops the stone to create the first ripple.Maybe you never actually took a class with them, but they show up in your life at the right time as an influential educator.You set off on your path, forever changed by this teacher, never realizing that 20 (okay, okay, 25) years later you'll be interviewing candidates to serve as graduate student speaker at your college's graduation ceremony and see that teacher's name again in an application essay. Because he had that...

Temple hosts Early Childhood Education Mindfulness Workshops

by College of Education and Human Development Staff
May 01
Recent research indicates that social emotional learning interventions for children may have positive unintended benefits on the wellbeing of teachers. In spring 2024, Temple University's College of Education and Human Development collaborated with a mindfulness expert and classroom teacher Elizabeth Zack to host a two-part workshop series to support the wellbeing of the college's pre-service teachers and their social emotional learning work with students. The workshops were intentionally conducted when the School District of Philadelphia was closed, so pre-service teachers...

Supporting Communities through Fostering Trauma-Informed Schools

by Ivy Hoa Nguyen
May 01
Temple University researchers are taking an interdisciplinary approach to help schools in North Philadelphia better support their students and families who have experienced trauma.Associate professor of urban education Maia Cucchiara is leading a team from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) in an evaluation collaboration with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine's Center for Urban Bioethics.The Center is working to understand and respond to community needs. Its signature initiative, Philadelphia Healthy and Safe Schools (PHASeS) works closely with educators and...

State Senator Vincent Hughes to Deliver Keynote Address at Temple University's College of Education and Human Development Graduation Ceremony

by Dawn Roberts
April 29
Temple University's College of Education and Human Development proudly announces its upcoming in-person graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will be held at The Liacouras Center, and a live stream will be available for remote viewing. State Senator Vincent Hughes, a distinguished Democratic leader in Pennsylvania and a staunch advocate for local, state, and national issues, will deliver the graduation address, underscoring his enduring commitment to education and progress. "We are honored to have State Senator Vincent Hughes address our graduating...

Temple Faculty, Students, Alumni Convene in Philadelphia for 2024 AERA Annual Meeting

by Rachel Berger
April 23
The City of Brotherly Love recently welcomed leading scholars in education during the 2024 American Educational Research Association (AERA) annual meeting. Over 60 sessions featured faculty and students from Temple University's College of Education and Human Development presenting on topics that address this year's theme, "Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action.""This year's theme elevates the need to engage in impactful research that results in equitable educational opportunities for all learners regardless of their zip code...

Reclaiming our Legacy and Elevating our Prominence in Urban Education

by Dawn Roberts
April 23
Temple University's College of Education and Human Development recently hosted a vibrant celebration of its Urban Education and Policy Program, honoring its rich history and looking ahead to a promising future. The event featured an engaging alumni panel and announced the prestigious Dr. Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award, bestowed upon Kofi Lomotey for his outstanding contributions to the field. "Urban education is not only a part of our college's identity but also a unifying force that brings together scholars, practitioners, leaders and families to address...

From one student teacher to another, some advice

by Mya McKeown
April 23
Understanding your teaching style, methods and how to problem-solve in the classroom requires experience in the classroom. That is why the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is proud to ensure student teachers get extensive hands-on experience in the classroom and receive in-depth preparation and support in a range of education settings throughout their undergraduate studies. Senior early childhood education major, Allison Samsel, student-teaches in a third-grade classroom at Gilbert Spruance Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia. In her role, under the...

Honoring Constance E. Clayton: Celebrating Excellence in Urban Education Leadership and Scholarship

by Dawn Roberts
April 22
In recognition of Dr. Constance E. Clayton's extraordinary contributions to urban education and leadership, the College of Education and Human Development proudly established two initiatives to honor her legacy: the Dr. Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award and the Dr. Constance E. Clayton Scholarship. These initiatives serve distinct purposes in recognizing excellence in urban education leadership and supporting aspiring educators from the School District of Philadelphia. The Dr. Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award is a prestigious accolade...

Finding Career Paths Through the Human Development and Community Engagement Program

by Jennifer Mittelman
April 16
"CEHD has helped me shape my interests into a career goal." After exploring different academic disciplines at Temple University, Karen McCausland chose to major in human development and community engagement (HDCE) in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). "This major really encompasses several different areas that would set me up to work with diverse populations," McCausland said. "Its curriculum focusing on psychology, education, human development, community engagement, curriculum design and non-profit work helps broaden my perspective."McCausland said she and...

The importance of professional development

by Mya McKeown
April 04
Students who major in human development and community engagement (HDCE) are passionate about advocating for their communities. Beyond the classroom, the Human Development and Community Engagement Association (HDCEA) at Temple University helps students connect with one another and find solutions.  Through volunteer and professional development events, the student association encourages its members to create a positive impact in the community. This group, and others like it, is an example of how College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) students learn through practical...

Kamal L. Marell: Empowering Former Foster Youth

by Mya McKeown
March 28
With one cup of coffee, you can support an organization that provides resources to former foster youth. Driven by the desire to create positive change, Kamal L. Marell, EDU '18, embarked on seeking avenues beyond the traditional classroom settings to empower the community around him, especially young adults who have aged out of foster care.  "I didn't want to be in the classroom, but I knew I wanted to involve myself in education, in a space that would allow me to have a big impact on my community. And I chose Temple University because of what it means to Philadelphia, North...

Reflecting on Success at the 43rd Annual Psychology Conference

by Dawn Roberts
March 28
The 43rd Annual School Psychology, Counseling Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Conference recently concluded at Temple University, uniting mental health professionals and students from a myriad of backgrounds in a successful gathering. Hosted by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD)'s School Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and ABA programs in collaboration with esteemed partners like the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania, the School District of Philadelphia and CORA Services, this event drew over 230 attendees from diverse...

Kids in Crisis: When Schools Don’t Work

by Jennifer Mittelman
March 28
'Kids in Crisis: When Schools Don't Work' is a General Education course that aims to encourage students to think about race and diversity through the lens of social problems in schools in the United States. Those problems include segregation and racial isolation, school violence, dropout rates and more. Social problems are part of modern society, representing a gap between the ideal vision of society and the reality experienced by individuals within it. Designed by faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University, the course allows students...

AERA Comes to Philly

by Rachel Berger
March 26
In less than a month, Philadelphia will host the highly anticipated 2024 American Education Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting. As the city gears up to welcome the largest gathering of education researchers, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is thrilled to be at the forefront of this intellectual exchange.  The AERA Annual Meeting, set to kick off on Apr. 11, has over 2,500 sessions centered around this year's theme "Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action." The CEHD community is prominently featured...

Honoring a Legacy: The Andrew Spector Special Education Foundation

by Dawn Angelique Roberts
February 29
The College of Education and Human Development is proud to highlight the Andrew Spector Special Education Foundation and its founder, Jeffrey Spector. Spector is a dedicated philanthropist whose unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with special needs led to the establishment of this impactful organization. Spector graciously shared insights into the foundation's mission and its profound impact on promoting education and health within the special needs community. Founded in memory of Spector's brother, Andrew Spector, who passed away five years ago in his early 50's,...

Championing Change for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Ivy Hoa Nguyen
February 28
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, can affect people living with it throughout their lifespan in the ways they behave, communicate, interact and learn. While signs and symptoms vary, it presents unique challenges for individuals, their loved ones and caretakers in various ways. For Keith Green, KLN '91 and STHM '96, and his wife, the experience of raising their son who has autism inspired the creation of the Autism MVP Foundation. "My son was diagnosed with autism just before his third birthday," Green shares. "They...