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 the most pressing issues facing urban communities," emphasized Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. 

The master's in urban education and policy at Temple University's College of Education and Human Development is a beacon of excellence, cultivating networks of civically minded researchers and practitioners to enhance educational opportunities for urban students and communities locally in Philadelphia and beyond. The commitment to personalized learning, close faculty-student collaboration, and a cohort model that fosters a strong sense of community sets the CEHD apart. 

At the program's core lies a commitment to understanding the multifaceted dynamics of urban schooling. Students delve into the social, economic, political and historical factors shaping urban education environments through interdisciplinary coursework. This personalized approach, characterized by close faculty-student collaboration and a cohort model, fosters a strong sense of community and facilitates meaningful learning experiences. 

The program offers concentrations in schools and communities and public policy, allowing students to tailor their education to align with their career goals and interests. But what really distinguishes the program is their flexibility. The faculty understand that students have busy lives, so the college offers in-person and entirely virtual options. This ensures accessibility for a diverse cohort of students, including working professionals looking to advance their careers while making a difference in urban education. 

As the college launches the M.Ed. in Urban Education and Policy, prospective students are invited to embark on a transformative journey toward creating a more equitable educational landscape. By joining our dynamic community, you'll become part of a movement that drives positive change in urban education. 

The revitalized program aligns with the college's strategic plan, emphasizing community involvement, research and accessibility. With a distinguished faculty and a focus on cultivating future leaders in urban education, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on educational and social change.  

With a distinguished faculty and a focus on cultivating future leaders in urban education, including the recent addition of Linn Posey-Maddox, coming to the CEHD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is a professor of Education Policy Studies and an expert on race, education, urban policy, and family-school relationships, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on educational and social change.

As the college continues to strengthen its roster of esteemed faculty, it remains dedicated to its mission of advancing equitable systems and practices in schools and communities.

Special guests and speakers for the evening included Kate Shaw, deputy secretary and commissioner for postsecondary and higher education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Sylvia P. Simms, founder of the local North Philly parent organizing group Parent Power, were also in attendance. 

Associate professor of urban education Maia Cucchiara and associate professor Lori Shorr served as moderators and were joined by distinguished alumni for an insightful discussion on urban education. Alumni panelists included: 

• Olufemi Fadeyibi, assistant principal, Lower Merion School District CEO and founder of the Uplift Educate mentoring program 

• Kate Callahan, executive director at Research for Action 

• Lynnette Mawhinney, senior associate dean for strategic academic initiatives and professor at Rutgers University 

• Camika Royal, author and associate professor of urban education leadership, Morgan State University 

• Andrea Terrero Gabbadon, author and education leadership coach, Teach Plus 

"Joining our dynamic community means becoming part of a movement dedicated to driving positive change in urban education," said Cucchiara.  

As the College of Education and Human Development enters this exciting new chapter, its mission remains steadfast in advancing equitable systems and practices in schools and communities. With a renewed focus on fostering hope, engaging in community-involved research, and offering accessible education options, the program is poised to shape the future of urban education for years to come.