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 and identity," shared Dean Monika Williams Shealey. "This aligns with the vision of the College of Education and Human Development. We envision a world where all have access to an outstanding education."

Discussions and findings presented at the meeting are shaping educational practice and policy at local, national and global levels.

Associate Professor of Social Studies Education Tim Patterson, who was attending the conference for the 14th time, presented research on "professional development supporting novice teachers' facilitation of controversial issues and historical discussion." The hope, he explained, is to "provide teacher educators with an impetus to, and a model for, integrating identity development interventions into their work with early career teachers."

Patterson described attending AERA and having the opportunity to connect with and learn from scholars across the country as a "treat."

"This AERA was especially wonderful because they got to experience what an exciting place Philadelphia is for those of us lucky enough to teach and research here," Patterson said. "The attendees with whom I was in fellowship were also excited to learn about Temple's relationship with the city and its educational networks."

This is a pivotal opportunity for graduate students to engage with thought leaders across the industry and present their own research.

Hyangeun (Jenny) Ji, a PhD candidate in the science, math and educational technology program, said the interaction with scholars at AERA "is crucial for my professional growth and for increasing the visibility of my work," calling the experience "incredibly enriching and transformative."

"Six proposals," she explained, "were accepted at this year's AERA, and I was a presenting author for four of them. One of the proposals was closely related to my dissertation, in which I shared my work on student interaction patterns and teacher facilitation in a conversational AI-integrated foreign language classroom."

Ji collaborated with Temple faculty and graduate students on six out of four proposals. For the other two, she collaborated with scholars she met through previous AERA convenings (she has attended four times) and through the Korean Edutech/Learning Sciences Researcher Network (KELS), where she sits on the board.

The premiere education meeting also brought numerous alumni back to the area. Camika Royal, EDU '12, received the 2024 Outstanding Book Award, celebrating "Not Paved for Us: Black Educators and Public School Reform in Philadelphia." Royal, who currently serves as associate professor and program director at Morgan State University, previously returned to campus for a book discussion and signing with the CEHD community in 2022.

Additionally, the CEHD hosted its annual AERA alumni reception Saturday, Apr. 13 at the Union Trust in Center City.

The reception served as an "opportunity for alumni, current and former colleagues, board members and friends of the college to enjoy a fun night of great food and drinks, dancing and networking," shared Kirsten Halker-Kratz, assistant dean of development. "Whether attending the conference or just dropping in, the reception was a great time to connect."

The alumni reception also featured the presentation of a $50,000 check from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to support the Dr. Constance E. Clayton Scholarship, which offers financial support to CEHD students who graduated from a high school in the School District of Philadelphia.

"Dr. Clayton's legacy is a beacon of dedication, leadership and transformative impact in education," Halker-Kratz said. "Temple is thrilled to join her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, in creating this remarkable tribute."

The college also announced the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Constance E. Clayton Award, Dr. Kofi Lomotey. Learn more about how the college is honoring the pioneering educator and esteemed alumna who passed away in September 2023.

The CEHD community also gathered on campus Friday, Apr. 12 for the exciting launch of the new master's in urban education and policy program.

"It was especially fitting that our college announced the launch of our new master's in urban education and policy during the AERA annual meeting," Shealey said. "As a premier urban-serving research college of education and human development, it is our responsibility to offer programs that reflect the needs of the city of Philadelphia and beyond. By adding this new program to our portfolio along with a new urban-focused teacher education program launching in fall 2025 and our specialization in urban education at the doctoral level, we cement our prominence in this field and our desire to be a model for research institutions across the country."

Next year's AERA conference is scheduled to take place Apr. 3-27 in Denver, CO.