"What we do in North Philadelphia matters." This powerful declaration by Dean Monika Williams Shealey embodies the mission of Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). Since stepping into her role as dean over a year ago, Shealey has tirelessly worked to strengthen the college's connection to its community while positioning it as a global leader in education. 

Reflecting on the start of her tenure, Shealey shared, "Our work at Temple CEHD is to remain laser-focused on our mission, partnering with communities to create educational opportunities and advocating for public education." This guiding principle has informed her approach to building meaningful relationships with schools, nonprofit organizations and elected officials. Her focus has been on identifying gaps in services while fostering partnerships that empower students and educators to thrive. 

Shealey has also championed initiatives that align CEHD's actions with its transformative vision. "By strengthening our roots in North Philadelphia, we ensure our branches reach communities across the globe," Shealey said. This commitment has propelled CEHD to develop programs that are as impactful in the city as they are abroad, reflecting the college's dedication to equity, inclusion and excellence. 

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead 

In the spirit of Constance E. Clayton, the first African American woman to lead the School District of Philadelphia, CEHD launched the Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award to honor excellence and innovation in urban education and leadership. The inaugural recipient of this esteemed award, Kofi Lomotey, the Chancellor John Bardo and Deborah Bardo Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership at Western Carolina University, embodies the spirit of Clayton's legacy as a trailblazer in urban education. 

CEHD will honor the next award recipient in spring 2025, continuing its tradition of recognizing transformative leadership in urban education. 

The Acres of Diamonds Lecture Series is another initiative that reflects CEHD's commitment to innovation and thought leadership. This series honors the charge of Temple's founder, Russell Conwell, who emphasized discovering the "acres of diamonds" in our backyard. By bringing distinguished leaders in higher education to the college, the series reinforces the CEHD's role as a hub for groundbreaking ideas. Recent speakers have included Rich Milner of Vanderbilt University, Debora Ball from the University of Michigan, and Royel Johnson, a DEIB leader and associate professor at University of Southern California. 

CEHD's Advancing Equity in Schools Through Leadership event exemplifies its commitment to addressing pressing educational challenges. Hosted in partnership with the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators, the event featured a keynote address by Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development. 

In addition to the keynote address, the program featured insights from notable experts, including Crystal Austin, Crystal Edwards, Mary Beth Hays, Jessica Reinhardt, Sabriya Jubilee, Wagner Marseille, Christopher McGinley, and Dayna Muñiz. Their contributions sparked meaningful discussions on equity, mental health and resilience in schools. 

Shealey emphasized the importance of these collaborative efforts, stating that such initiatives are essential for driving transformative change in education. 

In fall 2024, the college welcomed a cohort of students for its new master's in urban education and policy program. This program, with a renewed focus on fostering hope and implementing sustainable change, reflects CEHD's dedication to preparing leaders who will drive equity and innovation in urban education. 

Further, in June 2024, fourteen high school seniors were celebrated as they completed the Temple Education Scholars dual enrollment program. All were admitted to Temple University, with four planning to major in programs within CEHD—a testament to the college's role in inspiring and nurturing future educators. 

Global Reach, Local Impact 

CEHD's mission extends far beyond the boundaries of Philadelphia. "The work of our college starts here and expands to places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Rome and Jamaica." Temple University has had a campus in Japan since 1982 and a campus in Rome since 1966, underscoring its long-standing commitment to global education. 

Shealey emphasizes the importance of balancing local action with global impact. "During a local elementary school visit, I witnessed firsthand how access to quality education can transform lives. It's moments like these that remind me why our mission matters," she reflected. 

The CEHD will expand its programs and offerings to Temple's global campuses, resulting in greater access to research, teaching and service opportunities for students and faculty. These efforts demonstrate CEHD's dedication to creating a bridge between local impact and global reach. 

A Vision for the Future 

With a renewed commitment to community impact and a vision for global leadership, the CEHD is poised to shape the future of education—starting in North Philadelphia and reaching across the world.