Two members of Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) community were recognized at the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE) annual meeting and anniversary program in Harrisburg on Oct. 21.  

Sabina Neugebauer, associate professor of literacy at CEHD, received the PAC-TE Distinguished Research Award, which recognizes research conducted in Pennsylvania with implications for educational theory and practice. Alexander Nadel, a graduate student studying secondary education with a concentration in social studies, received a PAC-TE scholarship.  

“I was really moved when I received the award,” Neugebauer said. “My research is intended to serve the field, and receiving this honor is a recognition that the work is having a meaningful impact.”  

Neugebauer's research examines the language and literacy development of linguistically diverse students in elementary school. Her work focuses not only on understanding differences in how students develop as readers, but also on designing responsive instruction and strengthening school systems to better support multilingual learners.  

That work is currently taking shape across Philadelphia through the School L.I.F.E. Partnership program, a five-year, federally funded initiative led by Neugebauer. The program provides aligned, evidence-based professional development across eight public elementary schools, bringing together school leaders, teachers, bilingual paraprofessionals, families and Temple teacher candidates.  

For Neugebauer, bringing these groups together is central in creating lasting change. Her own family’s refugee history has shaped her commitment to supporting students who enter school speaking languages other than English and influenced her path as a reading clinician, educator and teacher.  

Her work, however, is not something she views as an individual effort. Neugebauer was nominated for the award by Kristie Newton, associate dean of educator preparation and P-12 partnerships, and Wanda Brooks, chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning. She credits their support, along with the work of researchers, educators, community partners, students, families and staff, with making large-scale research and implementation possible.  

“It takes a village to do this work, and I see this award as recognizing not only individual and project specific accomplishments, but also the collaborative and supportive culture of Temple’s College of Education and Human Development, as well as the communities with which we partner,” Neugebauer said. “This award affirms the collective effort required to translate ideas into practice and the partnerships that make school transformation possible.”

The recognition, for Neugebauer, reflects work that extends beyond an individual award. It highlights the partnerships between universities, schools and communities that allow research to move from idea into practice while preparing future educators to better serve students.  

“Receiving this award is meaningful to me because it recognizes the research itself,” Neugebauer said, “but equally important because it recognizes the collaborative work required to make that research possible and put ideas into practice to create meaningful change.”

For Alexander Nadel, the PAC-TE scholarship marks an important milestone in his transition to teaching. Originally from upstate New York, he spent nearly a decade in community organizing, labor organizing and policy advocacy before beginning to serve as a substitute teacher in 2023. As he gained classroom experience, he recognized that his background in organizing could translate to education.

“I realized that the passion and skills I had as an organizer for facilitating popular learning and developing the leadership of everyday people could be useful in the classroom, too,” Nadel said. “I decided that becoming a certified teacher would indeed be my next move.”

Pursuing a new career while raising two young children and balancing other responsibilities came with its share of challenges, and the scholarship helped ease some of that burden.

“It was a relief to know that my instinct in making a midlife career switch with two kids in my early 40s was not a total mistake,” he said. “It’s always comforting to know that taking a risk on a new life direction is showing signs of making sense.”

This year’s gathering marks PAC-TE's 55th year, with CEHD serving as a sponsor of the anniversary program. The event brought together educators, researchers, students and other professionals involved in educator preparation across Pennsylvania.  

“Dr. Neugebauer and Alex represent the caliber of faculty and students in the CEHD who are invested in positive outcomes for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved,” said Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “Evidence of our commitment to growing talent, strengthening communities and imagining possibilities through research is embedded in their individual and collective accomplishments.”