On Jan. 22, 2025, Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) proudly participated in the Teachers Institute of Philadelphia's (TIP) Spring 2025 Seminar Orientation Reception, held at the University of Pennsylvania's Harrison College House Sky Lounge. This annual event marks the launch of TIP's highly regarded seminar series, bringing together educators, academic leaders and faculty members dedicated to advancing professional development for Philadelphia's teachers.

Representing Temple at the event, Kristie J. Newton, associate dean of educator preparation and P-12 partnerships and professor of middle and secondary education, delivered remarks on behalf of the CEHD and Dean Monika Williams Shealey, reinforcing the university's unwavering commitment to supporting educators through innovative and impactful learning experiences. CEHD faculty member Wanda Brooks, literacy professor and department chairperson, was also in attendance, celebrating a milestone moment for Temple as she joins the TIP faculty as a seminar leader for the first time.

In her remarks, Associate Dean Newton expressed gratitude to Edward Epstein, director, Teachers Institute of Philadelphia and the TIP team for their dedication to professional development and acknowledged distinguished guests, including School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, Penn GSE Dean Katharine Strunk, and Penn Vice Provost for Education Laura Perna. She emphasized the shared mission between Temple and TIP: empowering educators with knowledge, resources and strategies that enhance their teaching and enrich student learning.

A Milestone for Temple's CEHD: Leading the Conversation on Inclusive Education
Temple University has been a proud partner of TIP since 2018, but this year marks a significant achievement with Wanda Brooks leading a seminar titled "Diverse Children's Literature: Literary Art, Cultural Artifact and Contested Terrain." This course will provide Philadelphia teachers with a deeper understanding of diverse children's literature, fostering inclusivity and equity in classrooms across the city.

Alongside Brooks, TIP's spring 2025 seminar series includes:

• "Robots and Smart Tech for Physical Therapy" - Michelle Johnson, Penn Medicine
• "The Soviet World in Literature" - Kevin Platt, Penn School of Arts & Sciences
• "Introduction to Cognitive Science: Uncovering the Machine in the Mind" - Russell Richie, Penn MindCore

Each of these 15-week courses, led by esteemed faculty from Temple and Penn, will provide Philadelphia public school teachers with new content knowledge and classroom applications, reinforcing TIP's commitment to high-quality, content-based professional development.

A Continued Commitment to Educators and Students
Temple University's participation in TIP underscores the institution's broader mission to support and elevate educators. Programs like TIP are instrumental in equipping teachers with innovative tools and perspectives, ensuring they are prepared to meet the evolving needs of their students.

"We are so proud to be part of this collaborative effort that brings together two of Philadelphia's leading educational institutions—Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania—to make a real impact on teaching and learning in our city," said Associate Dean Newton. "Together, we are creating opportunities for educators to thrive and, in turn, transforming the lives of the students they serve."

As the spring 2025 seminar series gets underway, Temple University looks forward to deepening its partnership with TIP and continuing to champion the professional growth of Philadelphia's educators.

For more information on the CEHD's involvement in teacher professional development, visit Temple University's College of Education and Human Development website to see more news and explore our academic programs.