Featured Speakers: Andy Hargreaves, Acclaimed Author and Thought Leader in Public Education & Research Professor at Boston College, & Dennis Shirley: Global Leader in Educational Reform, Author & Research Professor at Boston College

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 5:30 - 6:30 PM 
Virtual Program (Zoom link will be sent upon registration)

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Moderated By: Dr. Kari Sassu, Interim Dean, College of Education and Director, Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning & Dr. Christopher Trombly, Interim Dean, College of Education

About the Program:
In this engaging presentation, Shirley and Hargreaves will explore how identity formation impacts students' educational experiences and sense of belonging in school communities. They will analyze how factors such as race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic background shape students' self-perceptions and relationships with peers and teachers. Drawing from their research and insights from The Age of Identity, they will emphasize the need for schools to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity. Attendees will gain practical strategies to support identity development and foster inclusive learning spaces that enhance student engagement and well-being.

About Andy Hargreaves: 

Andy Hargreaves is a Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa and a Research Professor at Boston College. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Education and has held prestigious roles such as President of the International Congress of School Effectiveness and Improvement and Adviser in Education to both the Premier of Ontario and the First Minister of Scotland. As co-founder and president of the ARC Education Collaboratory, Andy brings together leaders from multiple countries to promote excellence, equity, well-being, inclusion, democracy, and human rights in education.

With over 30 books and 8 Outstanding Writing Awards to his name, Andy’s contributions to public education have been recognized in Canada, the US, and the UK. Ranked as the #15 most influential scholar on US education policy by Education Week, he has received numerous honors, including Honorary Doctorates from universities in Hong Kong, Sweden, and the UK. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

An exceptional keynote speaker and workshop leader, Andy has presented in over 50 countries and across the US, Australia, and Canada. His recent books, many co-authored with Dennis Shirley, include The Age of Identity, Leadership from the Middle, Well-being in Schools, Five Paths of Student Engagement, Moving: A Memoir of Education and Social Mobility, and Collaborative Professionalism.

Currently, Andy is collaborating with the LEGO Foundation and the University of Ottawa on a project supporting play-based learning for minoritized students in over 40 schools across Canada, aiming to enhance educational experiences through creativity and inclusion.

Andy’s lifelong dedication to education continues to shape the global conversation on how schools can uplift and inspire students from all backgrounds.

About Dennis Shirley: 

Dennis Shirley is a Research Professor in Formative Education at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development. He is dedicated to improving teaching and learning to help students thrive in any environment. His research explores the tension between educators' ideals and the realities of power and politics. A charismatic speaker, Dennis has led professional development workshops across six continents, with his work translated into numerous languages. Currently, he's collaborating with the Bosch Foundation in Germany and IMTEC in Norway to study and spread large-scale educational reform.

In partnership with Andy Hargreaves, Dennis has co-authored three recent books. Five Paths of Student Engagement explores how educators can foster joyful, meaningful learning experiences. Well-being in Schools offers strategies to uplift students in today’s volatile world, and The Age of Identity addresses how educators can help students discover their identities and sense of belonging. All three works guide educators in turning complex challenges into achievable, dignified goals. Dennis's work continues to inspire educators worldwide, empowering them to create meaningful, lasting change in schools and communities through thoughtful, compassionate leadership.

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Spring 2024 Colloquia

Held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 
Virtual Program

Moderated by: Dr. Kari Sassu, Interim Dean, College of Education and Director, Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning

About Ms. Sanchez: Maribel Sanchez hails from Hartford, Connecticut and proudly identifies as Puerto Rican. She is Associate Director of University Access Programs (UAP) at Southern Connecticut State University. As a first-generation college student, she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University. Maribel began her journey in higher education at the University of Connecticut, where she served as a TRiO Program Advisor, advocating for equitable access to higher education for first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Over her 19-year career, she has remained steadfast in her dedication to assisting students as they transition from high school to college. Aside from her professional endeavors, she is passionate about advocating for women’s access to reproductive health, LGBTQI rights, and immigrant rights.

Note: Please be aware that there is no video recording of this session.

SCSU-CTL Parent Training Institute (Virtual)

Monthly Virtual Sessions 
September 2023-June 2024
7:00-8:30 p.m.

We are delighted to extend an invitation to parents and guardians to participate in the Virtual Parent Training Institute, hosted by the Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning. The Institute will offer monthly virtual training sessions and helpful resources on a range of topics that can help parents support their child’s academic, social, and emotional development.

What is the Parent Training Institute all about? 
A key factor in fostering successful students is the presence of caring, dedicated, and informed parents who prioritize education. Through the SCSU Parent Training Institute, conducted online, we aim to provide you with valuable resources and effective strategies that contribute to nurturing accomplished children.

The Parent Training Institute warmly welcomes parents and guardians of children spanning all age groups. We look forward to your active participation and meaningful engagement.

Your one-time registration fee of $100 includes:

• Full access to 10 live and recorded workshops
• Certificate of Completion

Registration: 

This event is over.

For details and complete agenda: View Flyer

Questions? Contact: Dr. Olcay Yavuz, Associate Professor Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: YavuzO1@SouthernCT.edu

Note: Please be aware that a fee waiver option is also in place for parents who may require financial assistance. We understand the importance of making this opportunity accessible to all, and we encourage those facing financial constraints to reach out and inquire about the fee waiver option. Our goal is to ensure that every parent interested in participating can do so without any barriers. Feel free to contact us for further details or to discuss your specific situation. Your child's educational journey is important to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

AABS Virtual Conference

Enhancing District Capacity and Outcomes--Connecting School Leaders and Behavior Analysts

Held on January 26, 2024

CEUs:
BCBA's - $30 for 3.5 CEUs, including 1 Ethics CEU

Conference Topics and Speakers:

• "Creating Inclusive Multi-Tiered Behavior Support Systems in Public School Settings: Moving the Needle From Reactive to Proactive Practice," with featured speakers: Shelby Roberts, BCBA, and Kelly Miller, LCSW, BCBA

• "The Impact of ABA in Turn-Around School Leadership," with featured speaker: Dr. Michelle Baker

• "The Intersection of Ethics and Legal Considerations of ABA on Schools," with featured speakers: Dr. John Molteni, BCBA-D, and Michelle Laubin, Esq.

Audiences:

• School Leaders
• BCBAs

In Partnership with:
The SCSU Department of Applied Behavior Analysis
The SCSU Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning

Questions? Email: AABS@southernct.edu

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The Story Untold: Education of Blacks in the South

CTL Fall 2023 Colloquium Series

Featured Speaker: Dr. Lowell K. Davis, Vice President of Student Affairs, University of Texas at Arlington 

Held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 (Virtual Program) 

About the Program: We will explore what education looked like for Blacks in the South from 1863, which is when the Emancipation Proclamation was written, until approximately 1980. Participants will learn about the types of institutions, the curriculum, federal and state legislation as well as personal accounts of individuals who navigated education in the United States during this tumultuous period.

Moderated by: Dr. Kari Sassu, Director, Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Stephen Hegedus, Dean, College of Education.

About Dr. Davis: Lowell K. Davis is a native of Dallas, Texas and graduated in the top 1% of his class, where he was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” Lowell graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in English Arts-Secondary Education.  There, he served in the capacities of Student Government Association President and Vice President and was voted Most Like to Succeed/Be on the Cover of Ebony Magazine. He has a master’s degree is in Counseling, with an emphasis on College Student Development; he also holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, with an emphasis on the History of Education.  

Today, Lowell serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Texas Arlington. He most recently served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Success at Western Carolina University (WCU) and completed an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship at the University of California Davis.

Lowell also worked at the University of Alabama (“Roll Tide!”) where he rose through the ranks of both Academic and Student Affairs.  Lowell was selected as the staff member of the year for the Southern (athletic) Conference and is the immediate past president for the North American Association of Summer Sessions. Lowell is on the Executive committee for the Council of Student Affairs with the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities as well as the Council of Fellows for the American Council on Education.  

Outside of work, Lowell has served in several leadership positions in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Additionally, he is a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International, serves on the Board of Advisors for the Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina and is involved in several other social and civic organizations.  At the core of Lowell’s professional and community activities is a strong appreciation for building relationships.  Whether he is working with students, community members, coworkers or strangers, Lowell is always endeavoring to build bridges and strengthen his community.  

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Near-Peer Tech Time: Tech for Assessment

Thursday, November 2, 2023
In-person or Online (Bring your device!)

Interested in exploring technology for learner assessment? Come to have dedicated exploration time!

Near Peer Tech time is designed to provide faculty time to explore with technology to embed or create activities within their courses. Individuals who are familiar with the tools will be available to assist. 

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Program contact: 
Dr. Lauren Tucker, Ed.D.
Associate Professor
Area Coordinator, SCSU Graduate Program in Assistive Technology and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Email: tuckerl7@southernct.edu 

From Workshop to Classroom - A Holocaust and Genocide Professional Development Day

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
SCSU Adanti Student Center - Theater

This FREE in-person seminar will discuss the Holocaust, the Bosnian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide, and the relationship between Nazi Germany and Jim Crow U.S. Refreshments will be provided. 

More Information and Agenda

In partnership with: The Holocaust Education Resource and Outreach Center, Voices of Hope, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center, Yale Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yale MacMillan Center Genocide Studies Program, Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence For Teaching and Learning, and Connecticut State Department of Education

Questions? Contact: herocenter@ctvoicesofhope.org

Hidden Figures:
The Untold Experiences of Black Girls in School

CTL Fall 2023 Colloquium Series

Featured Speaker: Mykelle S. Coleman, Ph.D., NCSP, Educational Psychologist & Southern Alumna 

Held on Monday, October 23, 2023
Virtual Program

There is a limited discussion within our literature regarding the treatment that Black girls encounter in schools. This presentation will uncover the results of a current study that gained an increased understanding of Black girls’ school perceptions and experiences. This conversation focuses on identity, addresses the journey from a Black girl to a Black woman in education and highlights the importance of amplifying student voices to inform school practices. 

Moderated by: Dr. Kari Sassu, Director, Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Stephen Hegedus, Dean, College of Education

About Dr. Coleman: Mykelle S. Coleman is passionate about amplifying the voices of communities. She is actively involved in research projects including school climate perceptions of minoritized student groups and the impact of school discipline on specific student populations. In addition, she has supported research projects that focused on microaggressions on university campuses and relationships within the field of social psychology. Her research interests are centered on advancing social justice in the field of psychology and promoting change through increased knowledge. 

Dr. Coleman is a nationally and Connecticut state certified school psychologist with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, specialization in school psychology and area of concentration in school law, from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Coleman received her Bachelor of Arts from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in psychology. She is an alumna from Southern Connecticut State University, where she received her master’s degree and sixth-year certificate in School Psychology. Dr. Coleman is currently a post-doctoral fellow at a family-centered and multidisciplinary practice, Sasco River Center.  

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View Presentation Slides

College and Career Readiness Summer Institute:
for High School Students (Grades 8-11)

Tuesday, August 1, 2023
9 AM – 3 PM
Southern Connecticut State University Campus
New Haven, Connecticut

What is the Summer Institute all about?

The Summer Institute will introduce students to tools and strategies to help them prepare for college and career success. 

The registration fee includes:

• One FULL-DAY On-Campus College and Career Readiness Hands-on Training
• Lunch on Campus 
• Certificate of Completion
• 30 Self-Paced Online Modules

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Questions? Contact: Dr. Olcay Yavuz, Associate Professor Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: YavuzO1@SouthernCT.edu

Administrator–School Counselor Collaboration: 
The Key to Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

Thursday, 3 August 2023
10:00am – 3:00pm  
Ballroom, Adanti Student Center, Southern Connecticut State University 

Guided by the essential question: How can we make our school counseling program genuinely comprehensive?, the aim of this event is to afford school-based teams of administrators (principals/assistant principals) and school counselors a much-needed opportunity – in the presence of/with support from knowledgeable peers – to:  

• Unpack and become (re-)acquainted with the Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Framework
• Assess their school’s implementation of – or preparedness to implement – the CCSCF
• Design/refine their schools’ plans to implement the CCSCF

What is a "team?":
A “team” consists of at least one School Counselor and one School Leader, and we welcome larger teams.  Register here by clicking the online form or pointing your camera at the QR code.  Only one registration must be completed per team, with that registration providing all the contact information for individual team members. 

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support, and for providing lunch for the event: 

Connecticut ASCD
Connecticut School Counselor Association Connecticut
State Department of Education
SCSU Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies 
SCSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning 

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We’re All Screen-agers:
How Literacy Shapes K-12 Teaching, Learning, and Citizenship in Digital and Online Spaces

2023 Literacy Conference 

Featured Speaker: Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Distinguished Professor of English Education at Boise State University and Director of the Boise State Writing Project

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Southern Connecticut State University

About Dr. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm: Dr. Wilhelm is an internationally known teacher, author, and presenter. A full-time classroom teacher for 15 years and a university professor for 26 years (and counting!), Jeff Wilhelm is currently Distinguished Professor of English Education at Boise State, founding director of the Boise State Writing Project, and he teaches middle or high schoolers each spring.

He has authored 42 texts about literacy teaching. His newest book, just out in February 2023, is Fighting Fake News: Identifying and Interrogating Information Pollution. 

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Student Mental Health:  Stress and Learning

Spring 2023 Colloquia

Featured Speaker: Jean A. King, Peterson Family Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Virtual Program

The impact of stress and mental health during the pandemic have affected our students in multiple ways. We now need to better understand the impact of Covid stress on learning and memory for students.  This talk will focus on neurobiological understanding of stress and learning on campuses. 

Moderated by: Dr. Kari Sassu, Director, Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, and Dr. Stephen Hegedus, Dean, College of Education

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Knowing Your Own Mind: Why We Are All Susceptible to Information Pollution and What We Can Do About It

Spring 2023 Colloquia
Featured Speaker: Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Distinguished Professor of English Education at Boise State University and Director of the Boise State Writing Project

Monday, April 17, 2023
Virtual Program

This interactive session explored why we all, as human beings, are exceptionally susceptible to information pollution of all kinds. A typology of different kinds of information pollution and their different features and effects will be shared.  The second half of the session explored ways to know our own minds, and ways to teach learners to know and control theirs in ways that will help us identify, interrogate and control information pollution in texts of all kinds 

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Addressing the Troubling Rise of Antisemitic Incidents in our Schools

Community Conversations

Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Location: SCSU Engleman Hall A120

Featured Speaker: Stacey G. Sobel, Regional Director of the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League

The presentation was followed by a roundtable discussion on our efforts as educators to raise awareness about the Holocaust and Genocide as part of the Connecticut Holocaust and Genocide Education and Awareness Act (Public Act 18-24 of 2018).

Co-sponsored by:

The Southern Connecticut State University Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning; SCSU College of Education; SCSU College of Arts and Sciences; SCSU Judaic Studies Program; SCSU Hillel; Connecticut Voices of Hope/HERO Center; the Connecticut State Department of Education; and the Holocaust and Genocide Education Advisory Committee

For inquiries, contact Dr. David Pettigrew, pettigrewd1@southernct.edu

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