LearnTHE UB GSE MAGAZINE FALL 2020 SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: SIMPLE: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Standard: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Vibrant: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Formal: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Casual-Muted: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Muted-Formal: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Vibrant-Casual: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Formal-Vibrant: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Casual: REGULAR: COMPLEX: Muted:

ED ARTIFACT Vibrant: Formal: Casual: TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES The pencil, in American style: A quiet icon’s evolution 6 By the Numbers BY MICHELLE KEARNS 7 Book Stacks The classic yellow No.2 pencil, made of cedar with a pink eraser cap, New titles by GSE authors held in by a golden metal band, is a uniquely American back-to-school tool that took two centuries to evolve. As modern students turn to keyboards and writing habits change, people weathering COVID-19 have a new fondness for the trusty pencil. Digital-age demand has been steady and rising. Imports went from about 21 million in 2008 FALL 2020  ISSUE 1 to nearly 29 million in 2018, according to the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association. While there aren’t yet numbers from this historic year, the association tracked anecdotal reports that pencils and Editorial & Creative Director art supplies did well during the pandemic. Amber Winters That was true at the Manhattan shop run by Caroline Weaver, owner and author of “The Pencil Perfect: The Untold Story of a Cultural Icon.” In past months, people, including her, have been making new use of the Senior Editor 34 BALA Michelle Kearns analog writing tool and reverting to “primitive” forms of entertainment. A leadership class adjusts to COVID-19 “I feel like I’m a full-on urban homesteader and seek joy in totally 12 di„erent ways,” she said. “Letter writing has seen a huge resurgence. Graphic Design People have slowed down. Slow communication is so much more Ellen Stay valuable. They’re writing more. They’re drawing again.” This historic spring Contributing Writers chronicled. COVID-19 and Marcene Robinson its disruptions converge with UnexpectED new awareness of racism Melinda Miller and cries for social justice. Doug Sitler COVID19 AND RACISM COLLIDE The people of GSE respond.

Research 44 Commencement Erik Tingue A tradition, virtually

Contributing Photographers Kyle S. Mackie Doug Levere Nick Lippa

Contributing Illustrator Jennifer Salucci 30 Sailing to science 46 New Student Orientation Copy Editor & Proofreader A cyber welcome Arthur Page in a pandemic 47 Teacher Residency Web Design & Production (Photo/ Caroline Weaver) William J. Belz III DEPARTMENTS 48 Student Fellows Even before New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's order led her 3 Ed Artifact An educator’s tool profiled: pencil history to temporarily close her shop on the Lower East Side, she noticed an increased interest in pencils from younger, Gen Z customers. They Contact us 8 On the Map Faculty research highlights around the world became fans of the recently revived Blackwing brand, prized by writers To share your ideas and stories, 10 OŠce Hours Featuring Assistant Professor Sameer Honwad like John Steinbeck, with replaceable erasers and smooth writing lead. email us at gsenews@bu„alo.edu Sometimes they want to know what’s best for test taking: The soft 33 Roaming the Halls Doctoral student Chazz Robinson shares his journey Japanese Tombows are great at filling in answer “bubbles.” Weaver, who has a pencil tattooed on her forearm, highly Follow @ubgse on social media 36 Trajectory An alumna’s charter school founding recommends pencils for notetaking. “There’s just such a connection cognitively to using a tool with your hands that you don’t get with the 37 Scene on Social An alumnus’s bag-piping hobby cheers in a pandemic 49 Retirements computers. It’s so much better for your memory.” And, they don’t run 39 A Teacher Who How Mrs. Smith’s fi h grade lessons changed a life out of ink. 50 In Memoriam 42 Bulletin Board School news in brief

LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 3 Headlines from stories that Dear GSE Alumni and Friends GSE in the News featured our faculty and students

e find ourselves in a moment few could have ever imagined. The continued impact of “Fortune names UB graduate student Raven Baxter to 40 Under 40” COVID-19 and our collective reckoning with systemic racism have shaken many of us. featured Raven Baxter, PhD student in science education WWhile public health officials deal with the science of COVID-19, it is in large measure le to the education community to deal with the social, emotional, intellectual and civic effects of both crises. Never before have schools of education been so critically important to our democracy and to our nation’s future. We are in many ways in an existential state, one where we must ask who “A UB associate professor weighs in on online education” quoted we are as a community, whether we will look out for one another, how will we meet this moment Sam Abramovich, associate professor in the departments of Learning and Instruction and and how we can leave this world in better shape than it is in right now. Information Science Last spring, long before this “new normal,” GSE faculty and staff held a discussion about our commitments to equity, diversity, justice, and inclusion. From that meeting we dra ed “Defining our Commitment” statement. Building on this call to action, GSE has mobilized faculty, staff and “WNY Cybersecurity Experts Give Tips for Safe Remote Learning” students to better understand pervasive inequality and come together to create a path forward featured Sam Abramovich, associate professor in the departments of Learning and Instruction that is motivated by change and action. and Information Science We began the academic year with a “Teach-In for Racial Equity.” The purpose of this mandatory two-day event was for GSE faculty, staff and students to come together to engage in the “radical act of teaching and learning.” Together we learned from distinguished scholars and activists not only “UB Graduate School of Education Canceled Classes to Host about the impact of racism and its relationship to educational inequality, but we were also charged Teach-in for Racial Equity” featured Suzanne Rosenblith, dean and professor, to examine our own practices—as teachers, researchers and community advocates. and Raechele Pope, associate dean for faculty and student affairs, chief diversity officer, professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy GSE’s commitment to breaking down barriers and becoming more inclusive began with our decision to waive the GRE requirement for all of our programs that are not prohibited from doing so legislatively. The waiver is currently in effect. We believe by doing this, we will see an increase in the diversity of our applicants. In the coming months we will continue to examine policies that “What Colleges’ Leaders Can Do to Address Racial Justice” serve to unnecessarily limit inclusivity and, whenever possible, dismantle them. quoted Raechele Pope While GSE has stepped up its relationships with school and community partners over the past three years, the current crises have resulted in GSE taking an even larger step to positively impact individuals and communities. We have partnered with Buffalo Public Schools to offer tutoring

We are in many ways in support to any students in need, especially right now as the district is still 100% virtual. “With faculty nudge, can UB lead on social justice?” quoted Raechele Pope, who was appointed to UB’s new President’s Advisory Council on Race an existential state, one While the impacts of COVID-19 and racial injustice are very real, I don’t want to lose sight of the where we must ask who brighter spots for GSE. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gi ed Math Program. we are as a community, We also want to celebrate and welcome six spectacular new faculty who have already begun to make an impact within GSE. We graduated our first cohort of Teacher Residents, who are now whether we will look out “Study finds rising rates of obesity among children and teens who all employed in Buffalo Public Schools, and we welcomed our next cohort. Now more than ever, were confined during lockdowns in Verona, Italy, due to the pandemic” for one another, how we creating purposeful pathways that serve to diversify the teaching profession is so critically featured Myles Faith, professor and chair of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology will we meet this moment, important. and how we leave this This edition of our magazine is also the first under a new name and a new design. We’d love to know what you think about the new design, layout, and contents. world in better shape There will come a time when we will be able to return to campus and pre-K-12 will once again “COVID-19 Is Making Us Rethink Everything” by Raechele Pope than it is in right now. welcome students in their buildings. Make no mistake, however: the classrooms we return to, whether in higher education or in pre-K-12, will be transformed. They must be. The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many more reveal to us in plain sight that our schools must be more equitable and must explicitly address racism and education. “Speaking to kids about coronavirus: convey GSE is committed to preparing those professionals who will lead the way to educating the next calm and do not panic” featured Claire Cameron, generation of students in a reimagined and more just world. associate professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction

Stay healthy and stay safe, “Government policies push schools to prioritize creating better test-takers over better people” featured Jaekyung Lee, professor in the departments of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology and Educational Leadership and Policy Suzanne Rosenblith To read and watch the news stories mentioned here, please see LEARN online, “Scientist raps about coronavirus in viral video” ed.bualo.edu/magazine. featured Raven Baxter

4 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 5 BY THE NUMBERS BOOK STACKS Recent books published GSE OFFERINGS “Embodiment and by members of the UB the Eating Disordered RESEARCH EXPENDITURES 4 UNDERGRADUATE GSE community Client: The Body as a MINORS Resource for Recovery,” $5,263,109 by Catherine Cook- “Multicultural COMBINED DEGREE Cottone, associate dean Competence in Student 9 for academic affairs and professor of Aƒairs: Advancing Social PROGRAMS counseling, school and educational Justice and Inclusion” by psychology, published by W.W. Norton Raechele Pope, associate MASTER’S DEGREE PHILANTHROPIC GIFTS 50 this year, has tools for clinicians dean, faculty and student PROGRAMS “Rethinking the Teaching to restore health and incorporate affairs, chief diversity officer and Mathematics for self-care, thoughtful eating, yoga associate professor educational 986 RECEIVED TOTALING and other practices to support self- DOCTORAL DEGREE Emergent Bilinguals: leadership and policy, and Amy 9 regulation and healing. Reynolds, professor of counseling, PROGRAMS Korean Teacher $1,253,868 FROM Perspectives and school and educational psychology. ADVANCED CERTIFICATE Practices in Culture, This second edition, published in 772 DONORS OF WHICH 10 Language, and Mathematics” co- 2019 by Jossey-Bass, offers updated PROGRAMS authored by Ji-Won Son, associate strategies for student affairs work 230 OF THEM WERE FIRSTŠTIME DONORS professor, learning and instruction. “The Information and reflects current professional 10 CERTIFICATES OF This book, published by Springer in Literacy Framework: practice within increasingly complex ADVANCED STUDY 2019, offers perspectives for teaching Case Studies of Successful multicultural campuses. math to linguistically and culturally Implementation,” ADMINISTRATIVE diverse learners, using insights from co-edited by Heidi Julien, 1 the practices of Korean teachers who professor of information CERTIFICATION teach math to multicultural students science, published Rowman & “Diƒerentiated Literacy struggling with language barriers. Littlefield this year, demystifies the Instruction in Grades FULLY ONLINE 22 Association of College and Research 4 and 5: Strategies and PROGRAMS Libraries guidelines, information Resources” co-authored literacy instruction and the teaching of by John Strong, assistant PUBLISHED BY FACULTY RESEARCH CENTERS, new librarians. professor, learning and instruction. 5 New Books 5 Published this year by Guilford Press, it INSTITUTES AND LABS is a second edition, revised and updated with lesson plans and teaching tools for word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and writing, formatted for easy photocopying and with print materials for web downloading.

“Brilliant Brown Babies,” illustrated, written and published by Desiree 22 New Grants 9 Honorific 95 JOURNAL ARTICLES Williams (MA/AC ‘15, PUBLISHED IN School Psychology). This worth Awards is a picture book, available on Amazon, 86 JOURNALS about how special and beautiful it is to be a child of color. “With simple $10,100,876 pictures and language, it tells the story of the rich culture that our brilliant brown babies have,” she writes. One of her messages: Children of all races can celebrate diversity!

Information above reflects the 2020 fiscal year. For more information, see LEARN online, ed.bualo.edu/magazine. 6 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 7 ON THE MAP RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

BY MARCENE ROBINSON School closures pressure teachers Priority shift: Childhood obesity worsens with From COVID-19 to Ebola: Naming diseases to work second-shift at home Tests vs. people skills COVID-19 stay-at-home rules after locations breeds fear and hate

Gender roles impact pandemic-era parenting roles Published April 14, 2020 Published June 9, 2020 UB GSE expert analyzes xenophobic impact As schools grappled with the decision to reopen, many women An increasing national focus on test scores put teaching about personal COVID-19 stay-at-home orders hurt the diet, sleep and physical activity Naming infectious diseases a‡er specific people or places perpetuates were stressed with their own pandemic issues at home—balancing growth and job skills on the sidelines, according to new UB-led research. routines of children with obesity around the world, according to new UB xenophobia around the globe, according to Tiffany Karalis Noel, a UB motherhood and rising expectations for educators, said GSE’s The study discovered the shi‡ in priorities a‡er analyzing the goals research. GSE expert on sociocultural inequity. educational equity expert Julie Gorlewski. of principals at thousands of public, private and charter schools for The study, published in April in Obesity, examined 41 overweight References to COVID-19 as the “Wuhan virus” or “China virus” have During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers who also are mothers more than two decades. children through March and April in Verona, Italy. contributed to thousands of incidences of harassment and assault have been under pressure to educate students and their own kids, said The change can be traced to the test-based school accountability Compared to behaviors recorded the previous year, each day they against people of Asian descent. The problem is exacerbated by Gorlewski, chair of the Department of Learning and Instruction. policies of the 1990s, which culminated with the statewide testing ate an extra meal, slept an extra half hour and added about five hours sensationalist media stories, she said. Teacher-mothers also reported performing more “second-shi‡” mandates in the 2001 No Child Le‡ Behind Act. of screen time. They also ate more red meat and junk food, drank more “This fear of unknown diseases is a part of human nature, especially activities, such as cooking, cleaning and childcare, in a study Gorlewski “The balanced development of both academic and so‡ skills is sugary drinks and moved around less. Physical activity decreased by when they are deadly and highly infectious,” said Karalis Noel, clinical conducted. crucial, not only for well-rounded child development in schools, but more than two hours a week. assistant professor of learning and instruction. U.S. mothers now spend more time with their children than moms did also for career and life success,” said lead researcher Jaekyung Lee, GSE Children and adolescents have an easier time controlling weight when “Stigmatization of COVID-19, led by some politicians, such as in the 1960s, a period when most did not work outside the home, she said. professor of counseling, school and educational psychology. schools are open, said Myles Faith, UB childhood obesity expert and Donald Trump, might have reinforced such discrimination and social When modern partners contribute more toward household work, The study, in the March issue of Educational Administration study co-author. exclusion,” she said. “It is paramount to recognize the discriminatory mothers still do significantly more planning and managing, she said. Quarterly, is one of the few to examine the influence of education “School environments provide structure and routine around behaviors that accompany fear, as they damage not only the Gorlewski and co-author Mary Hermann, associate professor of policies on school principals, rather than on student achievement or mealtimes, physical activity and sleep—three predominant lifestyle sociocultural fabric in the long run, but they also compromise present counseling and special education at Virginia Commonwealth University, teacher practices. Leaders’ goals are critical, said Lee, because they factors implicated in obesity risk,” said Faith, GSE professor and chair of efforts to contain the disease.” discussed the pandemic-era opportunity to rethink the norms in guide performance by directing and motivating staff and students. the Counseling, School and Educational Psychology Department. In a commentary published this year in Social Sciences & Humanities education and family systems in a Teachers College Record commentary He and colleagues are now in the midst of a National Institutes of Open, Karalis Noel explored the connection between xenophobia and in May. Health-funded study testing a home-based treatment for childhood disease throughout history. She called on social scientists and education “One positive outcome of this crisis is that respect for teachers obesity using telemedicine technology. professionals to communicate accurate information with students and has grown exponentially as parents and partners develop a greater people in the community. She also stressed the importance of media understanding of teachers’ daily work,” said Gorlewski. monitoring to help mitigate the spread of misinformation and establish trust with people who may be affected by related discrimination.

The balanced development of both academic and soft skills is crucial, not only for well-rounded child development in schools, but also for career and life success.

8 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 9 OFFICE HOURS FACULTY PROFILE

HONWAD’S RESEARCH AREAS Meet me in my Access and Equity Cultural Studies; Diversity (ad-hoc) o
ce Cognition Environmental Education with Sameer Honwad A scarf from his mother, Design and Analysis of BY MICHELLE KEARNS who lives in India, is one Longitudinal Research of many in his collection Gender, Culture and Equity The sudden, virus-provoked exit from campus workspaces this spring from close family and friends. “I kind of steal Global Issues; Design Experiments led Sameer Honwad to work from his home, repurposing rooms into A coaster made of woven, their scarves,” he said. colored cardboard was too “All of my scarves are International Education office spaces. A spot in his bedroom now holds his computer. Books pile lovely to use so Honwad framed scarves which have Race, Inequality and Education by the couch where he goes to read. The kitchen table, with a window it. Made by a woman artisan sentimental value.” in India, it is a reminder of the Learning Communities near and a wall of art, makes for a good Zoom backdrop. beginnings of his career, 15 years ago, when he worked with two Learning Design; Science Education “I usually work there in the mornings,” he volunteers in Buffalo, New Orleans, Chicago, Himalayan village communities training young people to Problem-Based Learning; said. “It’s a nice spot.” Mexico and India. They divided into groups video interview parents and Research Design Honwad, an assistant professor in the and met for three weeks by Zoom to develop grandparents about the water Department of Learning and Instruction comics related to the pandemic and its effect shortage and how to address it. and a native of India, specializes in learning on people’s lives. sciences and storytelling as a learning and The result: Compelling stories with teaching tool. superheroes and regular people grappling Laptop sticker tribute to Katherine Johnson, His story-based research projects include a with COVID-19 dilemmas like how to keep the Black NASA mathematician portrayed in the movie “Hidden Figures,” who died developing museum of climate-change stories families safe and reckon with the disparities this year. The drawing shows an astronaut in Bhutan and working with young people in that come with privilege. “All 14 of them are stepping up stairs made from her chalkboard Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene tribe to create podcasts beautiful,” Honwad said of stories students calculations. When Honwad spotted the about environmental concerns. presented in a Zoom call at the end of July. editorial cartoon by the San Diego Union- Tribune’s Steve Breen, he converted it into a Once the pandemic hit, a pilot version of Now they are applying for a National Science sticker. He likes to have art on his computer a new project launched with Ryan Rish, a Foundation grant to do the project again that connects to his work and his interest fellow assistant professor of learning and and train teachers to use graphic novel in theories that capture the experience of Earbuds. A casual, $25 instruction, exploring the graphic novel as assignments. “COVID is a complex problem. people of color. “Last year when I picked the purchase used to listen sticker, I was reading a lot of Black feminist a teaching tool. The ease of distance meeting If we want kids to learn about complexity, we on Zoom and help him pedagogies and I was thinking more about, by Zoom helped things move more quickly. It have to teach about complexity … Storytelling focus as he works. ‘How do you move away from whiteness?’” took a few weeks, instead of a few months, for allows us to think about complexity in a way “Now they’ve become an integral part of my life.” Honwad and three graduate students to use in which complexity is not lost.” Read the their connections to recruit 14 high school students’ work at www.we-said.org.

I like to think I surround myself with things that make me happy, things that have meaning to me,” said Sameer Honwad about his approach to decor. “That sort of translates into my research too, because I study how science relates to people’s everyday life … So, everything around me … relates to my everyday life or brings meaning to my life.

10 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 11 FEBRUARY 21 MARCH 13 n President Trump declares the COVID-19 n Bu‘alo news channels pandemic a national emergency and sends 4 and 7 broadcast stories FEBRUARY 23 funding to states. JANUARY 11 about Qinghua Chen, GSE n Ahmaud Marquez Arbery, 25, MARCH 3 MARCH 10 n China reports its first PhD student and Shanghai- an unarmed Black man, killed n The Centers for n New York orders n Breonna Taylor, 26, a Black emergency death from a new virus native, who produced a video while jogging near Brunswick, Disease Control lifts all the nation’s first virus medical technician, is shot eight times by police that researchers identified JANUARY 20 with greetings from 140 local Ga. Travis McMichael accused MARCH 1 restrictions on testing, “containment zone,” who used a no-knock warrant in Louisville, Ky. earlier as infecting dozens n U.S. and other people to cheer and support of the shooting after he, his n New York’s allowing U.S. oŽcials closing schools and n The last day of in-person classes at UB of people in Wuhan, a city countries confirm people in China struggling father Gregory and William first diagnosed to approve widespread gathering places in and other campuses, including the Bu‘alo of more than 11 million. virus cases. with COVID-19. “Roddie” Bryan pursued Arbery. coronavirus case. virus testing. New Rochelle. Public Schools.

t first, 2020 seemed like a straight-forward, normal year, new with a di erent political lens. Pandemics 2020 In more than a century since the end of and full of promise. A presidential election lay ahead. The slavery, the pursuit of happiness, equality and economy looked good: low interest rates and a rising stock justice, made famous in this nation’s founding COVID
19 AND A 18th century documents were still not being market. The New York governor’s budget aimed for a middle-class applied to everyone in the 21st century. RACISM COLLIDE tax cut and additional school aid. Bu alo’s renaissance continued Breonna Taylor’s death was magnified by with neighborhood rehabs, transformed downtown buildings and more Black killings. Ahmaud Marquez Arbery a reimagined waterfront. was shot running through his neighborhood. Dreasjon “Sean” Reed’s shooting by police At UB, research made news, enrollment grew. including the Bu alo Public Schools. livestreamed on Facebook. Then, explosively The Graduate School of Education looked Alarming news began its steady drumbeat. in May, a video of O¦cer Derek Chauvin’s forward to its 2022 move to South Campus, On March 14, Gov. Andrew Cuomo deadly kneel on George Floyd’s neck. back to Foster Hall. UB had architects announced the state’s first two virus deaths. For students of color, racism shaped their working on the refurbishment of the classic The next week, New York had 3,437 cases. experience with both pandemics. Racism and McKim, Mead & White building, where the Then came business closings. Only those COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on their Graduate School of Education began in considered “essential”—hospitals, suppliers of communities was coupled by the burdens of 1931. Meetings were underway to food and drink—could keep doors new social awareness and attention. plot this new, still unnamed, open. Along with all the other turbulence, the magazine version of the Everyone else, including pandemic was cataclysmic for education. .edu alumni newsletter. the people of GSE, went Parents scrambled when they couldn’t stay Before spring broke, home to work by Zoom home to help with remote schooling. Those whatever we had and Google Classroom. who were fortunate enough to work from in mind for 2020 Day by day, news home grappled with new school routines and changed. broadcasts were virtual learning how-tos. Educators had to be nimble, rechart course plans and navigate A deadly new 3.13 virus quietly swept daunting and unfamiliar technology. Teaching students in the globe, infecting riveting. Social person felt like a bygone, underappreciated millions. Black men and distancing rules. Mask privilege. women continued to be wearing disagreements. In a spring semester’s time, life for a killed by police, a practice Shortages of supplies generation transformed. that would seem as if it, too, and basics, like face masks had raged on quietly, virus-like. and toilet paper and flour and The timeline above chronicles highlights By March, a new reality dawned. yeast. Dr. Anthony Fauci’s sobering of the “pandemics” and the actions Two pandemics emerged and soon collided— virus updates. Cuomo’s daily briefings that they spurred among the educators, COVID-19 and racism. Shortly after midnight reassured with their regularity. psychologists, data analysts and on Friday, March 13, Breonna Taylor, 26, Without the usual things to do, an information scientists of the GSE a Black emergency medical technician, overwhelmed public came to focus on what, community. was shot dead at home in Louisville, Ky., for some, had been easy to ignore: Persistent Protestors at a Bu‘alo rally in a police drug raid gone wrong. Hours racism, white privilege, segregation. Protests for educators in downtown’s later, President Trump declared the virus a popped up. Some escalated to violence. Niagara Square, June 9, national emergency. It would be the last day The presidential election inched closer. 2020. They joined hundreds of in-person classes at UB and other places, Millions reassessed the American narrative Illustration of Breonna Taylor by Jennifer Salucci. voicing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. (WBFO Photo/Kyle S. Mackie) LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 13 MARCH 18 MARCH 22 MARCH 23 n Cuomo signs an executive order mandating n Cuomo orders all non-essential n New York City surpasses 12,000 COVID-19 that employees work from home for all but businesses to close. The state cases, 35 percent of U.S. total. essential businesses as New York counts 3,437 ocially goes on “PAUSE” (Policies n Raven Baxter, a science education PhD COVID-19 cases. that Assure Uniform Safety for student, produces, from home, “Wipe it Down,” MARCH 26 n President Trump invokes the Defense Everyone). a rap video about the virus and staying safe. n Baxter’s “Wipe it Production Act to increase medical resources. MARCH 14 n The National Guard is deployed n Information science PhD student Monica Down” goes viral. n Cuomo announces n U.S.-Canada border closes. to the states hit hardest by the Rogers begins analyzing COVID-19 case Newscasters from the state’s first two n GSE establishes Student Emergency virus—California, New York and data for her employer, the Tulsa Health New York City to coronavirus deaths. Hardship Fund. Washington. Department. Hawaii share the story.

3.23 better understand dierent kinds of data. 3.23 got in touch to suggest collaborating on the show. UB student crafts COVID-19 data Professionally, she translates data for people Raven the Science “That’s pretty much my dream come true,” Baxter said. “I really so they can have a better understanding of believe in speaking things into existence.” models as government adapts to virus its meaning. For example, she has used her Maven takes o: GSE PhD The beginnings knowledge of virus data to advise school In September, Baxter gave a TEDx Talk for Great Mills, Md., “You Don’t Since the pandemic started, o¥cials in Oklahoma have been turning districts. She once suggested a district close candidate’s science education Look Like a Scientist,” explaining how she got interested in working schools, less than a month after opening to Monica Rogers, information science doctoral student, for analysis as a “science communicator.” Focusing on how to make the sciences because of high case and exposure numbers. eorts get rave reviews of COVID-19 throughout Tulsa County. This includes chronicling more welcoming and diverse came from her own experiences with the rise and decline of the viral spread and discovering that cases BY MICHELLE KEARNS discrimination and her love of science—from space camp as a kid to career work as a cancer researcher and college professor. dropped three to four weeks after the city of Tulsa mandated the “It makes me grateful that Now, her work toward change is embedded in her dissertation wearing of face masks in public. so many people are invested research, which is nearing completion. She surveyed 50 Black women, some in STEM careers, some and interested in the data not, about the impact of and using the data to inform watching “Big Ole Geeks,” a “I never was happy with their decisions.” rap song video celebration of pigeonholing myself Black women scientists who into one area.” wear lab coats and dance with test tubes as Baxter sings, “You Since the pandemic started, her job mess with me your knowledge increases/I’m legit, look me up, read my changed and her interest in her GSE studies thesis.” of data and data visualization grew as she After watching, those with non-STEM jobs told her that seeing that shifted from forecasting the prevalence of Going viral during a virus pandemic and the aftermath kind of popular culture representation of Black scientists might have chronic conditions like heart disease and For GSE PhD student Raven Baxter, aka Raven the Science Maven, the persuaded them to choose science and stop thinking that only white diabetes to monitoring COVID-19-related pandemic’s disruptions have made room for audiences to listen to her men are scientists. That was, Baxter said in her TED Talk, “one of the infections, hospitalizations and deaths. eervescent, and serious, message about diversifying the sciences. most exciting findings of my research.” She now writes the talking points for news Lately, people have been tuning in, sometimes by the thousands, to her Ahead: More work to show people, like the biology majors she once conference briefings and has presented data YouTube rap songs, tweets and, this fall, a TEDx Talk. advised as a professor, that when it comes to science, there are options to a local school board weighing reopening. Her work got attention in March with the debut of her “Wipe it besides being a physician. “I never was happy with pigeonholing myself “It makes me grateful that so Down!” music video, which she made from home in a few days. It into one area.” many people are invested quickly went viral. “Don’t pass the sickness, just stay up in your house and interested in the and mind ya business,” she sang while dancing in periodic table From the president’s o„ce data and,” said Rogers, leggings. Baxter’s developing work in science and social justice included an “using the data to The video, complete with a bubble bath scene, played on TV news appearance on UB President Satish Tripathi’s new Zoom interview A screen shot from the Tulsa County Department of Health website, Nov. 4, 2020. The inform their decisions.” shows from New York to Honolulu: “This scientist has got the moves,” show Take 5. When he asked about her ambition to diversify science COVID-19 data were collected by information science doctoral student Monica Rogers, right. professions, she explained African Americans make up about 13 (Photo/Lori Just) said one cheerful Hawaii News Now reporter. In the months that followed, Baxter kept up the pace, producing percent of the U.S. population, yet they are only 6 percent of the STEM more creative work. This summer when she launched an album of workforce. “I think your goal … is really a noble one,” Tripathi told her. Rogers, recently promoted to division chief coursework from home in Oklahoma. science rap songs she’d been working on—“The Protocol”—it sold 2,000 One to watch: Fortune “40 Under 40” list of data and technology for the Tulsa Health Doing her graduate studies while working copies. Baxter made Fortune magazine’s 2020 edition of its “40 under 40” Department, has worked in information full-time in a related field has been rewarding After she wrote on Twitter about her concept for “Nerdy Jobs,” similar list of emerging leaders this fall. The story and a companion video science for more than a decade. She enrolled and illuminating. As she starts her last year of to Hulu’s “Dirty Jobs,” but with focus on STEM careers, some of her highlighted Baxter in the healthcare category: As Fortune put it, she is at GSE in January of 2020 because of the coursework, she is considering a dissertation nearly 32,000 followers retweeted it. Before long, she was talking on dedicated to “developing a next generation of talent that looked more PhD program’s flexibility and distance research project about data visualization the phone with science author and CrashCourse creator Hank Green. like her and the rest of the country.” learning options, which allowed her to do her literacy to discover which formats help people By the time they hung up, he’d oered to fund the pilot. After that PBS

14 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 15 APRIL 1 APRIL 6 APRIL 17 n To keep the GSE community connected while n Stephanie Fredrick, n News 4 Bualo airs story campus is closed, Dean Rosenblith launches weekly assistant professor in about GSE PhD student Zoom coee meetings with students. counseling, school and Qinghua Chen: She raised n GSE alumna and psychologist Tawanna Gilford, educational psychology, more than $2,100, ordered APRIL 24 PhD, shepherds the “Compassion Cart” project to APRIL 3 reaches out to parents APRIL 15 3,600 surgical-grade masks n Dean Rosenblith holds a help de-stress sta throughout the NYC Health and n CDC to alleviate virus worries n Cuomo signs an from China and then donated roundtable discussion with APRIL 27 Hospital System’s Harlem Hospital campus, assessing recommends that with a Zoom seminar— executive order them to emergency responders fellow academic leaders n Confirmed U.S. emotional needs, oering solace, snacks, water and, all citizens wear “Answering Tough Kid requiring face and urgent care centers for about the pandemic’s COVID-19 cases once, flowering plants—1,275 of them. face masks. Questions ...” masks. children in Amherst, N.Y. impact on public education. surpass 1 million.

4.1 the same time each week, assessing mental 4.24 On the frontlines: Shifting the mood health needs, asking if people needed relief A Zoom roundtable: from burnout or to talk about an experience, from tension and mask hoarding to like the loss of a patient. Adapting to higher ed’s new landscape For one surprising and unexpectedly busy etting classes and school operations nimble and it’s led to some pretty innovative peace and sharing day, they lifted spirits as they gave away to work well in a remote, cyber world thinking,” said Rosenblith. “I hope that stays 1,275 yellow, white and pink flowering plants GSE COMMUNITY STEPS UP BY MICHELLE KEARNS was, and still is, intense, exhausting with us permanently as part of the DNA of the donated by a nursery. G and inspiring. This spring, as the pandemic’s university.” • In May, Dean Suzanne Rosenblith “That was an amazing experience … When COVID-19 hit New York City, GSE alumna Tawanna Gilford, changes settled in, GSE deans, UB leaders The panel also talked about the silver hosted a conversation for faculty Everyone was so grateful. No one was PhD ‘12, felt more certain than ever that she’d found the right and faculty took stock and adapted to the linings. During new, virtual coŽee meetings and sta to share perspectives expecting flowers. Their faces just lit up,” said swiftly shifting reality, starting with the 10- Rosenblith started hosting to catch up with about gender roles and the profession—a psychologist helping stressed out people find peace Gilford. “People weren’t expecting tokens of day window for getting all instruction online students, she was pleased to hear this: With dramatic changes at home, appreciation. They feel seen, they feel heard. and calm as they work at a hospital during a pandemic. after campus closed in March. Through all of the increased communication during especially for parents. They feel acknowledged. It goes a long way.” “It aˆrmed that I am truly doing what God donations like Norwegian water and gourmet put me on this earth to do,” said Gilford, as nut bars. From April through June, workers she spoke by video call from Central Park trained by Gilford made rounds to every “Healing doesn’t necessarily during a break. “I think I was battle tested. floor at all five of the hospital’s buildings, come in the form of a pill.” It pushed me to my upper limits. Being a oŽering snacks, bottled water, toiletries. Most psychologist is my calling.” importantly they listened, gave perspective As virus-sickened patients filled the and helped transform the work atmosphere Soon, the hospital’s atmosphere had hospital, the staŽ of about 3,000 needed for employees at the hospital. changed. People showed greater concern for relief and understanding. Gilford, a peer One telling example of the early struggles: each other. Face-mask hoarding stopped. support trainer, was in a perfect position to When the pandemic first struck in March, “We observed a sense of peace across the guide hospital volunteers and lead the launch people were panicking, hostile and hoarding hospital,” said Gilford. of a new virus-provoked eŽort: wheeling face masks when they were in short supply. In June, the cart project stopped. The “Compassion Carts” filled with supplier To help with these struggles, the hospital felt more like its old self. Departments “Compassion Cart” were fully staŽed. People’s pre-pandemic project developed from work patterns resumed. “It was time for a hospital initiative she them to have some semblance of normalcy,” began leading in 2018, Gilford said. Zoom meetings, they kept up to date, gained the pandemic, one online student felt more a year after she was Gilford has been especially grateful to land • Early Childhood Research Center insights and marked progress. In one forum connected than ever. hired. She had been at Harlem Hospital on Lenox Avenue, where sta read stories and even led in April, Dean Suzanne Rosenblith shared “We can learn from this,” Rosenblith said. training staŽ to become she was born. yoga class for little ones. The her perspective on GSE’s experience with “If there’s a barrier, we just have to figure it peer counselors for the She was aiming for a career that would preschool’s Facebook page stayed Barbara Ricotta, senior associate vice out what that solution might be.” Helping Healers Heal take her back to her roots. Now she lives in updated with videos parents could president for student life, and Jay Roorbach, program. Designed to the neighborhood where she grew up, an share with their children. EdM ’19, senior emergency planning oŽer emotional support eight-minute walk from work. coordinator. • To help further, a new GSE for whenever staŽ needs, “My mission when I went away to school “We’ve had to be really For Rosenblith, the challenge was webpage collected ideas, videos, GSE alumna and psychologist Tawanna Gilford, it was set up throughout the 11 hospitals in was to go back and serve my community,” managing what felt like chaos by organizing, nimble and it’s led to some links and resources being launched PhD ‘12, leads the “Compassion Cart” project the NYC Health + Hospitals system. “Healing said Gilford. “I’ve never felt more needed throughout the Harlem Hospital campus, assessing delegating, putting the academic mission pretty innovative thinking.” by professors, students and doesn’t necessarily come in the form of a pill,” professionally. I think COVID-19 made mental health needs and oering solace, snacks, first and helping alarmed students navigate alumni: ed.bualo.edu/about/ she said. me realize the importance of being a water and, on this day, thanks to a generous the new normal. “We’ve had to be really community-outreach/resources donation from Milgro Nursery, flowering plants. By May, Gilford’s “Compassion Cart” team psychologist.” (Photo courtesy Harlem Hospital) was making rounds and visiting each unit at

16 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 17 MAY 6 MAY 8 MAY 15 MAY 3 n Dreasjon “Sean” Reed, 21, a Black n GSE PhD student MAY 25 n Nina Pop, 28, a Black man, fatally shot by Indianapolis police Quinghua Chen publishes n GSE holds its first ever virtual MAY 22 transgender woman, in an altercation streamed live on “Born Artists,” an online commencement ceremony for n Dean Rosenblith n Minneapolis police o¨cer Derek found dead, with Facebook. exhibition, with artwork 326 master’s and 54 doctoral MAY 16 brings together faculty Chauvin videotaped kneeling on multiple stab wounds, n Sarah Robert, an associate professor by children that she students. n Early Childhood Research and sta— on Zoom to the neck of George Floyd, 46, until in her apartment in and a specialist in school food politics, collected via WeChat, and n The Trump administration Center’s preschool shifts discuss the pandemic- he dies, as three other o¨cers Sikeston, Mo. She was joins Seeding Resilience: A consortium of reflecting pandemic-era announces Operation Warp to remote learning with influenced changes at watch. The video goes viral. at least the 10th trans people and organizations getting food to life in seven countries — Speed, a public–private sta— reading stories and home and how gender n Social media reignites person to die by violence people in need, that includes UB’s Food from China and the U.S. to partnership to accelerate leading yoga exercises via a—ects parenting #BlackLivesMatter movement in in the U.S. this year. Lab policy research group. Switzerland and Japan. COVID-19 vaccine development. Facebook video posts. responsibilities. response to George Floyd’s death.

5.8 “I didn’t understand the full meaning of 5.16 Pandemic solace—GSE PhD student community until I came here,” said Chen. The resilience of children & “I felt community was something that was Qinghua Chen reaches out with creativity. vague and general and big,” ECRC’s pandemic adjustments Now she includes herself in a series of small BY MICHELLE KEARNS BY MICHELLE KEARNS As news of virus outbreaks swept from China to the U.S. and around For the first time in “We feel kids are enjoying this a lot more. the world, GSE PhD student Qinghua Chen tried to help by launching the Early Childhood It’s a beautiful picture: blue sky, green grass. a series of creative, collaborative projects. She started by making Research Center’s Everybody was excited for their future.” a video of local people speaking from UB’s North Campus and history of pre-school

elsewhere to show support for people in China. Then she raised graduations, this with remote learning plans for their students. There were storybook money to buy 3,600 face masks for emergency workers in Amherst, summer’s ceremony read aloud videos on Facebook and suggestions for parents, like the NY. Her latest e†ort is an online showcase of photos of art made at was held outdoors— lessons in counting and science that go along communities: At UB, among fellow Chinese with getting a piece of celery to absorb dyed home by children around the world after schools closed. students, within her daughter’s school and and made complete water and change color. in her current neighborhood in Amherst. She with a hill for a stage and the traditional chicken Throughout it all, the children surprised Their work ranges from crayon drawings hallway displays. After the pandemic forced worked with them all in recent months, feeling everyone. They adapted to the short of nurses in face masks to sculpture and the closing of the libraries, along with the dance finale. For the dozen students, the August inspired by the willingness of people to pitch Zoom classes with time built in to share performance art, including a boat from show she organized about this year’s Chinese in on recent projects—with fundraising help, evening’s march through the grass, instead of a silly faces with their friends and dance. recycled cans, a paper-mâché balloon egg Year of the Rat, Chen moved online. face-mask distribution, video making and the At August graduation time, the dozen and a yoga session with stu†ed animals. classroom, made for a more jubilant a†air and, collection of art pieces. graduates now heading to kindergarten “For me, I’m playing the role of a global perhaps, a new custom even after on-campus Lately she’s been thinking of community in seemed unfazed by the new face-mask citizen,” said Chen, who is a Presidential “I didn’t understand the full a new, more concrete way. It is: “Something classes resume. reality. They knew to keep their masks Fellow studying early childhood education in meaning of community until solid that you do have a connection with … on as they marched, taking them o† GSE’s Curriculum, Instruction and Science of A place that I belong to, based on di†erent “We feel kids are enjoying this a lot more. It’s a beautiful picture: once they got their diplomas and Learning PhD Program. “I just want to help a I came here.” dimensions and domains,” she said. “Now I blue sky, green grass. Everybody was excited for their future,” said X. re-joined their families on the lawn. little bit.” know what a community means.” Christine Wang, director of the Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood “It was really adorable,” said Corinne Chen’s online exhibition features 100 From her blog on the Chinese WeChat app, Research Center and professor in the Department of Learning and Eggleston, associate director. art pieces made by 60 children in seven she asked families to contribute photos of art Instruction. “We would actually love to do this outdoors. We would like “They really showed us the way,” countries, including her 5-year-old daughter related to themes of school closings, play and to make this a new tradition.” said Wang, “because they are so Leonie. The project followed her volunteer fighting the virus. Submissions came in from When the spread of COVID-19 led the UB campus to close, the ECRC resilient.” work at the Amherst library branches, the U.S., the U.K., Switzerland, Japan, China, team adjusted, incorporating their philosophy of learning through play planning exhibitions of children’s art for Canada and Australia. Soon she intends to add new exhibits to her developing website. “I call this art gallery ‘Born Artists,’” said Chen, a former finance reporter for a British news service and marketing and communications specialist at L’Oréal and Chanel in China. “I hope people can be inspired by these little artists and … be cheered up by their great art pieces.” Her pandemic work at UB led to an GSE PhD student Qinghua Chen, a Shanghai-native, unexpected career insight: How to work with a TV news crew after donating 3,600 surgical- within a community. grade masks. (Photo/ Shuyi Zhao)

18 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 19 MAY 26 MAY 28 MAY 29 MAY 30 n A video of Alexandra Schindel’s conversation n A state of emergency declared n Minneapolis o‰cer Derek Chauvin charged with MAY 27 n with a Tapestry Charter School teacher in the Twin Cities, with hundreds of third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of As riots and protests continue n answering third graders’ questions about Minneapolis protests turn violent as National Guard soldiers deployed, George Floyd. High-profile protests began in Portland, nationwide, curfews are set in Los her Galapagos journey and the science of activists call for murder charges against as social justice protests spread Ore., in response to Floyd’s killing. Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. ocean plastics pollution goes up on YouTube. the police o‰cers involved in George nationwide. n Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler declares state of emer- n UB’s President Satish Tripathi releases Floyd’s death. The interview, the pandemic alternative to n Dean Rosenblith holds another gency and imposes curfew as protests become violent. a statement in response the police killings n a classroom visit, connected to the students’ Tony McDade, 38, a Black transgender Zoom session with sta– and faculty to n Learning and Instruction Professor and Chair Julie in Minneapolis, Atlanta and Louisville— semester of water study. SEE PAGE 30 man, was fatally shot by a police o‰cer talk about George Floyd’s death and Gorlewski’s “Endless Work, Endless Love: Teaching and “We mourn peacefully but not passively.” n Protests begin in the Minneapolis–St. Paul in Tallahassee, Fla. emerging racism and social justice Mothering During a Pandemic” publishes in Teachers n Protests begin outside Bu–alo’s City area following George Floyd’s killing. n U.S. COVID-19 deaths surpass 100,000. concerns. College Record. Hall in response George Floyd’s death.

5.28 As summer unfolded and news reports about the coronavirus Pope, associate professor, associate dean for faculty and student Diversity forum: aairs and chief diversity oŒcer and moderator. “You really can’t Pandemic illuminates the overlapped with stories about race and the injustice, segregation and grow without some challenge.” Understanding violence against people of color, GSE started a critical conversation Challenges ranged from the global to the personal. The dean power of student-teacher with its community of students, sta and faculty. What was their had been thinking about the pain her students of color must feel at anti-Blackness and being dehumanized —for a lifetime—for the color of their skin. classroom collaboration experience with race and privilege in this time of civil unrest? Another professor said he was proud of the protestors’ bravery this time of change and willingness to go to the streets during the pandemic. Someone When the pandemic shut down school buildings in In a Zoom gathering in June, almost 60 Dean Suzanne Rosenblith. She then read else spoke up, despairing that the killings continued in spite of it all. people, mostly white, met to talk in what was the names of Black people killed by police March, GSE’s 50 teacher candidates suddenly went “What will it take to cause the change that we need?” she said. the first step in planning forums for creating, this year and stopped for a silent tribute to Parents talked about their children. Pope worried about her virtual, along with their teacher mentors. They came and learning about change. Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, Black son’s tendency to pause when someone asks him a question. together and figured out how to co-teach from home “I do believe, as a school of education, we Tony McDade and George Floyd. If police stopped him, would they shoot rather than wait? computers—troubleshooting tech glitches, capturing have a particular role to play in this,” said “Expect some discomfort,” said Raechele White parents were concerned about similar things, but noted students’ attention with encouragement, and holding they are not in the same situation because their children are not Black. A mother wondered at her own unwitting contribution to office hours and parent conferences. white supremacy. What about the safety of unarmed protestors “There was this sense of two equal teachers operating in the classroom,” Protestors at a Bu–alo rally for educators in downtown’s and her sons, who worked in law enforcement and carried guns? Niagara Square, June 9, 2020. They joined hundreds said Elisabeth Etopio, assistant dean for teacher education and director “They’re out there in the protests and I, honestly, can’t watch them.” voicing their support for the Black Lives Matter of educator preparation. “That power of two is something special when As a Black mom said this year was an awakening for her and movement. (WBFO Photo/Kyle S. Mackie) both individuals can kind of embrace that and learn from each other.” her son. As young teen, he didn’t understand why, a couple of years ago, she was so upset to see him run from the corner store The teacher certification program enrolls 150 students a year with where he bought something. Police, or someone else, might mis- about 50 candidates working every semester as co-teachers in about 15 understand his running and assume he was fleeing from a crime. schools. As they pivoted this spring, so did the state. Certification exams, “Fast forward, in 2020, he’s now having a better understanding which include mandatory videos of teachers in the classroom, were of why he’s unable to run,” she said. The bottom line: All kids should modified. New teachers, caught short by the pandemic, could start work feel free to run. “I’m hurt,” she added, “and quite frankly disgusted this year with an “Emergency COVID-19 Certificate,” good for a year to with the way that things are being handled and where we are in allow time for finishing video portfolios. 2020.” Mentors in the liaison schools were particularly grateful for the extra help. One teacher, who asked if the teacher candidate could stay an extra semester, put it this way: “We’re learning together.” She was grateful “You really can’t grow without some for assistance with lessons while she troubleshot tech issues and parent challenge. Too much challenge and you concerns. stop growing. Too little challenge and “A teacher on their own in a classroom would have had to stop all we don’t.” instruction to navigate all of that,” said Etopio. Another candidate was commended for attending every department meeting and developing lessons that other teachers used. More end-of- For the white people participating in the conversation, the issues semester praise came in for the student teachers’ steady communication, included abandoning their “culture of niceness” and its practice of website management, home lessons, online assignments and avoiding diŒcult topics, like race. “To be white and to be cautious instructional videos. around race … means it’s hard for me to contribute to change,” Etopio was proud of them all. “It’s that natural teacher that comes out said Amy Reynolds, a psychologist and professor in the counseling, in our students when they’re put into a situation where they need to be school and educational psychology department “For me, it’s been resilient,” she said. “Our students are special. They rose to the occasion.” a lifelong challenge to unlearn what I was taught.”

20 LEARN MAGAZINE || FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 21 JUNE 1 n Dean Suzanne Rosenblith and Associate JUNE 9 JUNE 12 Dean Raechele Pope condemn racism JUNE 4 n n Protests in Atlanta follow the police A protest rally on the steps JUNE 10 with an email policy announcement: As an JUNE 2 n Bualo police ocers of City Hall, one of a series in killing of Rayshard Brooks, 27, in a JUNE 17 institution of public education, the GSE has n People post single make national news when Bualo, features educators n The U.S. counts more than Wendy’s parking lot. n UB President Tripathi a responsibility to speak out. black squares on social they keep moving forward and GSE alumna Ti any 2 million COVID-19 cases. n GSE Professor Myles Faith’s research JUNE 13 announces a new n President Trump threatens to deploy the media for Blackout after one of them shoves Nyachae, PhD, an assistant n GSE Professor Nathan appears around the world with n Protesters burn down President’s Advisory military to quell riots. The National Guard Tuesday, a music peaceful Niagara Square professor of education at Daun-Barnett publishes revelations that children with obesity the Wendy’s where Council on Race, inviting and police clear peaceful protestors for a industry-provoked protestor Martin Gugino, Penn State, who speaks insights about potential were hurt by the pandemic’s stay-at- Rayshard Brooks died. Associate Dean Raechele photo op of him with a Bible at St. John’s protest against racism 75, to the ground, causing about the importance of positive outcomes from the home rules with negative eects on Atlanta Police Chief Erika Pope and PhD student Church. and police brutality. serious injury. increasing faculty diversity. COVID-19 pandemic. diet, sleep and physical activity Shields resigns. Raven Baxter to serve.

6.10 6.17 UB president creates advisory council Improved graduation rates, less chronic absenteeism: to focus on race Some good may come from COVID-19 Two from GSE join new president’s committee to foster change BY DOUGLAS SITLER UB President Satish Tripathi responded to figure out what we need to do, what we need Online schooling could ease chronic absenteeism There may be an educational upside to calls for change in this unprecedented time by to do differently, and what are some of the COVID-19. It’s true that school building 3 and help students with health issues “We may find new ways to make education accessible to those charging a new committee, which includes a best practices that already exist,” said Pope shutdowns wrought havoc on lives in 2020 that have chronic health conditions. We know that there are GSE associate dean, with guiding university speaking about the need to deeply examine and interrupted school. The entire education tremendous health disparities along lines of race and class. And university practices in a June story by WBFO, we also know that chronic absenteeism is an important predictor NPR’s local station. system was disrupted by the pandemic–with of poor performance in school,” said Daun-Barnett. “We make “More than ever before, In announcing the new university-wide students, teachers and families navigating assumptions about why students are not in school, but at least UB should serve as a bastion committee, Tripathi said he was responding unchartered territory. for some, health conditions play an important role. Now that of hope and a community to three historic moments affecting Black and we are figuring out how to deliver education virtually, we may Hispanic communities: the global pandemic Yet, within this somber landscape, Nathan Daun-Barnett, an find that it can be a vehicle for those who cannot be in school as of action compelled by the that has taken more than 200,000 American associate professor of higher education administration, found regularly. We still have more work to do to refine these practices, greater good.” lives and counting, an economic crisis that le™ promising possibilities of good things that may come. There are but we are closer now because so many more educators have more than 20 million people out of work and at least four, by his count. been exposed to these strategies.” efforts to adapt and change, evaluating frustration, anxiety and despair following Graduation rates could rise More e ective online teaching curriculum, finding ways to recruit more centuries of intolerance and oppression of the “We may see more students complete high school, particularly 1 4 “We may also find that we become better at delivering Black faculty and encouraging community Black community. in high-need districts,” said Daun-Barnett. “One of the barriers distance education now that all students and teachers have conversations about race and racism. “Across the country, protests have brought for students to finish high school is the successful passage of operated in that environment. We have heard from online The new 16-member hundreds of thousands of people into the Regents exams in core academic subjects. This year, New York students that they feel more engaged by faculty now that President’s Advisory Council streets … Their outrage has amplified the call State cancelled the exams and will waive the requirement under all classes are online because we have had to be more certain conditions, including that the student successfully pass intentional about how we provide a high-quality education on Race formed in July, with to collectively address injustice, racism and the course. This is the reason we may see additional graduates when students and faculty cannot be in the classroom …These temporary summer input from violence. Doing so requires nothing less than this year.” are lessons we can and should apply to all of our distance Raven Baxter, a science education meaningful structural change,” Tripathi Lack of jobs could also provoke an increase in college programs,” said Daun-Barnett. “To be clear, at this point, the PhD student specializing in wrote in his email announcement. “More than enrollment in-person experience is better than what we provide in a virtual STEM communication, and ever before, UB should serve as a bastion of 2 environment, but we may find improvements in these practices “Related to the first, we may see that more students consider continuing work on faculty hope and a community of action compelled by because so many instructors have had to shift their teaching to a college as a possibility because they have completed the high recruitment with Raechele L. the greater good.” virtual environment.” school credential. It is generally reported that more students are Pope, an associate professor During her work with the curriculum second-guessing their decisions. It is possible that we see overall of educational leadership and committee, Baxter was excited by the declines, but it is also possible that students will find that their policy, chief diversity officer and possibility of a course about anti-racism alternatives to college are limited. The job market is sluggish associate dean of faculty and for students beginning their academic and going to college may seem a better alternative. This is often student affairs. careers. “If you have that knowledge and that what we find during economic downturns but the psychology of “Let’s look at our awareness before you go out into the world,” a pandemic that has an uncertain time horizon is diŽerent.” organizations—our campus in she said, “that will help to curb some of these this case—from top to bottom and oppressive cultures that we’re seeing today.”

22 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 23 JULY 7 JULY 20 JULY 24 n A research commentary by GSE n Forbes magazine includes n Federal forces deploy to JULY 29 AUGUST 10 JUNE 19 Clinical Assistant Professor Tiany an interview with GSE’s quell protests in Portland, n Oregon Governor Kate n GSE announces the n The annual Juneteenth Karalis Noel publishes in Social Raechele Pope, associate Ore., where their unmarked Brown and Vice President establishment of the commemoration of the JULY 2, 3 AND 4 Sciences & Humanities Open with professor and chief diversity cars and oŠcers in Mike Pence agree to a Equity, Diversity, Justice emancipation of enslaved people n Raging protests in an analysis of the stigmatizing oŠcer, in its story, “What camouflage, without clear phased withdrawal of and Inclusion fund for becomes a state holiday, as Portland, Ore. become impact of disease names with Colleges’ Leaders Can Do To identification badges, federal oŠcers from school initiatives promoting declared by Gov. Cuomo. increasingly violent. geographic references. Address Racial Justice.” generate a national outcry. Portland. diversity and inclusion.

8.10 EDJI fund launches Uniting GSE with books: Math as a coping skill Bringing in perspective, training and insight from people seeped in the BY MICHELLE KEARNS work of transforming racism, anti-Blackness and institutional injustice Group reading about racism and social change was the reason for creating the new GSE reserve fund for Equity, As professors leading classes know, reading books together brings Izydorczak and Gifted Math Program navigates Diversity and Justice Initiatives. The monies will help pay for guest people together in conversation and collaboration. This fall, Dean the rest of her team pandemic and finishes speakers, workshops, consultants, professional development and other Suzanne Rosenblith took that approach with sta•, faculty and scrambled. They did a with new digital tools initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. students by launching a GSE-wide social justice reading project with quick training for the Once campus closed and courses went virtual, “Like many schools and colleges of education, GSE is thinking carefully, departments choosing books that related to their work. online video interface. Anne Izydorczak, administrator of UB’s Gifted “I tend to be interested in fostering community and shared They ordered Microsoft robustly, and comprehensively about our sustained response to social Math Program, wasn’t sure how, or if, the experiences – with COVID, and people feeling more estranged from Surface Go tablets so unrest,” Dean Suzanne Rosenblith wrote to explain the philosophy program would carry on. With little notice, she, one another, it became even more important,” said Rosenblith. teachers could write out behind the fund. “Our approach will be to attend to racism, inequality, program co-director Harry O’Malley, 10 “We are a learning community and when confronted with significant math problems without educational injustice on multiple fronts – curricular, programmatic, teachers and 11 UB student assistants had to social issues, one way to address them is join together in a common a chalkboard. They policy, and community engagement.” figure out how to continue classes for 280 learning activity.” seventh through 12th graders used to traveling found a good, free app GSE’s fall reading list and department choices: from schools all over Western New York for for scanning and submitting homework. They Interactive project work with the Desmos, New committee takes on “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi, chosen by Counseling, advanced math lessons in Baldy Hall. Once had a practice day for students. free math software tools, to encourage virtual School and Educational Psychology Department, the Dean’s and students were disconnected from their face- It worked. collaboration and adds variety to teacher social justice “Our attendance was better than ever lessons. Admissions o¡ces and the Communications and Marketing team. to-face meetings, would they keep coming The new Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion Committee will help actually,” Izydorczak said. “It’s not just about a problem for the virtually? to implement GSE’s new 2025 Comprehensive Plan and develop new “Multiplication is for White People: Raising Expectations for Other There were surprises along the way, like kids to solve. It’s about them being able to programs and policies focused on diversity and inclusion. The team, People’s Children” by Lisa Delpit Pi Day math challenges, which helped keep talk with each other,” Izydorczak said. This students interested in showing up online and interface gives a break to teachers. They which includes faculty from all departments and is led by Raechele “The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You doing their homework. Families appreciated were exhausted by the initial setup of online Pope, associate dean of faculty and student affairs, chief diversity officer, Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in the “synchronous” class meetings at the same teaching, which had them talking more than and associate professor of educational leadership and policy, began its Collective Healing” by Anneliese Singh. Both additional titles were times every week. usual. “We don’t want our teachers to be assignment this summer, planning and executing September’s Teach-In. also chosen by the Department of Everyone was grateful for the routine. burned out.” They now have shi‘ed to reviewing curriculum and considering how to Counseling, School and Educational Psychology. Math, it turns out, is a coping skill. “Think of increase underrepresented groups of faculty, staff and students. how nice it is to occupy your mind with a The work includes developing a proposal, to be put to GSE for a vote, “The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges puzzle,” said Izydorczak. defining the purpose and function of the new standing committee. Are Failing Disadvantaged Students” This fall Gifted Math began its 41st year, “Think of how nice it is to Pope is keen to evaluate and find approaches, including how advising, by Anthony Abraham Jack, chosen by fortified by the lessons of the spring’s crash occupy your mind with a mentoring and pedagogy can address racial disparity. “We’ve got an the Department of Educational course in online learning and the summer Leadership and Policy. opportunity,” she said. “There are students who are saying that ‘My break to evaluate and adapt. “It was like an puzzle.” “We Want to Do More Than experiment,” Izydorczak said. experience as a Black student here is very different than the white Survive: Abolitionist Teaching The mission of the program is to o•er student …’ How do we fix that?” and the Pursuit of Educational advanced math challenges for students bored After the unexpected spring success, the Hard work is ahead, she said, but the current momentum is the On Instagram, Gifted Math student Joseph Gavacs Freedom,” by Bettina Love, posts a picture of his math puzzle, a Pi Day by traditional math. It will carry on virtually 2020-2021 enrollment was stronger than beginning of fundamental change. chosen by the Department of assignment involving folding paper and a COVID-19 with new discoveries and adjustments: Weekly expected: 270 students, only 10 students less Learning and Instruction. message—“Keep Calm and Remember: Apart We sessions for students who need extra help and than last year. Stand Together.” April 17, 2020. (Photo courtesy parent meetings were much easier to arrange “We’re in great shape,” Izydorczak said. Like many schools and colleges of education, “White Fragility: Why It’s So Joseph Gavacs) online. Adding in more quizzes and projects “They depend on us more than we knew.” GSE is thinking carefully, robustly, and Hard for White People to Talk About kept everyone on track. comprehensively about our sustained response Racism” by Robin DiAngleo, chosen by to social unrest. the Department of Information Science.

24 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 25 AUGUST 29 SEPTEMBER 3 & 4 SEPTEMBER 2 n Thousands of people gather at n AUGUST 23 GSE cancels classes and hosts the “Make AUGUST 25 the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, n Protests breakout in Rochester, N.Y., following the Good Trouble Now Teach-In” about race and n Violent protests break out in n Two protesting the shooting D.C. for the Commitment March, release of disturbing police body-camera footage equity for faculty, students and sta–. The two- Kenosha, Wisc., following the police of Jacob Blake were fatally organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton of the fatal March arrest of Daniel Prude, 41, an day event features five national experts and shooting of Jacob Blake, 29. shot in Kenosha, Wisc. Kyle and with Martin Luther King III, in unarmed Black man having a psychotic drug episode. 82 breakout discussion sessions. Faculty, sta–, n The FDA grants emergency Rittenhouse, 17, of Antioch, Ill., support of Black civil rights. n Fortune Magazine includes GSE PhD student Raven alumni and community members highlight authorization for antibody-rich accused of allegedly using n GSE holds its first virtual new Baxter, 27, in the health care group of a special topics ranging from book club reading to blood plasma treatments for an AR-15-style rifle in the student orientation and 433 register expanded version of its annual 40 Under 40 list of Black career navigation and teaching about COVID-19 hospital patients. shooting. to attend. young innovators. race in majority white schools.

By Parker Miller

Keynote Speakers A call to action

BY MARCENE ROBINSON GSE started the academic year by canceling classes and activities for students, faculty and sta to make time for a teach-in style forum rooted in the Bettina Love Carlton Green Ali Michael Gloria Campbell-Whatley Jamie Washington anti-war movement of the 1960s: “Make Good Trouble Now: Teach-In for Racial Equity.” For two days, five keynote speakers and leaders in 82 tools to explore the meaning of Martin Luther Plans for change community and culture where discomfort and For PhD student Chazz Robinson, the two breakout sessions explored issues gripping the nation: the murder of King Day. The two days ended with a town conflict are the norm is necessary to making days of lectures and conversations about hall conversation about how to incorporate BY MICHELLE KEARNS Black people by police, institutional racism, internalized oppression anti-racism part of our learning norms and it inclusion, awareness and justice were insights at GSE. As the two-day Teach-In came to a close, amplifies the idea that anti-racism is a daily gratifying. It was heartening to see GSE and privilege, educational equality and routes toward change. “Change is both an individual and collective people started talking about what it meant. practice.” take this lead on combating the racism that responsibility,” said Dean Suzanne Rosenblith. That happened first at the final town hall shaped some of his own academic “This just isn’t done. Some may think we are listened and asked questions via Zoom and “As an institution of higher education, we session led by Dean Suzanne Rosenblith and career. lucky that we can aord to shut down normal learned about the impact of racial injustice, continue this work through the radical act of Raechele Pope, associate dean of faculty and “Through all the madness of operations. The fact of the matter is, we can’t particularly in education. Keynote speeches teaching and learning.” student aairs, and chief diversity o’cer. the pandemic … the Teach-In was aord not to. It’s simply that critical,” said included “We Gon’ Be Alright, But That Ain’t The discussions were part of a larger In the days that followed, there was more wonderful,” he said, adding that event chair Raechele Pope, associate dean of Alright: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit national dialogue about racism sparked by conversation in smaller groups. Bettina Love’s direct and sometimes faculty and student aairs, and chief diversity of Educational Freedom” by award-winning the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in People said they were grateful that a funny talk about advocating for o’cer. “In the midst of two global pandemics author Bettina Love. May, and reignited by news of more deaths, tough topic was addressed. Speaking awareness and change was his — COVID-19 and racism — along with a More than 80 breakout sessions were like the September shooting of Jacob Blake in freely about the “elephant” of racism in the favorite. He has used this time global fiscal crisis, led by faculty, Kenosha, Wis. room was cathartic. It was also awkward She then highlighted a comment from to consider his own research interest in we are witnessing scholars, alumni “GSE recognizes that it cannot make and uncomfortable to figure out what to keynote speaker, psychologist and diversity finding ways for academia to support Black community and community good on its mission and vision, or on its say— about racism, micro-aggressions and consultant Carlton Green: “If you’re not students like himself from poor working-class activism and calls partners who commitment to equity, diversity, justice and injustice of the racist U.S. systems that Black making mistakes while doing anti-racist work, backgrounds. “We have systems and policies for systemic and discussed a range inclusion, without ensuring that all faculty, people are subjected to and that white you’re not doing anti-racist work.” in place that don’t see people as people structural change of themes— sta and students have a more fundamental people are protected from. Ahead, Rosenblith said GSE will be looking … I just hope that I get to be a part of this that are not going to from anti-racist understanding of the systematic violence And, in part, feeling uncomfortable was for ways to support students who may have change… I feel optimistic that change can go away.” reading groups against Black people and the role that exactly the point. returned to campus changed or reeling happen.” The virtual event, to the barriers education has played and continues to play “Discomfort and conflict are part of being — from a social and political awakening, held Sept. 3-4, deployed the “teach-in” challenges and successes of professional in perpetuating systems of oppression,” said anti-racist,” said Rosenblith as she spoke economic distress, COVID or stress about and format, modeled on 1960s-era educational Black women and how students from a white Rosenblith. during the town-hall meeting at the end of fear of the next instance of racial violence. activism. Faculty, sta, and students rural community used digital storytelling the conference’s second day. “Creating a

26 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 27 Our Goal: Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice

SEPTEMBER 11 n GSE’s Equity, Diversity, Justice and OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER 7 OCTOBER 16 OCTOBER 24 Inclusion webpage SEPTEMBER 18 SEPTEMBER 22 n President Donald n Derek Chauvin, former n The U.S. n Cases of COVID-19 launches and features Supreme Court n The U.S. COVID-19 Trump and first lady police oˆcer charged surpasses eight rise in 43 states with a strategic plan with Justice Ruth Bader death toll passes Melania Trump test with the murder of million cases of single-day records set ? diversity goals. Ginsburg dies. 200,000. positive for COVID-19. George Floyd, posts bail. COVID-19. in 7 of those states.

9.11 Coping on the front line: Why do you think that we should all consider ourselves as front- GSE launches new EDJI website 2020 carries on … This timeline line workers who need to make self-care a priority? captured some of the year’s Everyone is on it It is now more important than ever to economic opportunities for individuals and We’re all negotiating a pandemic. We’re all trying to keep our be transparent and to clearly define our communities. This influences our actions: major events, the overlap and Self-care demystified with Catherine Cook-Cottone families safe. We’re on the front lines right now. Stop thinking of it as commitment to equity, diversity, justice and how we teach, conduct our research, serve collision of the virus spread, someone else on the front line … Systemic racism isn’t going to shift inclusion. GSE recently launched a new our communities and work toward a more BY MICHELLE KEARNS until we all start thinking of ourselves as on the front line. diversity and inclusion web page o
ering equitable and just future. racism, police killings, social As Catherine Cook- our commitment to diversity and inclusion, We are driven to engage with local, justice outcry, educators’ You say that tending to the self helps others because it leaves a Cottone, professor in our collective responsibilities, the 2025 national and global communities. We aim response and the changed world person with more energy and attention. Can you elaborate? comprehensive plan, activities, resources, and to help develop self-aware, inclusive and the Department of action strategies, as well as related research. culturally competent students and alumni, we now find ourselves in. We Counseling, School and It’s thought of as indulgent, but it’s a very generous act, actually, Our stakeholders are also able to provide employ inclusive teaching, service and couldn’t include everything. When to take care of yourself. Like a mom who is in great self-care—what a Educational Psychology feedback on how we are doing working professional development, and conduct gift to her children because then she’s available for them. toward our goals in creating a safe and research in collaboration with and to this magazine went to press, Joe and a yoga instructor, just educational environment. The site also strengthen communities. We strive to Biden emerged as the president- How do you explain self-care? sees it, in this time of o
ers the opportunity to support activities by build e
ective partnerships that remove elect, President Trump did not making a donation to the EDJI Fund. institutional, informational and educational quarantine and social Self-care can be a way to get to know yourself. I think of it as barriers. concede, some Republicans Defining our commitment action, the front line self-love. Self-love is actionable. When somebody really loves you, Our full commitment statement can encouraged his move to battle As educators, scholars and advocates, they just don’t show you in one way. be found on our website at includes us all. Now more than ever, Cook-Cottone we view education as essential to the results in court, COVID-19 What you want in self-care is diversity. You don’t want all of your ed.bualo.edu/edji/commitment says, everyone is responding to urgent needs. investments in one area. It should be a mix of fun and supportive improving and transforming social and cases rose more sharply than in friends. Walk, kayak. Take time to nap on the weekends. Write in your This means “self-care”—taking care of one’s own the spring. The world confronted journal. physical and mental health—is paramount. You’re like a bird with two wings. One wing is your mission and a second wave as news broke direction in life and the other is self-care. When we have both a sense Cook-Cottone, whose research includes yoga, mindfulness and self- of a promising new vaccine. of mission and self-care, we can fly strongly. I call it great eort and care, says the things that relieve stress and fortify are unique to the great rest. You’re constantly asking of yourself and you’re constantly This nation and this university individual. To help consider healthy possibilities, she and Wendy caring for yourself. now confront a complicated Guyker, a clinical associate professor, designed a Mindful Self-Care It’s not obligatory. It includes curiosity. It’s not a checklist. Your Assessment with six categories and suggestions—from physical activity aftermath. Questions about race, self-care becomes part of your life practice. It’s not something other and supportive relationships to relaxation. Since launching ed.bu
alo. people do for you. It’s part of taking care of yourself as a human equity and the tumult of 2020 edu/mindful-assessment last spring, between 10 and 100 people from being. remain. The answers lie ahead. all over the country take it every day. “It’s to get you thinking ... Looking at where you’re at and seeing About: Catherine Cook-Cottone, is a licensed psychologist, a registered where you are, can inspire you to get creative about it,” she said of the yoga teacher, and a professor in the Department of Counseling, School and self-assessment. “We’re taking back self-care from the media and from Educational Psychology. Her new book “Embodiment and the Treatment of the marketing.” Eating Disorders: The Body as a Resource in Recovery,” published by Norton The practice can also be a political act, said Cook-Cottone. To make Professional Books in September, reflects her private-practice work in anxiety- the point, she o
ered this quote from the late activist and poet Audre based disorders and self-regulation skills. Lorde: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

28 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 29 The charming, direct questions that third Even though Schindel knew science graders had about her sabbatical plastics captivates when students can see its research sailboat trip to the Galapagos connections to the place where they live, it Islands gratified and inspired Alexandra was good to see her far-flung Galapagos Galapagos- Schindel, an associate professor specializing experience pay o at home. in science education in the Department of “Kids need to have connections in the to- Bu alo and Learning and Instruction. outside world,” Schindel said. “When we She knew the importance of connecting make things more specific and not just a science to students’ lives. Their wonder was textbook read, that helps them to see things pandemic work- heartening. She hadn’t been sure how to di erently.” make ocean research relevant to Bu alo This fall, Schindel continued to adapt the arounds: Plastics students more familiar with Lake Erie than the Galapagos project—to her own teaching Pacific Ocean. She could see promise in their work. research expedition curiosity. On a September afternoon, she and “Why can’t the turtles and fish just stay master’s students in her elementary school sheds light on away from the plastic?” and “What are methods class donned masks, and collected micro- plastics and are they more harmful trash along Bu alo’s Scajaquada Creek. teaching—about than any other plastics?” were on a list of They spent a few hours collecting 400 pieces: queries emailed to Schindel from Tapestry cigar tips, bags, fast food wrappers and science and amidst Charter School’s Friendly Frogs and Fantastic cans. As the group entered findings as data Fishes classes. into the same citizen science phone app the The exchange followed her return from the eXXpedition crew used—the National Oceanic a shutdown Galapagos Islands and was one of the many and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Taking ocean plastics research virtual learning adaptations of last spring. Debris Tracker— they were surprised by how Virus-provoked changes swept the world much was plastic: About 60 percent. to Bu alo classrooms with some following Schindel’s February adventure bonus virus-inspired insight across the equator with the all-women crew, collecting information to help solve BY MICHELLE KEARNS the world’s plastics-pollution problem by Kids were shocked gathering information and raising awareness. Schindel joined volunteers for one 10-day leg in many ways about of the eXXpedition trek to circumnavigate the globe, measuring and logging plastics water the incredible amount pollution to build a data set with global reach. When she returned to Bu alo, Schindel of plastic across read through student queries and responded in a video chat instead of visiting the class in the globe … It was Alexandra Schindel, left, an associate professor specializing person as she once had planned. In spite of in science education in the Department of Learning and the pandemic, the most stunning lesson of extremely meaningful Instruction, takes the helm of the eXXpedition research sailboat during the 10-day Panama-to-Galapagos leg of the crew’s Schindel’s journey made its way to teacher to see a real scientist journey to circumnavigate the globe and raise awareness as Melissa Leopard’s virtual Tapestry school they measure plastics water pollution, Feb. 2, 2020. (Photo/ classroom: Plastics pollution is omnipresent. Jessica Patterson). Above, from top, Schindel’s elementary It permeates the sand of the remotest in the actual field. school methods graduate class analyzes plastic waste along uninhabited Pacific island, fills in birds’ nests, Bu‘alo’s Scajaquada Creek. That afternoon’s haul includes gets eaten by animals like food and haunts Afterward one student o ered the kind a handful of cigar tips, Sept. 21, 2020. Plastic finds during the Galapagos sail include this micro piece held between two the deepest ocean depths plummeted by of insight Schindel was aiming for: She was fingers and, in a photo by Schindel’s eXXpedition crew mate the expedition’s special scoping tool. Her more concerned about how garbage makes Candy Medusa, a Croc sandal floating by. Feb. 1, 2020. conversation with Leopard helped students its way into the water. “When teachers see (Photos courtesy Alexandra Schindel) see the connection to pollution in and around the science around them it helps them teach the freshwater near their neighborhoods. di erently,” Schindel said. “She took it out of the Great Lakes,” said She now knows with even greater Leopard of the classes’ semester of water assurance that science lessons with study. “That was huge for the kids… What’s experiences built in, like the field work and the local problem? And how can we fix it? even a video interview, help people connect Kids were shocked in many ways about the with their community in new ways. incredible amount of plastic across the globe “It just drives home for me the constancy … They were quite amazed and horrified that I already knew,” said Schindel, “—the at how quickly pollution travels … It was impact of experiences.” extremely meaningful to see a real scientist in There is power in embedding science- the actual field.” learning in the places we live, she said. And, perhaps, potential to change the world.

30 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 31 ROAMING THE HALLS STUDENT PROFILE

ecades before Black Lives Matter came to be, Herbert School desegregation: Foster, now a GSE professor emeritus, was a white educator focused on teaching teachers about Black An emeritus faculty Dculture. His work bridged the divide between teachers and students after 1954’s Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education desegre- member and lessons gation ruling. Misunderstandings about what Foster calls Black “street corner” from the 1970s and 80s culture led to disastrous outcomes for Black students, particularly males, who were labeled as discipline problems and assigned to BY MICHELLE KEARNS special education programs. In the 1970s and 1980s, Foster traveled nationwide explaining Black urban culture to teachers with his friend George Singfield, a Black special education administrator. “Today, you’re talking about white privilege,” said Singfield, now Chazz Robinson: a consultant. “Back then they were talking mostly about communi- ties not being open and understanding. The rules were not really A journey to graduate set up for the minority urban kids, but for nice, neat well-accorded school districts.” school and an Not much has changed, said Foster, who retired in 1998. Their culture-bridging seminars during social unrest in places like South ambition to create Boston are still needed. “With all that has been done,” said Foster, “the racist and the ethnocentric feelings that people have about more supportive Black males are still there.” His career was defined by cultural adaptations. A Brooklyn environments for native, he was a Morse code radio operator in occupied Japan in World War II before earning an EdD from Columbia University’s working-class students Teachers College. His expertise in urban education led UB to hire BY MICHELLE KEARNS him to direct the now-closed Woodlawn Teacher Education Center. He taught industrial and graphic arts in New York City for 17 years, mostly at the infamous, now defunct “600” public schools, where teachers once earned an extra $600 to teach students labeled delinquent and emotionally disturbed. His interest in transforming di˜cult student-teacher dynamics followed a humiliating early-career episode as a substitute mechanical drawing teacher. After a student threw a paper wad, Foster said something like, “Is that all you got?” Chaos ensued. A During this past very unusual summer, 2008 economic crash. “We lost everything,” He enrolled and Esther Peralez, a dean of T-square flew. Students ran on tabletops. Foster, terrified, hid under GSE PhD student Chazz Robinson (EdM ‘19) said Robinson, 27. the student success center at the time, grew Herb Foster, left, and George Singfield, right, together on Martha’s Vineyard, the desk. That weekend, he said he thought about giving up. watched protests from a hotel window in his He went to three high schools. He was concerned about police shootings, the danger Edgartown, Mass., in an undated photo. They were, as Singfield liked to put it, Instead, on Monday he took control with the sort of nuanced the “Salt and Pepper Team.” (Photo courtesy Herb Foster) hometown of Milwaukee. He felt curious expelled. Things were particularly bad a‘er Black men faced, and made a habit of checking move he would later teach to educators. On the blackboard, he about how the unrest and police killings of his mom sent him to live with uncles. When in with him. wrote the family name he had used—Finklestein—before it was Black people were going to affect students and he slept, rats and roaches were near. Gunshots He knows he wouldn’t be in graduate school changed to protect against anti-Semitism. As he expected, a educators. rang out. He ate Doritos for dinner. He lashed if not for help from teachers and deans. The male student sneered at its connection to the word “fink.” Foster responded. With knees shaking, he took charge and told the As a researcher, a scholar and an activist, out at school. Fights were common. Studying list now includes his current advisor Raechele student: “Read that.” The young man did and from then on, Foster his ambition to be a dean of a graduate school was hard. Pope, associate dean for faculty and student said, the class was easy to handle. of education has deepened. As he finishes “I was just angry all of the time from being affairs and associate professor of higher With all that has been “The teacher has to recognize that a lot of their classroom his coursework, he knows his dissertation hungry, tired and constantly in survival education. done, the racist and the behavior is a performance,” said Foster in a 1974 Phi Delta Kappan research will involve collecting stories mode,” said Robinson. While he was earning his EdM in higher ethnocentric feelings that interview about his book ‘Ribbin’, Jivin’, and Playin’ the Dozens.”” By of people like him from working-class Year by year, things changed. He studied. education last year, she encouraged him to go focusing on just one student, the teacher may “lose the rest of the people have about Black backgrounds who found ways to navigate Mentors stepped in. He landed at HOPE for his doctorate in higher education. class.” white education systems. His goals: Create Christian High School, where the college “My story is one story of so many. There’s a Reflecting on his work, Foster recalled a letter a white teacher males are still there. change. Ease the journeys of others. acceptance graduation requirement motivated community of people who never even got the wrote saying how much his approach had helped her. She had To get this far, he persevered through him. chance to get access to education, to get their been regularly suspending three boys. “She read my book, under- unlucky, and lucky, twists of fate. As he At his first college, a disagreement story told,” he said. “The more we can get these stood what was going on and,” said Foster, “never had another Black male suspended.” watched protestors in the Milwaukee streets about a project led classmates to say he was stories, the more we can start advocating. As he reads and watches the news about protests and social in July, he wondered how many of them could threatening. A dean, Kate Herrick of George I think that through storytelling we begin injustice, Foster can imagine his old workshops could be a help. If use the same kind of life-changing help he’s Williams College of Aurora University, to understand the different things that are he could start over, he would go back to their original mission of found along his way. said the accusation was racist, suggested he affecting people ... When people start sharing teaching how to understand students and respond with empathy. He was 13 when his mother, once a landlord transfer and drove him to Minnesota’s Saint stories with each other something powerful “If the teacher is a professional,” he said, “he has to interpret and with 10 houses, slipped into poverty a‘er the Mary’s University to visit. can happen.” change first.”

32 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 33 Shaping leaders outside academia with unique, hands-on, in-school residency experience and pandemic-era lessons 10 9 BY MELINDA MILLER

5 1 7 he 10 principals-in-training in the inaugural class of GSE’s new How it works addressed,” said Corrie Stone-Johnson, faculty Another point clarified BALA was designed to find out if extended liaison and associate professor for educational during the pandemic: Buffalo Aspiring Leadership Academy, or BALA, worked in local 2 4 6 3 residency was better preparation than leadership and policy. Nearly every district Principals must consider home public schools, got the unique immersive experience they signed T traditional classroom-based certification. has issues of equity that need to be addressed, life, parents and families as she said. they lead teachers and students. up for and an unexpected pandemic lesson in leadership: As they The Wallace Foundation, a philanthropic 8 assisted their principal mentors, helped teachers with online lessons educational organization, helped develop She was pleased that the program Insights about the and found ways to get school meals to students stuck home, they got a the idea in New York City aŸer school setup attracted a more diverse group than importance of reaching out superintendents reported poor preparation as traditional GSE applicants for the School to families were part of Erich first-hand experience in crisis management. a key problem with new principals. Building Leadership certification training. Wheeler’s early leadership An evening BALA class in leadership policy unfolds “BALA is the full experience. It is not only Members of the first BALA class had school insights during his residency at Riverside on Zoom with two leaders from Bualo Public “Leaders face ambiguous, complex, nebulous through a hiatus. The upcoming class of 2021 Schools as guests, Friday, April 24, 2020. being in the schools, it is being responsible for experience ranging from less than 10 years to Academy. They came out of an assignment that situations every single day. They got thrust will wait until January to start, she said. (Photo/Teresa Lawrence) planning and organizing and participating – two decades. didn’t seem at all related to a principal’s job into leadership,” said Teresa Lawrence (EdM For the first BALA students, finishing the even on Saturday mornings sometimes – so duties: Moving furniture. The inaugural 2020 BALA class and ‘93, PhD ‘09), the BALA liaison for UB, the program’s inaugural year during the spring they have a clear understanding of the work,” “I actually had a dolly in my office,” said their post-residency job placements Buffalo Public Schools and the residents. pandemic confirmed their school leadership Lawrence said. “They are fully exposed to the Wheeler, a former high school computer “They were actively a part of transitioning ambitions. When COVID-19 closed schools, 1. Ashley Elliott, a new assistant principal job’s requirements, its demands, all the good “Equity is at the center of it science teacher. “It was kind of a joke.” online … You couldn’t teach that by a case they collaborated from home with their at Dr. Lydia T Wright School. Residency: and the bad.” all—making sure that every The principal gave him the task, he later study. It was nothing shy of an authentic mentors and teachers via teleconferencing, Highgate Heights Elementary School. The program was funded by a $1.3 million realized, as a kind of test. “He was waiting for learning experience and it really called upon messaging, phone calls and personal check-ins student has the same chance 2. Holly Hudson, a new job as music teacher state education grant with supporting staff me to start taking the initiative,” Wheeler said. them to lead.” with at-risk students. at a good education.” at West Hertel Academy. Residency: Frank A. help from UB and the Buffalo schools. Classes On his own, he decided to set up a dedicated BALA, a new collaboration with GSE and The pandemic’s school closures led Natasha Sedita Academy School. emphasize cultural responsiveness to a space—using some of that furniture—for BPS, was created for educators employed in Mehta to realize that she thrived on the 3. Natasha Mehta, a new assistant principal diverse student body and include curriculum parent meetings. the school system. The 15-month program pressure of the leadership work she did at at Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School. leadership, English as a new language and “These are 10 people who have worked That’s when he learned how outreach to includes coursework and a yearlong her assigned residency at D’Youville Porter Residency: D’Youville Porter Campus School. urban school demographics. and clawed their way to succeed in their families can really help students. Working placement at a school with a principal mentor. Campus School. “It hasn’t turned me off on the “Equity is at the center of it all—making profession,” Lawrence said. “Many are Buffalo with parents to foster one-on-one teacher 4. Mary Pope, a new coordinating supervisor To give schools a chance to adjust new job,” said Mehta, a former school social worker. of grants in the Multilingual Department at sure that every student has the same chance schools’ graduates, and they have a passion for communication, offer technology assistance challenges this fall, Lawrence has been “In fact, I miss it!” Buˆalo Public Schools. Residency: Herman at a good education. Even high-performing urban school education. They are incredible and taking time to understand personal shepherding the program’s second year Badillo Bilingual Academy. districts have issues of equity that need to be people who believe they can change the difficulties encourages parents to engage more world.” with their children’s school. 5. Jillian Santoro, an elementary school “I have progressed from being a glorified teacher at the Roosevelt Early Childhood Ambition in action Center. Residency: Lafayette International janitor,” said Wheeler, “to leading student The COVID-19 disruption led Mehta to an High School. support and handling suspensions.” observation about student differences that she Working as a principal made Holly 6. Christopher Spence, a new assistant is now curious to address in her career ahead. Hudson realize how interconnected a principal for the middle school at Math While there were students at D’Youville school community is. Making it work means Science Technology Preparatory School. Porter Campus School who needed more Residency: the New BUILD Community strengthening all the bonds and building an help to stay on track, the ones who thrived School. education “family.” surprised her: Some who weren’t really “At the building that I am in, the principal 7. Chanelle Wallace, a third grade teacher at engaged in the classroom did really well with leads with ‘family first.’ These kids need to Community School. Residency: Hamlin Park distance learning. Academy. feel loved before they can learn,” said Hudson, “They are submitting more assignments, a former music teacher placed at Frank A. 8. Maureen Williams, a new assistant asking questions, and participating Sedita Academy. principal at Marva J. Daniel Futures more,” said Mehta. “We’re all “You can’t understand why kids are acting Preparatory School, where she did her concerned about out if you don’t understand that they are residency. children who are in hungry, that they are tired. You need to know 9. LaFraya Wilson, is a new assistant principal less than ideal settings, not who you are teaching,” she said. “It has been at West Hertel Academy, where she did her only for learning now but for their long-term the best blessing – to be doing this, in this year, residency. prospects. This lack of interaction can widen as crazy as it is.” the digital and the social divides.” 10. Erich Wheeler, a new assistant principal at International Preparatory School. Residency: Riverside Academy.

34 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 35 TRAJECTORY ALUMNI PROFILE SCENE ON SOCIAL

Founding a school at 28: How GSE helped change a would-be accountant into a charter school leader

Joelle Formato greets a student at the Persistence Preparatory Academy she founded on Bualo’s Bagpiper leads the way East Side, August 2019. (Photo courtesy Joelle After the pandemic canceled the St. Patrick’s Day Formato) Parade, Dan Ryan (PhD ‘97), UB director of veteran’s services, plays his bagpipes and walks the sidewalks—to the delight of his neighbors Signs of success a–er the first year included and social media commentators. the confidence and reading ability gained by two students whose parents decided to hold them back a year so they could focus on improving their skills. “To see those moments when things work out like that tells me we are on the right track,” Formato said. “Persistence embodies, for me, the number one value that a person needs in life.” Adapting to the pandemic’s sudden changes deepened her understanding of the role of schools in a community. “The school is more than just a physical building,” she said. Persistence Prep’s pandemic efforts included asking teachers to lead online video classes at three different times, with evening sessions at Alumna builds a school to buy and renovate former Buffalo Public 7:30 p.m. so working parents could help their School 62 on Urban Street. She plans to expand children. Teachers also stepped in for extra from the ground up and open there in the fall of 2021. one-on-one communication with families to BY MICHELLE KEARNS To get this far, Formato followed a path help with needs like food and Wi-Fi. Joelle Formato (EdM ’15), planned on an she started to see a–er that first teaching job. As this new school year started, more 2020 accounting career until curiosity inspired Back then she noticed the barriers that kept adaptations were in place. The curriculum her to sign up for two years teaching math students from capitalizing on their potential. now addresses social justice. Students all have in a school outside Washington, D.C. She was Some were reading at the first-grade level. school-issued Google Chromebooks. Parents interested in service to others. It seemed like a Some dropped out to join could choose whether to fit. “Five days into teaching I knew I had found gangs. School didn’t seem have children go to school my life’s work,” said Formato, a Williamsville like a place for them. for a few days each week native. “You fall in love with or work completely While working with Teach for America, school at K through online. a nonprofit placing teachers in high-need, 2,” Formato said. Formato is proud under-performing schools, she realized how “If you don’t get it of how well they unequal education was. Her safe suburban right there, then the managed. “You don’t hometown school had a culture of excellence. cycle perpetuates join our team unless That environment was missing for the kids itself and then you have students in seventh you at your core, fundamentally believe that in her math classes. They deserved better. and eighth grade who don’t see themselves as access to a high-quality education is a civil To help make change happen, she opened successful students.” right,” said Formato. “I am continuously fired Persistence Prep, a majority-Black charter Her GSE school counseling master’s degree up to work alongside a team that gets that.” school on Buffalo’s East Side in 2018. studies led to more insights. She credits Luis She was 28. Now, a–er two years, 232 “Tony” Tosado, a clinical associate professor, students are enrolled from kindergarten for explaining how a “deficit” mindset leads through third grade and there is a waitlist. adults to focus on what’s wrong instead of This year, a–er managing the challenges of what’s going well. COVID-19, she secured a $6.5 million loan Comments from Facebook posts appearing in the spring of 2020. (UB Photo/Douglas Levere)

36 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 37 A TEACHER WHO

The anatomy of a scholarship A fih grade teacher who redefined

BY MELINDA MILLER what was possible for Kerri Lehmbeck

BY MICHELLE KEARNS o understand the regard students had for Clinical Professor At 10, Lehmbeck struggled to read and recognizing her auditory style, William Barba during his 44-year career at UB, consider this: The life-changing year was 1986. Kerri Lehmbeck was in fih grade at Amherst’s Smallwood Smith moved her to a more advanced reading group. “I felt that by being When alumnus Gabe Cagwin (BA ‘02, EdM ’04, PhD ’06) challenged, she would achieve at a higher and quicker rate,” said Smith. T Elementary School. She had Mrs. Smith, a teacher she wanted to honor his mentor-turned-friend with a scholarship, he She urged Lehmbeck’s parents to read aloud. Her father’s early pick: asked other former students for help. Within a few nights in the remains grateful to for the life lessons she instilled. Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild.” “I can remember sitting on the couch and my dad reading me the book every night,” Lehmbeck said. summer of 2015 he had all of the $50,000 needed to endow a She remembers Smith for her warm smile, love of cows and extra help. She credits Smith for setting her up to become an A student. scholarship that launched last year, including a gift from the late “I would not be where Hamilton College recruited her, in part, for her skill at soccer, former UB president and his wife, Bill and Carol Greiner. I am today without Dr. “I would have never had a shot if I didn’t really get steered on the right basketball and so™ball. Lehmbeck feels sure her strong grades and Barba. He opened doors path when I was little,” said Lehmbeck (EdM ’00), the new associate Smith’s early lessons were another key. “It wasn’t hard,” said Cagwin. “Just knowing The William C. Barba Scholarship is for director of advancement for GSE. I never thought possible. Decades later, they reconnected a™er some database sleuthing. the people and the lives he’s touched. It’s students like Cagwin: athletes working toward Smith (EdM ’88), taught her that it was OK to approach things Lehmbeck discovered they both earned GSE master’s degrees. amazing.” education careers. Last year’s recipient, its He showed me a life I differently from other students. Smith, 58, still lives on a Middleport cattle farm with her husband. Barba, former clinical professor of higher first, was Ian James, a former UB wrestler never imagined.” “I can picture her little face. Her beautiful smile. Curly hair. She was Lehmbeck, 44, settled in Clarence with her husband, son and daughter. education and chair of the Educational and athletics department intern. After he the most delightful, happy little girl,” said Smith. “I thought she was While her eldest, Griffin, navigated school with ease, Lehmbeck sees Leadership and Policy Department, retired earned his master’s in higher education this being underestimated and she was.” herself in her daughter. Teachers stepped in when Peyton, now in fourth in 2018. He was known for encouraging year, he started work as Daemen College’s That year, 1986, was a new beginning. Smith was 24, a newlywed and excellence and potential. coordinator of residence life and career grade, had a harder time reading. working on her GSE master’s degree in elementary education. “At UB, “He’s just so genuine and insightful and development. Now it is a joy for Lehmbeck to watch her daughter with a book. She’s smart,” Cagwin said. “I would not be where James (BA ’18, EdM ’20) was glad he I became a thinker,” said Smith. “How do children learn? What kind of grateful to see teachers still stepping in to transform lives. I am today without Dr. Barba. He opened got to know Barba before his retirement. environment do children need to thrive?” “I was a student that my parents never thought would make it to being doors I never thought possible. He showed They lunched as James was honing in on his She learned the approach she used with Lehmbeck and throughout a straight A student, going to a great college, having my master’s degree,” me a life I never imagined.” academic focus. “I started as a pharmacy her subsequent 22 years of elementary school teaching, work as a said Lehmbeck. “Mrs. Smith was the catalyst of it all.” Cagwin was a student playing basketball major, but I decided pretty fast ‘This is principal and now as director of instruction for Orleans County’s for the UB Bulls in 2000 when Barba was not for me!’” said James. “I couldn’t Lyndonville Central School District: assigned as his mentor, part of a then-new figure out what I wanted to do Teach with elements for each learning style—auditory, kinesthetic Sharon Smith (EdM ’88), as a fifth grade teacher program for athletes. when a lot of things began and visual. “Every lesson must incorporate all those components if “On top of being a good athlete, Gabe was pointing me in the direction at Amherst’s Smallwood Elementary School you’re going to reach all learners,” Smith said. really smart, and he didn’t realize how smart of higher education.” when Kerri Lehmbeck (EdM ’00,) was her student, circa 1987. (Photo courtesy Sharon Smith) he was,” said Barba. “Anything mathematical, Barba was delighted and analytical, statistical, he was always on top of honored to have a scholarship the game.” named for him, a personal Cagwin, who earned his bachelor’s in and professional gift. To have communication and his master’s and PhD in it initiated by a student who higher education, is now vice president for became a dear friend was institutional advancement at Tarleton State even better. University in Texas. In his career, he has raised Cagwin remembers well millions for stadiums and sports programs the thrill of telling Barba at Arizona State University, UCLA and Penn about the scholarship. State University. “I was crying, my wife was “I love what I do,” Cagwin said. “I’m doing crying, he was crying,” what I was meant to do.” he said. “It was really cool.”

For information about creating and funding new scholarships, please contact Kerri Lehmbeck (EdM ’00), GSE associate director of advancement, at lehmbeck@bualo.edu.

38 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 We are pleased to welcome seven new faculty members to the GSE academic community. New Faculty From learning sciences, school New Staff psychology, higher education, educational leadership and educational equity, they bring an impressive range of specialties and experience to our school.

Leisha Gordon, the assistant to the LAI chair, comes to GSE after a banking career, working as a First Niagara Bank vice president and a director at TIAA-CREF Trust in St. Louis. A College of New Rochelle alumna, she came home to Bu˜alo to be close to family, including her eldest son, a graduate of Bu˜alo State College’s students with disabilities program. Blythe Anderson, an Chris Proctor, an assistant Virginia J. Flood, an Stephen Santa- Gwendolyn Baxley, an Ashley Grant comes to the Kamontá Heidelburg Her youngest son, a lawyer assistant professor, comes to the professor in the Department of assistant professor, comes to Ramirez, an assistant assistant professor in the Department of Educational is an assistant professor in the in Omaha, Neb., once lived in Department of Learning and Learning and Instruction, earned the Department of Learning professor of higher education, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy from Department of Counseling, Panama and Argentina, igniting Instruction after earning her his PhD in learning sciences this and Instruction after earning comes to the Department of Leadership and Policy, comes Johns Hopkins University, where School and Educational his mother’s interest in world PhD this spring in curriculum, spring from Stanford University, her PhD in learning sciences Educational Leadership and from the University of Wisconsin, she earned her PhD in education Psychology. He is a three-time travel. instruction, and teacher where he also finished an MS in at the University of California, Policy after working as a Madison, where she graduated in 2020. She is a postdoctoral graduate of the University of education from Michigan State computer science with a Berkeley, this spring. In her research and teaching associate with a PhD in educational research fellow with the Cincinnati, where he earned University. She specializes in concentration in artificial research, Flood investigates and earning his PhD in leadership in the department of Research Center on the First his BA in psychology, MEd in language and literacy education. intelligence and human- multimodal communication, educational policy and Educational Leadership and Generation College Student applied behavior analysis, and, A former first-grade teacher and computer interaction. Proctor’s like hand gestures, and the evaluation from Arizona State Policy Analysis in 2019. She chose Experience and was drawn to UB most recently, a PhD in school district literacy coordinator, her research explores identity in role the body plays in teaching University in 2020. His research UB because of GSE’s increasing to work on advancing equity in psychology this spring. His research focuses on instructional digital worlds and the ways and learning mathematics and and scholarship interests include focus on justice and community education through research, research examines interventions practices, professional young people can use computer other STEM disciplines. She is race and racism on college engagement. Her research programs and practices. She will that support the positive development and curriculum to science to understand and especially interested in peer and campuses, first-generation interests include educational examine interventions designed behavioral and academic promote spoken language and respond to oppression. Proctor is student-teacher interactions with students’ sense of belonging, and leadership, community-school- to help first-generation college development of African vocabulary development. She’s the lead developer and new educational technologies. the various ways race, ethnicity, family partnerships, Black youth students succeed in American students, particularly interested in approaches that Michelle Kearns, senior researcher of Unfold Studio, a Originally from Acton, Maine, and im/migration inform the and families, multi-method postsecondary education. Her African American males. He promote independent learning editor, earned a journalism web application for interactive Flood worked as a farmer before educational experiences of research, and race and anti- prior research focuses on chose GSE because he wanted and curiosity about words. She’s master’s from Boston University storytelling. He is proud to join graduate school, and attended Latinx undocu/DACAmented Blackness. Baxley also is a poet. restorative practices— to contribute to a research- looking forward to the year and joined the communications GSE and have the opportunity to both the University of Maine students. Santa-Ramirez chose Last spring/summer, she created community-building approaches intensive public institution ahead at UB for herself and her and marketing team after a work at a public university that is and the University of Southern GSE because of its focus on and hosted a free online poetry to school discipline and culture— committed to equity, diversity 3-year-old daughter, Myra, who career as an award-winning a national leader in research Maine. She chose GSE because social and racial justice. He has series for students, educators, and how it can reduce teacher and inclusion. One day he would is newly enrolled in the Early journalist and editor at Maine and student social mobility of its strong commitment to lived in six states in the past 10 researchers and other poetry turnover in hard-to-sta˜ schools. like his work to inform state and Childhood Research Center’s newspapers, the Associated outcomes. A former English and equity, diversity and inclusion, years and enjoys salsa dancing fanatics to share their poetry in a A first-gen student herself, she national educational policies. preschool. Press, the Boston Globe and The computer science teacher, he is its growing learning sciences in his spare time. virtual place with a focus on was also a teacher for three Fun fact: Heidelburg has recently Bu˜alo News. She recently taught helping design UB’s new program and its strong ties to the expression, healing, years in Philadelphia and is a become a “dog dad” and has a storytelling and led Villa Maria computer science teacher community. She is also thrilled to consciousness-raising and devotee of yoga, painting and new puppy, a terrier mix named College’s new bachelor’s degree preparation program. He is a be back in the Northeast! freedom dreaming amid COVID, Maggie, her Russian Blue cat. Jelani. digital media and communication former whitewater rafting guide anti-Blackness and police She also is a #coronabride—i.e., program that she designed. who has led trips down the brutality. Baxley’s “Get Free: she got married this fall. As the daughter of UB retired Grand Canyon and through Poetry For the People, By the philosophy chair John Kearns, Glacier Bay National Park in People” was done in partnership she says it has been rewarding to Alaska. with the Jersey City Public write about GSE’s people and the Library. UB community that shaped her family’s life.

40 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARNLEARN MAGAZINE MAGAZINE | | FALL ALL 2020 41 BULLETIN BOARD

On the Move HONORS, AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS Dean’s

Stephen Jacobson Amy Reynolds Lois Weis SUNY Visiting Scholar Lecture Series UB distinguished professor professor in the distinguished professor in in the Department of Department of Counseling, the Department of The theme for the 2020-2021 Dean’s Lecture Educational Leadership School and Educational Educational Leadership Series is “Equity and Education.” GSE is and Policy, is a 2020 Psychology, has been and Policy, has been recipient of the Master named president-elect elected to the Board of committed to creating an equitable, diverse, Teacher Award for the University Council for of the American Psychological Association’s Directors of the National Academy of inclusive and just community where all Educational Administration. Division 17, Society for Counseling Education for a four-year term. feel welcomed, included, supported and Psychology. She also has been named full Heidi Julien professor professor. empowered. It is crucial our communities in the Department of STAFF UPDATES have equal access to supports, services and Information Science, has John Strong been awarded the 2020 assistant professor in the opportunities that ensure learning and success. SIG-USE Outstanding Department of Learning Timothy Cauller has Invited speakers this year are VALERIE KINLOCH, Renee and Contributions to and Instruction, has been been named director of Richard Goldman Dean at the University of Pittsburgh School Information Behavior Research Award. awarded the International the English Language Literacy Association’s Institute. of Education; JENNIFER MORTON, associate professor of Jaekyung Lee Timothy & Cynthia Shanahan Outstanding philosophy at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, professor in the Depart- Dissertation Award. He also has been and JOHN BIEWEN, host of the “Scene on Radio” documentary ment of Counseling, School awarded the Reading Hall of Fame Lisa Monpere-Cruz podcast of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke and Educational Psychol- Emerging Scholars Fellowship. has been named a sta“ University. They were selected by a committee of junior faculty ogy, has been selected as assistant for the English who also picked the theme. Their topics reflect a range of a Fulbright Global Scholar is an associate professor in the Jinting Wu Language Institute. Terri N. Watson perspectives on the theme, representing the various departments for the 2020-2021 academic year. assistant professor in the Department of Leadership and Human Development at the City within GSE. Department of Educational College of New York. This year she joins GSE as a Distinguished Melinda Lemke Leadership and Policy, has Visiting Scholar with the Center for Diversity Innovation. Her assistant professor in the been named an Early Benjamin Poremski work is informed by critical race theory and Black feminism, Department of Educational has been named the Career Fellow in the Henry and her research focuses on school leadership for social justice. Leadership and Policy has Luce Foundation/American Council of director of assessment and She aims to help transform schools into more just, caring, VALERIE KINLOCH been named the co-lead Learned Societies’ Program in China data analytics. loving and equitable spaces as she collaborates with educators of the Refugee Health and Studies. to improve the educational outcomes and life chances of “‘The ones we’ve been waiting Wellbeing Team participating in the 2020- for’: Race, Justice and Activism 2021 Big Ideas Teams Leadership by the Maureen Boyd historically excluded and underserved students and families. “If Arryonna Singleton in Literacy Education” Community for Global Health Equity. in the Department of we’re going to tackle racism, I think schools are the best place to has been named assistant Learning and Instruction, start,” she said. “What are we doing now to dismantle the walls to the chair in the Amanda Nickerson has been promoted to full that segregation has created? It’s literally killing us ... We can’t professor in the Department of Information professor. normalize Black death.” JENNIFER MORTON Department of Counseling, Science. School and Educational Tony Tosado “Moving Up Without Losing Psychology, has won the in the Department of Ryan Taughrin has “ If we’re going to tackle racism, I think Your Way” American Psycho-logical Counseling, School and been named the assistant Association’s Tom Oakland Mid-Career schools are the best place to start” Educational Psychology, dean of enrollment man- Scholarship Award. has been promoted to agement and the director Before earning her doctorate, she worked as a middle school clinical associate professor. of graduate admissions. Raechele Pope teacher in Harlem. She has a 22-year old daughter who graduated JOHN BIEWEN associate professor in the X. Christine Wang from Tu‹s University this spring. As a native of New York City, Department of Educational in the Department of she was eager for the opportunity to come to Buffalo and explore “Seeing White” Leadership and Policy, Learning and Instruction, schools and practices in this part of the state. “I’d like to spend the received the Sawubona has been promoted to full year working with students, parents and school leaders,” Watson Award for Research & professor. Scholarship from the American College said. “I think schools have to be the hub of the community. When I Personnel Association’s Pan-African was younger, our lives revolved around school. We have to bring Network. Pope also is a Senior Scholar that back.” Diplomate with ACPA.

42 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 43 Commencement 2020 Rite of passage goes virtual “My regalia arrived the Pomp and circumstance are hard things to put into a Zoom graduation day before, leaving me just day. The virtual world doesn’t make easy room for classic traditions and rituals people look forward to on that momentous occasion when, finally, enough time to decorate they have that diploma in hand: Friends and family in the audience. my cap. I chose to dedicate Speeches from the stage. A procession with classmates down the aisle. my mortar board to my Caps tossed in the air. The velvet sash “hooding” of the new doctors. future career as a physics Instead, people behind the scenes came and Earth science teacher. I up with new twists for commencement dressed up and enjoyed my 2020. They wanted to make this graduation memorable and unique—with a movie GSE graduation ceremony in credit-style scroll of names and degrees and my living room surrounded GSE hooded sweatshirts sent to graduating doctoral students in time for UB’s first virtual by loved ones. My father, a graduation on May 15. fellow educator, even put “The biggest challenge about staging a virtual commencement is making sure there my hood over my head for are personal touches,” said Amber Winters, the first time, signifying assistant dean for communications and marketing. “Nothing could ever replace an the completion in-person commencement. We really did try to of my make the best of it and be creative.” Alumni welcomed new grads with kudos and inspiration. master’s The community of GSE graduates rallied degree.” A special “hooding” of GSE doctoral behind the first-ever virtual graduation Alexandra students. by sending personal videos and words of encouragement. Jean Montesano Instead of the traditional velvet sashes bestowed on stage, the new doctors got “hooded” with sweatshirts that came by overnight delivery. That way, they could conduct a private hooding ceremony at home.

UB turned social. The GSE community posted photos and videos in real-time on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—complete with regalia, caps and robes— as commencement unfolded.

Setting the stage. Make your mark. UB had the DIY décor all set. Zoom Graduates virtually “signed” the new backgrounds and signs ready for download to “2020 Sign-A-Bull” and le‰ messages for Alexandra Jean Montesano help students celebrate and have some social- posterity. The Class of 2020 will be the Master of Education media fun. first in a future, cyber “Hall of Bulls.” Physics Education - Adolescence

44 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 45 New student orientation, reoriented Residents Teacher Lindsey Hanes earned her bachelor’s degree in This year’s all-virtual student orientation, She particularly enjoyed learning anthropology. She has worked as a classroom aide, an unavoidable departure from the norm, that one professor—Myles Faith, chair of Residency behavior technician and teaching assistant in local was an unexpected exercise in community the Counseling, School and Educational schools. She is eager to lead a classroom of her own. building. Instead of a GSE-wide gathering, Psychology Department—went to school in Program “It’s time to embrace my passion … This program felt aernoon meetings and lunch, this version, Long Island, where she grew up. “I really like it was tailored to my dreams.” on a Saturday in August, featured videos, appreciated having a way to connect to seats class Zoom and DIY snacks. people,” she said. Sara Gullo has a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Brianna Perry earned a bachelor’s degree in social She worked as a substitute teacher in Bu
alo schools and work and an associate degree in nursing. She has worked Insights from of 2021 sought out the residency to teach full-time in the diverse as a school nurse and liked the residency for including a department chairs classrooms of the city she loves. “I aspire to be stipend with coursework and job search assistance. “It has Dan Albertson, chair a transformational elementary school teacher and been my dream to be a teacher.” of the Department of The second class of 15 in the GSE create a classroom environment that is a safe place.” Information Science Teacher Residency Program, a Gri—n Coyne earned a bachelor’s degree in organized smaller Devan Rodriguez has a bachelor’s degree in partnership with Bu
alo Public English, and has been working as a gallery assistant meetings and an English. Before enrolling, he was working on an MFA in and bartender at a local art and event space. He was informal social time. Schools, began in the summer of fiction, writing a book and leading writing workshops. attracted by the residency’s immersive approach. “We It was the largest 2020 with a virtual institute. Each “The residency program has a unique method of co- receive real-time, relevant coursework that won’t be lost orientation turnout student is working with a mentor teaching ... I want to teach high school and college while over the span of a few semesters.” he’s ever seen with 100 continuing to work on my novels.” percent participation of teacher at their assigned school. Micah Harris a Marine veteran, earned his about 115 staff, faculty They will co-teach this year while Jahil Jocelyn Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree bachelor’s degree in history with a coaching minor. He and students. taking courses that connect in French. He chose the residency to focus on his studies has been substitute teaching and coaching football and and teaching. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, help “Having different research and theory to teaching. basketball. “I want to be a teacher and, eventually, a online programs, some students and create a positive and equal environment school principal.” students may never Once they finish in August, 2021, for all.” come ‘face to face’ with residents are certified and eligible Dayna Boone earned a bachelor’s degree in David Panepinto earned a bachelor’s degree in any of their faculty or biological sciences and worked as an intern in the Health Michele Agosto, the director of arts for Bualo to work as full-time teachers in English and a law degree. He’s worked as an assistant Public Schools, is a first year doctoral student in peers, so a new student orientation shows Promotion o’ce and was a Campus Living resident Bu
alo schools. Here, members district attorney in Erie County and for a nonprofit helping the Educational Administration EdD Program. that a community does indeed exist,” said advisor. She liked the residency’s mentorship approach. (Photo courtesy Michele Agosto)t Alaska Natives develop their courts. He chose the program Albertson. “We made time for students to of this year’s class explain how “I loved the mission of the program. I knew I wouldn’t to inform his teaching with research and theory. “I want to discuss academic or career interests.... From they expect the residency to have gotten this anywhere else.” It went surprisingly well, participants use my experience to help urban students reach their an observational standpoint, it was great to said. A new webpage featured resources. shape their careers. full potential.” Ivey Pittman earned a bachelor’s degree in history. see the energy.” Department chairs hosted introductions and Her passion for teaching followed an experience For Nathan Daun-Barnett, chair of the meetings by computer camera. The event, Cassidy McGee earned a bachelor’s degree in mentoring troubled students. She wants to develop a Department of Educational Leadership and they said, felt more personal than usual. environmental studies with a Spanish minor. She chose theater-related after-school program. “I can relate to a Policy the virtual gathering of students was “In some cases, it was better than others— the residency for its supportive approach and community lot of students in urban areas. I feel as though it is my critical. “It is the first opportunity for us to with students really feeling tied to and focus. “I want to do something that matters. I want to duty to help prepare them for life after school.” connected to their programs and it was a welcome them into a community, share our help people and I want to involve myself in my job at a real plus,” said Raechele Pope, associate expectations and establish relationships,” I loved the mission level that provides the most impact.” Monet Simpson earned a bachelor’s degree in dean of faculty and student affairs, chief he said. English literature. Since graduation in May, she’s worked diversity officer and associate professor of Julie Gorlewski, chair of the Department of the program. Berkeley Kozuch earned bachelor’s degrees in as a food service supervisor and a babysitter for a child higher education. of Learning and Instruction, was I knew I wouldn’t biological studies and Spanish. She ran an elementary with autism. She looks forward to working with a mentor Doctoral student and Presidential Fellow encouraged by how people enjoyed the school after-school program and enrolled in the residency teacher. “I expect that I will gain an immense amount Julianna Casella liked the video welcome experience. “We made extraordinary have gotten this to learn how to help students create change. “I want to of insight on a multitude of programs, protocols, and messages. “I thought it was cool because efforts to humanize faculty, sharing have a positive impact on our future and the community teaching styles.” I could hop around,” said Casella, “which personal information and engaging with anywhere else. while … showing my students the importance of let me see what GSE is doing more broadly, one another.” Professors met students education and the power of science.” Courtney Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in which made me more connected.” individually and, in another session, individualized studies. Her interest in teaching followed Gary Crump earned a bachelor’s degree in history. As a younger student, Casella designed a senior students shared tips, strategies and her work as a teacher’s aide. “I wanted to become He also earned a law degree from Case Western Reserve bulletproof backpack shield to protect stu- conversation. a teacher but didn’t think I could do it because my University. He supervised a high school equivalency dents from school shootings. Now she wants Incoming students said they appreciated undergraduate degree was not in education. The diploma program and is particularly interested in training to work as a counselor and lead research how approachable everyone was. “Our residency program was a way I could fulfill my goal of in city settings. “The one-year residency a–ords us a about preparing students to be resilient. success,” Gorlewski said, “despite being in a teaching.” virtual format, was a wonderful surprise.” practical deep dive into the everyday life of a teacher.”

46 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 47 Fellowships Retirements Presidential Fellow A musical legacy The Presidential Fellowship Program, inaugurated in Fall 1984, is Maria Runfola, an advocate of Endowed Early Childhood Research Center designed to support students of proven excellence in UB’s various music education and professor for 50 years, documenting infants’ and toddlers’ responses graduate departments. Eligible students must be new applicants to a retired from UB last year aer a career that to music. PhD program and must be appointed as a full teaching, graduate or included contributing to award-winning toys Her contributions to Fisher-Price toy for Fisher-Price, patents for a color-coded design included a keyboard controller for a research assistant. system for music notation, state policy work music video game and the “I Can Play” piano Julianna Casella, a native of Merrick, Long and groundbreaking research about the and guitar, with features like strum bars for Island, is enrolled in the counseling and I really wanted a connection between reading and music. strings, to segue to real instruments. school psychology doctoral program. She She was the first to establish a link between In retirement, Runfola will continue earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and program that had music learning and emergent literacy. She to study the impact of music and creative psychology with a minor in writing from a strong research also developed a preschool measurement test. movement as predictors of school readiness, SUNY at Stony Brook. She aims for a career Her publications include a recently expanded advocate for school music and teach graduate that combines work as a school psychologist emphasis. with academic research focused on crisis When I walk into a room guide for teachers, “The Child Voice,” courses. She is working with the state prevention and intervention in schools. of music educators, I see commissioned by the National Association for education department to create tests for music a flood of faces from my Music Educators. students and teacher licensing. Before joining the faculty in 1969, she She is gratified to see the modern courses over the years. taught music in public schools. As a professor, recognition for music’s power to help children she was acting dean of the UB graduate school. learn. 2020-21 Arthur Schomburg She chaired the Department of Music before “Music educators did not realize the moving, in 1999, to GSE, becoming chair of the importance of music in pre-school,” she said. Carly Pershyn grew up in Bualo and Fellows Department of Learning and Instruction and “It better prepares them for kindergarten is enrolled in the counseling and school associate dean for academic affairs. readiness. It enhances their music psychology doctoral program. She earned a The Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program at “When I walk into a room of music achievement later on in life … It’s their first bachelor’s degree in psychology and arts and UB provides financial support for master’s and letters from SUNY Bualo State College, with educators, I see a flood of faces from my opportunity to learn a second language. They doctoral students who demonstrate that they can a concentration in sex and gender. She chose courses over the years,” she said. can express themselves without words. They She developed the music education can express their emotions, their feelings, contribute to the diversity of the student body, GSE because of its focus on social justice and women’s advocacy and her interest in program as she worked with the Fisher Price their ideas.” and that they have overcome a disadvantage research, teaching and private-practice or other barrier to success in higher education. training.

Gabriella Martinez, a Tyler, Texas native, Iman Lathan, a San Diego native, is studying students to campus year aer year,” said is enrolled in the counseling and school for her doctorate in educational culture, Kathy Curtis has retired aer 52 Curtis. She also enjoyed visits from ELI alumni psychology doctoral program. She earned policy, and society in the Department years serving UB and GSE. Curtis started a bachelor’s degree in psychology with of Educational Leadership and Policy. her UB career in the Foreign Student Office a minor in counseling from the University She earned a bachelor’s degree in in the summer of 1968. In 1971, she joined the of North Texas. She chose GSE for its communications and print journalism and Intensive English Language Institute as the My proudest moments have emphasis on diversity and social justice. a master’s degree in education from Hope assistant director and later was promoted simply been welcoming International University. to associate director under the now retired newly admitted international former director, Stephen Dunnett. While working for the institute, she completed her students to campus year bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 1973 and after year. went on to complete her master’s in TESOL in Swapna Balkundi, a native of Hyderabad, Chelsea Rodriguez, an educational culture, 1979 from GSE. In 1981, the English Language returning to campus to share their stories of India, is studying for her doctorate in policy and society doctoral student, intends Institute was transferred to the Graduate professional and personal success. The GSE counseling and school psychology. During to develop the discourse about Latinx and School of Education under then dean Hugh community thanks Curtis for her peerless her studies in India, she earned a bachelor’s bicultural young people as a professor one Petrie. “My proudest moments have simply performance over the years and congratulates degree in microbiology at Shadan Degree day. She earned her bachelor’s degree in her on her retirement. College and a master’s degree in English English from San Antonio’s Trinity University. been welcoming newly admitted international literature at Osmania University. At UB she Her experience growing up in the Rio Grande earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Valley border community led to her interest in psychology. bicultural identity.

48 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 LEARN MAGAZINE | FALL 2020 49 A leader remembered for his innovative Lillie P.W. Stephens, a life of firsts Without the influence of Conrad Toepfer, American middle schools as we know reimagining of GSE The career firsts in Lillie P.W. Stephens’ life started in 1957 when she became the first Black woman to earn a UB physical education degree. them might not exist. Hugh Petrie, former dean who reorganized education and strengthen connections—with She was also the first Black woman to land a job teaching gym in the Toepfer, one of the “founding fathers” GSE, was 82 when he died in August aer a teachers, administrators and the community. Niagara Falls School District. She went on to become its first Black of the middle school movement and struggle with a rare muscle disease. He is “The idea was to raise the quality of future female administrator. an evangelist for the education of remembered by colleagues for his thoughtful teachers,” said Jacobson who worked with Stephens, who young adolescents, died April intelligence and skill at leading reform. others to create the Leadership Initiative for died on May 22 at 84 She was fiercely 20 at 86 from cancer. His work “He was marvelous. He was somebody Tomorrow’s Schools, a program for principals aer a short illness, principled. She had a very helped form the intellectual who did his job so well you didn’t know and administrators. “He made it easier to do earned her master’s bedrock of the movement to what going on behind the scenes,” said the work we were brought on to do.” degree in educational strict standard of ethics. create distinct, separate middle Stephen Jacobson, a distinguished Petrie’s training reflected the varied administration from GSE She was unaccepting schools. professor in the Department of interests he used to lead. He earned bachelor’s in 1975. She focused her of anything less. “They needed more than Educational Leadership and Policy. degrees in business and engineering from work on the importance either advanced elementary Petrie, a native of Colorado, retired to the University of Colorado, and a PhD in of equal opportunity—for school programs or junior editions the state in 1999. He came to UB in 1981 as philosophy from Stanford University. He minority students and working women. of the senior high school,” Toepfer dean of what was then known as the Faculty studied math and philosophy at the University Stephens was an assistant principal at Trott Vocational High School said in an interview for “The Legacy of of Educational Studies. He consolidated of Manchester, England on a Fulbright and LaSalle High School, retiring in 1995 as principal of Niagara Falls’ Middle School Leaders: In Their Own Words.” departments. A new name, Graduate School scholarship. 60th Street Elementary School. Known as “Connie” to friends, family, colleagues and thousands of of Education, was chosen to reflect the The Petries organized a February “Banish- Stephens was also active in the NAACP and the Alpha Kappa Alpha students, Conrad Toepfer III was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1927. professional nature of the school. the-blues-and-blahs Brunch,” which became Sorority. She was president of UB’s Alumni Association and of the In 1933, he emigrated to Buffalo, where his father, Conrad Toepfer II, was He was somebody who Petrie was a founding member of the an annual winter tradition at the Center for National Committee for School Desegregation. During the Clinton the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concertmaster. reform-minded Holmes Partnership, 1987- Tomorrow. He wanted people from different Administration, she was appointed to a team evaluating school did his job so well you Like his father, Toepfer was a musician. An accomplished bassist, he 1997, a consortium of 96 research institutions departments to gather, get to know each other desegregation. didn’t know what going joined the union at the Buffalo’s Colored Musicians Club. When other with professional education programs formed and have a shared knowledge of where GSE Her daughter remembers how her mother filed a lawsuit, and won, white people would ask him why, he’d say, ‘Because I don’t believe in on behind the scenes. in response to troubling trends, including the was headed. “That was something people when she applied for a school job that went to a less qualified candidate. separation,’ according to a 1994 interview. elimination of schools of education. To combat looked forward to every year,” said Hodges. “She was fiercely principled,” said Pamela Stephens-Jackson (EdM ’91), this, the group set out to change teacher assistant director of student engagement for fraternity and sorority life I don’t think that the association LeAdelle Phelps, an advocate for children’s psychological health at UB. “She had a very and the movement would have strict standard of ethics. survived without him. She was unaccepting of LeAdelle Phelps, a widely published GSE psychology program, getting it approved pursue what I love: Conducting research that anything less.” professor of psychology, earned her PhD from by the National Association of School can benefit the greater good,” said Laura M. the University of Utah at 25, an uncommonly Psychologists, and establishing a doctoral Anderson (PhD ’06), a licensed psychologist, His passion for addressing injustice infused the education career young age. For the next four decades, Phelps program, and she made it happen despite a now in private practice. that followed. He joined the GSE faculty in 1965 aer earning his EdD in was a leader in school psychology, publishing climate at the time that was more of an old curriculum planning from UB in 1962. He was one of seven contributors three books and creating a popular test for boys’ club,” said Amanda Nickerson, professor to the 1982 “This We Believe” position paper about middle school kindergarten readiness. and director of the Alberti Center for Bullying creation. From 1987-88, he was president of the Association for Middle She was 67 when she died in September Abuse Prevention. “LeAdelle had gutsy Level Education, which he helped found, launching committees on of 2019 aer battling multiple sclerosis and determination.” racial, ethnic and cultural diversity and urban education. melanoma. Phelps wrote and contributed to more “I don’t think that the association and the movement would have Early in her career, she was a school than 60 journal articles and was editor of survived without him,” said fellow education researcher Sherrel psychologist in Davis, Utah. She came to UB Psychology in the Schools from 1999-2006. Bergmann, a former professor at Chicago’s National Louis University. in 1989 and was director of the Counseling This year, she received a posthumous “He was so passionate … that he would do almost anything to get the Psychology/School Psychology Program, presidential citation from the American word out.” associate dean for academic affairs and chair Psychological Association in recognition of of the Department of Counseling, School and her contribution to the field. Educational Psychology. She taught until her retirement in 2014 and “She had the goal of revamping the school was an influential mentor. “She inspired me to

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A student stands by a new social distancing floor marker, one of the new pandemic-era practices on campus, July 2020. (UB Photo/Douglas Levere)