EDGE Newsletter Diversity Matters 2024

Meet the Staff

 My favorite “snow day” movie, watching with…

College and Community Engagement

Featured Program – Leading Anti-Racism Change in Education – LARC

On September 27 and October 25, school district employees gathered for an opportunity to hear from equity professionals on a number of different topics.  Participants heard from Dr. T.K. Daniel, Dr.Heather Hill, Dr. Tanya Middleton, Dr. Cynthia M. DeVese

Dr. TK Daniel focused on education and the law, and how policies impact schools and educators` work in his presentation

Dr. Heather Hill conducted a 90-minute interactive workshop designed for school administrators and educators, focusing on fostering equity and inclusion in classrooms by exploring the principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) and its role in addressing systemic inequities in education.

In her presentation, Dr. Tanya Middleton focused on compassion fatigue, emphasizing that while equity and justice work can be deeply rewarding, its demanding nature often limits the ability to prioritize wellness, potentially leading to burnout; the session reviewed common signs of compassion fatigue and highlighted strategies to enhance wellness and compassion satisfaction.

Dr. Cyntia Devese presented Data-Driven Equity where participants analyzed school data through an equity lens, engaged in strategies to address inequities, and created a data story using up-to-date school data.

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Equity and Justice Read Around at the Newbery Symposium

Learning Journeys and Professional Development Opportunities

During the 2024-2025 academic year, administrators from Columbus City Schools will have the opportunity to participate in a series of professional development opportunities.  Six different learning journeys were designed for each region within the district for administrators to participate in.  Specifically, administrators from region 1 will be participating in the Truth and Purpose Learning Journey which is a series of professional learning sessions with an immersive tour through the American South.  Region 6 will participate in the Denver Public Schools Leadership Collaborative, which provides administrators from that region an opportunity to work with other administrators from Denver Public Schools.  This learning journey ends with a trip out to Denver to meet and collaborate with other administrators to share strategies that they use in their equity work.  All 6 regions will have the opportunity to present their work at this summer’s Leadership for Equity Institute, which is scheduled for June 9-11, 2025, at the Ohio Union. 

Family Caregiver Webinar

On December 4^th, Dr. Cynthia Tyson Ph.D., MSW, LISW-S, gave a webinar titled Caring for the Caregiver: Enhancing Strength, Support, and Equity Through Education and Strategies for Wellness.  Faculty, staff and students from across the College of Education and Human Ecology attended the webinar.  During our time with Dr. Tyson, she explored how various social factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and more, shaped the caregiving experience.  She also spoke about how those factors influenced access to resources and impacted support systems.  Dr. Tyson shared valuable insights and practical strategies for strengthening caregiver resilience and well-being.

EDGE Bookshelf Recap

The EDGE Bookshelf showcases the literary contributions of EHE faculty and staff whose work centers diversity, equity, anti-racism, and justice and includes recommended readings from featured faculty members. It is our hope that the Bookshelf serves as one resource through which we can learn from one another as we continue to grow as an anti-racist, inclusive, and equity-centered college community.

• In the October edition, the EDGE bookshelf featured the Ohio State University Newbery Award Symposium, and we had the privilege to speak with Professor Jonda McNair, who shared her invaluable insights on the significance of children’s literature, the Newbery Award, and the Ohio State University Newbery symposium. On this occasion, the EDGE Office recommended a curated selection of Newbery Award-winning books by Amina Luqman-Dawson, Carole Boston Weatherford, Kwame Alexander, Jason Reynolds and Derrick Barnes.

• In December, following the “Caring for the Caregiver: Enhancing Strength, Support, and Equity Through Education and Strategies for Wellness” webinar, the EDGE Office highlighted additional resources shared by Cynthia Tyson, Ph.D., MSW, LISW-S, offering a wealth of tools, educational materials, and services aimed at helping caregivers feel supported, informed, and empowered including: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA), Trualta,The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Archangel, Ohio Department of Aging – Caregiver Support, and National Alliance for Caregiving.
   
   

We thank all of this semester’s participants for their invaluable contributions.

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EHE Legacies Recap

An EHE Legacy is a current or former OSU/EHE community member whose contributions to the university and society are worthy of recognition. Since 1895, the College of Education and Human Ecology has played an important role in education at all levels and human development across the lifespan at The Ohio State University, the United States, and around the world. The EHE Legacies project started in Fall 2019 and was created to explore the rich legacies of people, experiences, and accomplishments that have helped shape the College of Education and Human Ecology. We believe that a legacy starts with the knowledge and appreciation of the contributions of those who came before, which establishes a strong foundation upon which to build and progress. 

An EHE Legacy is a current or former OSU/EHE community member whose contributions to the university and society are worthy of recognition. Since 1895, the College of Education and Human Ecology has played an important role in education at all levels and human development across the lifespan at The Ohio State University, the United States, and around the world. The EHE Legacies project started in Fall 2019 and was created to explore the rich legacies of people, experiences, and accomplishments that have helped shape the College of Education and Human Ecology. We believe that a legacy starts with the knowledge and appreciation of the contributions of those who came before, which establishes a strong foundation upon which to build and progress.

1. In August, in celebration of the dynamic growth and innovation within our college, the EDGE Legacy feature highlighted the new faculty leaders:

Bryan Warnick, Ph.D. The Interim Chair of Educational Studies in the College of Education and Human Ecology and Daniel Tanner Foundation Endowed Professor, Educational Studies, Dustin W. Miller, Ph.D. The Interim Associate Chair of Educational Studies in the College of Education and Human Ecology, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Educational Studies and the Director of the EdD in Educational Administration, and J. Daniel Good, PhD Coordinator of Principal &Superintendent Programs and Senior Lecturer in Department of Educational Studies

2. In November, in recognition of the next generation of inspiring educators, the EDGE Office spotlighted Claire Hinterschied (Teaching & Learning, Master of Education in Science) and Esthela Marquez (Mathematics Education and French) as the Outstanding Future Teachers of America from the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE). These exceptional students exemplify passion, dedication,   and innovation, embodying the qualities essential for shaping and enriching tomorrow’s classrooms.

Monthly Awareness Initiatives

In September, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the EDGE Office explored the 2024 theme, “Tourism, Justice, and Peace,” and its connection to hospitality. As part of this initiative, EDGE team members Filiz Oskay and Carlotta Penn interviewed Dr. Annemarie Turpin, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Hospitality Management Program within the Department of Human Sciences and Director of the Hospitality Management Advisory Board, along with Sophia Troutman, a senior majoring in Hospitality Management and minoring in Spanish, to gain valuable insights and perspectives on how hospitality can foster justice and peace through tourism.

In celebration of National Family Health and Fitness Day, the EDGE Office organized a refreshing outdoor yoga session in October to promote well-being and mindfulness.

Global Hub

On Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad

During Fall semester, I attended a training on the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad—the nationally recognized global education standards created by The Forum on Education Abroad. The Office of International Affairs hosted the training that was attended by staff and faculty from across campus. A central component of the training was small group discussions about the various “standards,” as we thought together about how the definitions and principles support our work, but also what or who is missing or misrepresented. While the standards are imperfect, the document is useful and worth having on hand for those interested in developing, leading, or otherwise engaging with global engagement in higher education. You can download a copy from The Forum website (https://www.forumea.org/standards-of-good-practice.html).

To good practice, in all we do,

Carlotta Penn, PhD
Director of Partnerships and Engagement

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Featured International Programs 

OSU Literacy Collaborative Specialists Support Indonesian Educators

In an inspiring display of international collaboration, Sherry Kinzel and Shelly Schaub, esteemed Education Program Senior Specialists from Ohio State University’s Literacy Collaborative, dedicated 30 hours to training over 65 elementary and middle school teachers from Indonesia. This intensive training, conducted virtually throughout November and December 2024, focused on the transformative techniques of Interactive Read-Aloud, Reading Workshop, and Writing Workshop.

Funded by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, this initiative aims to equip teachers with innovative literacy practices that they can implement in their classrooms to significantly enhance student literacy. The Ministry’s investment underscores a commitment to educational excellence and the belief that these new methodologies will foster a more engaging and effective learning environment for Indonesian students.

The Ohio State University, renowned for its research and educational leadership, is highly coveted by executives and school directors in Indonesia. The opportunity to learn from Kinzel and Schaub is seen as a prestigious honor, reflecting the high regard in which the university is held globally. The trainers’ expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact, inspiring the participating teachers to bring these new practices to life in their schools.

This collaboration not only strengthens the educational ties between the two nations but also highlights the global reach and influence of The Ohio State University’s Literacy Collaborative. As these Indonesian educators return to their classrooms, they carry with them the tools and inspiration to make a profound difference in their students’ literacy journeys.

Submitted by Jamie Lipp, Mary Fried Endowed Clinical Assistant Professor Lead, Reading Recovery & Literacy Collaborative

Fall Update: University of Tsukuba, Japan – Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MEXT) Grant

Launch of the Inclusive Smart Society Virtual Experience

In May 2024, a group comprising seven EHE students, two faculty members, and one staff member embarked on a 10-day, grant funded educational journey to the University of Tsukuba in Japan. The focus was on cultivating an understanding of the “Inclusive Smart Society,” particularly in the context of sports and leisure activities. The itinerary was diverse, encompassing lectures, tours of academic institutions and industry facilities, participation in Judo and Archery classes, hiking Mount Tsukuba, and exploring Tokyo’s landmarks.

In July 2024, nearly 100 OSU students participated in the first online “Summer Festival.” As part of this experience, students visited virtual booths with information and activities. Top scoring students of the daily festival quiz were awarded a fully funded visit to the partner university. Eight OSU students will travel in March 2025. In October, Drs. Peter Paul and Hisae Miyauchi (UT) led the first of 3 Inclusive Smart Society courses. Each online course is offered during the OSU 7-week session, is asynchronous, and includes students from OSU and UT.

About the MEXT Grant Project

The University of Tsukuba was awarded a multi-million-dollar grant from the Japanese government in 2023, with Ohio State University named as a key partner. The project is focused on the concept of the inclusive smart society (ISS), and the collaboration is bolstered by the twin designations of Tsukuba City as one of Japan’s smart cities¹ and the Smart Columbus initiative. The College of Education and Human Ecology is a key collaborator in this project, along with the Office of International Affairs, College of Engineering, and College of Arts and Sciences.

Global Education Programs

EHE Student Experience

This summer, The European Model of Sport program (May 16 -27, 2024) traveled to Manchester, Liverpool, London, and Paris. Read more about the program through this student-written blog.

Upcoming Programs (Spring Break & Summer 2025)

Multicultural Histories and Legacies of Spain, led by Julius Mayo, Natalee Blackford, and Shantrice Bradley, will travel to Madrid and Barcelona during spring break 2025. As a part of the ESHESA 3573 course, student participants will examine the concept of social change in domestic and global contexts on the Columbus campus during spring semester, and travel abroad to Spain over spring break. This program provides student participants the opportunity to understand what social change is and how it relates to how communities live, learn, and engage with each other.

Signature Experience in International Language Education (SEILE): Taiwan, led by Becky Huang and Ivan Stefano, is designed to offer students a rich and meaningful experience in language education and cross-cultural understanding. At the core of SEILE is a hands-on opportunity to engage in English language teaching/co-teaching alongside experienced local mentors to cultivate essential teaching skills.

Sustainability and Social Justice in Ecuador explores the intersection of themes such as sustainability, food security, Indigenous rights, and women’s rights as they relate to social justice in a global context, and also focuses on comparative understandings of educational access and equity.

The European Model of Sport, led by Brian Turner, takes students on a seminar through Europe, providing a unique firsthand experience in international sports. Over the course of 11 days, the group is immersed in topics such as sport management, marketing, and sports law. Participants will attend lectures by European sport executives, engage in student workshops, and tour sport facilities in Munich, Prague, and Berlin.

Ireland: First Education Experience Program (FEEP), led by Yvonne Goddard and Ann Allen, is an 11-day study abroad program that takes students on a comparative experience internationally. This program has a strong focus on rural and Appalachian populations in Ohio but allows students to draw connections to the communities where Appalachian ancestors hail through education-related activities and excursions.

Hospitality, Gastronomy, and Tourism in Paris, led by Anne Turpin and Ashley Hicks, explores the heart of hospitality in Europe’s top tourist destination. Participants gain insight into various segments of hospitality (culinary arts, food production and service, tourist attractions) through hands-on and behind-the-scenes access to some of Paris’ most popular sites.

Imaginative Teaching and Learning in an Exemplary UK Elementary School, led by Brian Edmiston, gives students the opportunity to observe, participate in, analyze and plan lessons with classroom teachers in an urban elementary school located in a high-poverty neighborhood. Participants also engage in excursions such as Seven Stories (the national center for children’s books) and Roman ruins at Vindolanda on Hadrian’s Wall.

EHE Hosts International Delegations 

MOU Signing with National Pingtung University

The College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) at The Ohio State University and National Pingtung University (NPTU) in Taiwan formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May 2024. Following this, a MOU signing ceremony was held on August 21, 2024. The partnership aims to provide opportunities for students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds to approach similar research questions from different perspectives. The two institutions will collaborate on faculty and student exchanges, organize joint research programs, and host conferences. The partnership is led by Dr. Peter V. Paul from EHE and Dr. Yi-Chieh, Jessie Chung from NPTU.

Partnership Meeting and Lunch with Universitas Pendidakan Indonesia

A delegation of higher education leaders from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia visited The Ohio State University from November 21-24, 2024, to explore potential research and teaching partnership opportunities. The visit was led by Dr. Adrian Rodgers from the Department of Teaching and Learning, and attended by several faculty and staff, and students from EHE and OIA.

The meeting included discussions on shared research interests, opportunities for joint academic programs, and the potential for faculty and student exchanges between the two institutions. 

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Guest Article Feature

Dr. Jonda McNair and the Newbery Symposium & Q & A

On the occasion of the Ohio State University Newbery Award Symposium, we had the privilege of speaking with Professor Jonda McNair, who shared her invaluable insights on the significance of children’s literature, the impact of the Newbery Award, and the importance of the Ohio State University Newbery Symposium.

Dr. McNair, we sincerely thank you for generously sharing your expertise with our community.

Why does children’s literature merit significant scholarly attention?

Simply put, children’s books, like those written for adults are also literary works of art. And all literary works of art such as those written by the five authors participating in the Newbery Symposium, in my opinion, are significant and worthy of recognition. Because children’s books are intended for youth—though this body of work can also be read and enjoyed by adults—does not mean that they should not be examined or looked at in deep and thoughtful ways. I have applied a number of critical theories (e.g., black feminism and critical race theory) when analyzing children’s books and they have withheld this type of scrutiny and revealed findings that I think are important because we should be aware of what we are presenting to youth. Children’s literature has the potential to inform, educate, and shape developing worldviews because books are cultural artifacts.

What role do literary awards play in the growth and development of children’s literature, and how does the Newbery Award contribute to this discourse?

Frederic G. Melcher, an American publisher and bookseller, actually proposed the creation of the Newbery Award to the American Library Association more than 100 years ago “To encourage original creative work in the field of books for children. To emphasize to the public that contributions to the literature for children deserve similar recognition to poetry, plays, or novels. [and] To give those librarians, who make it their life work to serve children’s reading interests, an opportunity to encourage good writing in this field.” (History of the Newbery Medal | Association for Library Service to Children (ala.org). Believe me, publishers pay attention to and aim for prominent awards such as the Newbery, and I think knowing that there are prestigious children’s book awards to be won urges those individuals involved in the creation of books to push themselves and be innovative. These awards can have a huge impact on book sales. For example, it is typical right after the announcement of the awards in January, for the Newbery winners to be on the New York Times bestseller list.

Could you elaborate on the Newbery Award Symposium and its importance?

Yes, the Newbery Award is the first children’s book award that was created in the world, and it is considered one of the top prizes in children’s literature in the U.S. Although the award was given for the first time in 1922, it was not until 1949 that an African American, Arna Bontemps, won a Newbery Honor for Story of the Negro. (Each year one book wins the Newbery Medal and then there are usually several Newbery Honor titles as well.) It was in 1975 that the first Black person, Virginia Hamilton, won the Newbery Medal for M. C. Higgins the Great and Mildred Taylor was the second to win the medal for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry in 1977. Recently more African Americans have begun to be recognized over the last 10 years or so and I wanted to honor this as well as the legacy of the children’s literature program here at The Ohio State University. This program has been impacted by two legendary women. Dr. Charlotte S. Huck developed the graduate program in children’s literature, the first of its kind in the nation, and when she retired, she recruited Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, known for her work in African American children’s literature, to take her place. This symposium honors the legacies of these two women, the outstanding children’s literature program here at The Ohio State University, as well as African American authors who have earned the top prize in children’s literature.

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