MARCH 11, 2025 | 8:30AM - 5:30PM | DSU
MLK, Jr Student Center, Parlors A, B, C
Educating With
Message from the Education Department Chair, Dr. Shelley Rouser
Welcome to the Dela Spring 2025 Professional Develop minder of the importance of contin ation. As educators, we under t about gaining new knowledge it is erspectives, and strengthening o learning environments for all
At DSU, we believe t ur culturally responsive curriculum, our students are preparing to Teach. Lead. Inspire. in ways that uplift their future students, support their colleagues, and engage meaningfully in their communities They are learning that education is not just about instruction—it is about liberation, empowerment, and equity
In today’s ever-evolving political and educational landscape, finding joy in teaching is an act of resilience Joy is what fuels our passion, sustains us through challenges, and allows us to bring energy and authenticity to the classroom This professional development day is an opportunity to explore how we can cultivate that joy both for ourselves and our students while staying committed to the work of justice and inclusion
Delaware State University’s Education Program is strong because of its people our faculty, our students, and the communities we serve Our future educators are not only mastering content and pedagogy, but they are also developing the critical consciousness needed to become advocates for change They are being prepared to stand in front of classrooms as compassionate, culturally aware leaders who will shape the future of education
As you engage in today’s sessions, I encourage you to reflect on your own role as an educator, an advocate, and a leader How can you create learning spaces where all students feel seen, heard, and valued? How can you find joy in your teaching despite the challenges that may arise? And how can you ensure that your work continues to Teach Lead Inspire for generations to come?
Thank you for being part of this journey and for your commitment to education We are excited to learn and grow with you today!
8:30AM - 9:30AM Hot Breakfast to be served
WELCOME
9:30AM - 9:50AM
Dr Shelley Rouser, Education Dept Chair
BREAK/TRANSITION
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
10:00AM - 12:30PM
Parlor A: Bringing Joy into the Classroom and Finding Joy in Teaching
Parlor B: Critical Conversations for Equity
Parlor C: Centering Black Identity in Curriculum
Sessions for High School Students Game Room/Multipurpose Room: DSU Student Panel
Glass Lounge: Applying to DSU 101
Join DSU students for session 3
LUNCH & REFLECTION
12:30PM - 1:30PM
Use the worksheet in your folder to discuss the morning sessions with your table Share-out will start at 1:00pm Mr Frankie Bonilla
INTERACTIVE KEYNOTE EXPERIENCE
1:30PM - 3:00PM 3:00PM - 3:15PM
will present an interactive keynote, that will have you engaging in selfexploration, pedagogy, and a keynote concert celebrating resilience
CLOSING AND REFLECTION
CAREER FAIR & NETWORKING
3:15PM - 4:30PM
TEP POSTER PRESENTATIONS 4:30PM - 5:30PM
PRESENTER BIOS BREAKOUT SESSION
Ms. Karla Bell; BA: Music Education ‘06
Session Title: Critical Conversations for Equity
Karla Bell is a seasoned educator with nearly 20 years of experience in K-12 and post-secondary education. She currently works as an Instructional Coach at Early College School at Delaware State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Delaware State University and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Wilmington University, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Delaware State University. Trained as an Equity Practitioner, she facilitates professional development in culturally responsive practices at local, state, and national levels. Karla is passionate about centering humanity and building the capacity of leaders and learners from all backgrounds.
Mr. Kharyee Bey
Session Title: Centering Black Identity in Curriculum
Khayree Bey, BBSc, M.Ed., is a former U.S. Marine (1990–1998) and award-winning educator. He serves as a senior union representative at McCullough Middle School and was appointed to Delaware’s Professional Standards Board in 2020 Bey has taught Health/PE and Middle School Teacher Academy and developed a trauma-informed, equity-focused Mindfulness-Based Stress Relief (MBSEL) program As the district’s planetarium lead trainer, he integrates MBSEL into his classes He has coached multiple sports teams, facilitates culturally responsive events, and coleads Delaware’s chapter of the Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully (C O S E M ), providing SEL self-care training and consulting Bey is completing his second master’s degree in Leadership
Mr. Dontez Collins; BS: Mathematics Education ‘10
Session Title: Bringing Joy into the Classroom and Finding Joy in Teaching
Dontez Collins graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelors in Mathematics Education. He then started his career as a secondary math educator at Sussex Tech High School. During his 10 year career at Sussex Tech, he earned his masters degree in career and technical education from Wilmington University and traveled to Illinois State University during some summers to research mathematics and mathematics education where he has a paper published for his work. Dontez also worked as a secondary mathematics teacher for Cape Henlopen School District and Milford School District. He then worked as the Milford School District Data and Assessment Specialist. During this time he earned his certificate in Educational Leadership through the University of Delaware Principal Program and is currently on his 2nd year as an Assistant Principal at Beacon Middle School in Cape Henlopen School District.
Mr. Frankie Bonilla
Frankie Bonilla is a dynamic educator, creator, and thought leader with over 20 years of experience in education He currently serves as a faculty member at Delaware State University and is the Executive Director of the Peter Spencer Family Life Foundation and Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools As a high school administrator and TEDx speaker, he has been recognized for his innovative approach to project-based learning, notably as a founding teacher at The Workshop School in Philadelphia a contribution acknowledged by President Obama
Frankie is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership at Saybrook University. His research, “Permission to Create: A Spiritual Framework for Mindful Cultural Reorientation through the Use of Hip-Hop Hermeneutics as a Tool for Epigenetic Optimization for Black and Brown Individuals Navigating Systems Resistant to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)”, explores the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and cultural identity as a means of empowerment and transformation.
His work has been featured on NPR, Education Reimagined, and Univision Internacional His TEDx talk, "From Consumer to Creator," is available on TED com Beyond education, Frankie is an accomplished artist and motivator, known for his unique style that resonates with both youth and adults He is dedicated to fostering creativity, viewing it as a learned skill that can be developed through a mindful, five-step approach
This commitment is partly inspired by his personal journey, including his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease, which has deepened his exploration into the neurological effects of creativity Frankie defines creativity as the innovative production of universally useful ideas or systems that address societal needs, and he emphasizes its accessibility to all individuals.
K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R B I O
Career Fair & Networking
Participating Community Partners
Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School
Contact:
Krista Crumlish krista.crumlish@academia.k12.de.us
Appoquinimink School District
Contact: Dominic Banks
Dominic banks@appo k12 de us
Christina School District
Contacts: Jen Klima jennifer.klima@christina.k12.de.us
ONSITE INTERVIEWS
Early College School@DSU
Contact: Dr Evelyn Edney evelyn edney@ecs k12 de us
ONSITE INTERVIEWS
Las Américas ASPIRA Academy
Contact:
Karen Contreras karen.contreras@laaa.k12.de.us
Red Clay School District
Contact: Hekima Wicker hekima.wicker@redclay.k12.de.us
ONSITE INTERVIEWS
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Contact: Shineaca McKenzie samckenzie@aacps.org
ONSITE INTERVIEWS
Capital School District
Contact: Sherri Hollis
sherri hollis@capital k12 de us
ONSITE INTERVIEWS
Focus on the Dream
Contact: Desiree Barnes
Desiree.barnes@focusonthedream.com
Freedom Schools in Red Clay
Consolidated School District
Contact: Frances Livingston f.livingston@psflf.org
MIlford School District
Contact: Ashley Adlam-Hernandez aadlamhernandez@msd.k12.de.us
Teacher Education Program Poster Presenters
Erika Ashley
Middle Level Education
Jayden Bouie
Elementary Education
Danielle Conn
Physical Education
Waymond Elliott
Elmentary Education
Dalayna Fountain
Early childhood Education
Cheyenne Jackson
Elementary Education
Sydney Jones Art Education
Neelah Mtui
Elementary Education
D’Arione Robinson
Early Childhood Education
Robyn Swinton
Early childhood Education
Nia Williams
Early Childhood Education
Lison Ziegler
Princess Bordley
Early Childhood Education
TaylorGrace Butler Art Education
Imonee Dacres
Early Childhood Education
Quedence Evans Elementary Education
Alyssa Going Elementary Education
Saniya Jones Art Education
Julianna Korup
Middle Level Education
Morgan Phillips
Early Childhood Education
Ashlyn Schmidt Elementary Education
Aaliyah Thompson Mathematics Education
Samira Williams Art Education
Announcements!!
ECIIL 4+1 Information Session
March 18th at 5 PM
The Academic Advisement Period has begun.
Registration Starts April 3rd
Last Day to Drop Classes April 9th
Registration is now open for students who wish to be presenters at this year's in-person Delaware State University Research Day on Wednesday, April 9
Research Day is a highly anticipated event where students come together across academic disciplines to showcase their wide range of research.
Presenting during the event is an excellent opportunity for students to share and receive recognition for their research, as well as gain new insights from others.
Registration Link For Student Presenters
Registration, abstract and poster submissions are due by Monday, March 24
For more information and guidelines, please visit more information link