Temple University College of Education and Human Development

For Monica Mills, doctoral study is rooted in reflection, purpose and a belief that education should help students discover who they are.

A Holmes Scholar and PhD student in urban education at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development, Mills draws from her experiences as a student and educator to explore how identity, spirituality and education intersect.

Through the Holmes Scholars Program, Mills has found a community of educators of color who share her commitment to reimagining education and creating meaningful change.

“Holmes actually feels like a community,” she shared.

Read more about Mills’s journey:
https://ow.ly/OHY950ZrcZ9

If you were a Temple school psychology student with a question, there was one answer everyone knew:

"We'll ask Cathy."

Whether it was cognitive assessment, research, internship or even whether 5 + 6 really equals 11, Professor Cathy Fiorello always made time for her students. Along the way, she also taught them a thing or two about presentation design and handed out butterfly stickers to celebrate milestones.

In this heartfelt tribute, CEHD students reflect on the mentor whose kindness, wisdom and steady support shaped generations of school psychologists: https://education.temple.edu/news/2026/07/cathy-fiorellos-legacy-continues-through-her-students

Late this spring, the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University (CEHD) celebrated a new graduating class while looking toward the future. Not just the newly admitted students who will soon arrive on campus, but also those who will be applying to Temple and other colleges 15 years from now—the ones still in diapers today.

"Over the past 10 years, Philadelphia has made great strides to improve early care,” said Barbara Wasik, professor and the PNC Chair in Early Childhood Education. "But work still needs to be done to ensure all young children have access to high-quality early care. This is critical to long-term success, as research shows that children’s early experiences are strong indicators of their future success."

Read more: https://ow.ly/YyRY50ZrcZM

For Jason Tavares, the path to a doctorate was not the one he originally imagined, but every experience shaped the educator he is today.

A doctoral student in applied linguistics at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development, Tavares balances his studies with teaching German and raising a family. His research focuses on improving language education and helping students build confidence beyond the classroom.

As a Holmes Scholar, he is also committed to increasing representation in education and showing students what is possible.

“I want students who look like me to see what is possible for themselves,” he shared.

Read more about Tavares’s journey:
https://education.temple.edu/news/2026/06/navigating-graduate-school-through-lens-jason-tavares

to the College of Education and Human Development’s Teaching Black History workshop in June, made possible through support from a Library of Congress grant. Educators from the School District of Philadelphia explored new tools, resources and strategies to bring deeper, more meaningful Black history learning experiences to their classrooms.

At Friendship Tech Prep Academy in Washington, D.C., Kun Ye Booth believes leadership starts with relationships.

As principal and a doctoral student in educational leadership at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development, Booth leads with presence, connection and care, whether she is checking in with students, supporting teachers or building trust with families.

“I’m everywhere,” Booth said, describing her approach to leadership. For her, being a school leader means more than managing from an office. It means showing up, listening and creating a community where students and educators feel supported.

Through her Temple experience, Booth has strengthened her leadership practice while bringing new ideas back to her school community. Today, she continues to create opportunities for students, support teachers and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Read more about Booth’s journey from aspiring doctor to principal and Temple doctoral student:
https://ow.ly/R7QR50ZrcRq

After nearly five decades of service to Temple University, the College of Education and Human Development celebrates the retirement of Valerie J. Williams, affectionately known as Ms. Val.

From her early days at Paley Library to her longtime role in the Office of the Dean, Williams has supported generations of students, faculty and staff through her compassion, dedication and commitment to service.

“I think I’ve left a good memory,” Williams said. “That’s a good thing, to leave a good memory with folks.”

In recognition of her lasting impact, Dean Monika Williams Shealey has established the Valerie J. Williams Service Award for Staff, honoring individuals who demonstrate the same spirit of care and dedication that defined Williams’s nearly 50-year career.

Read more about Ms. Val’s Temple journey:
https://ow.ly/oIgt50ZrcQH

Summer break can be a pivotal time for children to continue learning. Barbara Wasik, professor and PNC Endowed Chair in early childhood education in the College of Education and Human Development, recommends ways that parents and guardians can support children’s literacy over the summer.

Read more: https://ow.ly/q2AA50Zrebe

✨ Welcome to Laura M. Grassia's Desk! ✨

Organization meets innovation at Laura's workspace 📋.

One of her favorite desk tools is a 3D-printed sticky note holder that helps transform everyday sticky notes into reusable checklist templates. While there are countless digital tools available for task management, Laura appreciates the simple satisfaction of crossing off a completed task with pen and paper ✔️.

This clever piece of low-tech assistive technology was 3D printed by TechOWL staff member Alanna in the TechOWL Community Space's 3D Printing Lab. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.

Cheers to staying organized the analog way 📝✨!

✨ Welcome to Laura M. Grassia's Desk! ✨
This clever piece of low-tech assistive technology was 3D printed by TechOWL staff member Alanna in the TechOWL Community Space's 3D Printing Lab. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are also the simplest.