The first time I met my Urban Scholars cohort, I was overjoyed to be in a space with others who also shared my passion and commitment to urban education. My incredibly talented cohort includes the director of a college access program in San Diego, a former creative writing instructor at Rikers Island Correctional Facility, a special education instructional coach from New Orleans, and exceptional educators with up to ten years of teaching experience in urban schools across the nation.
First dinner together as an Urban Scholars cohort
The Urban Scholars Fellowship Program, which began in 2006 with a cohort of just nine students, has expanded to fourteen students for the 2018 school year. As Urban Scholar Fellows, we define ourselves as leaders committed to actively engaging with the complex challenges inherent to the field of urban education, a professional learning community that leverages the diversity of our experience and knowledge to develop leadership capabilities, and change makers dedicated to positively impacting our communities and the future of urban education.
Building lasting relationships with a diverse set of individuals from different programs has been one of the most formative, engaging, and rewarding experiences during my time at HGSE. Throughout the year we engage in a series of monthly discussions and workshops with HGSE faculty and guest speakers. This semester we had the opportunity to engage in rich conversations about urban education with Domonic Rollins, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer at HGSE as well as Dr. Irvin Scott, Senior Lecturer of Educational Leadership. We also had the opportunity to lead a job skills workshop for individuals transitioning back into employment post-incarceration under the guidance of Tracie Jones, Assistant Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion Programs.
Job Skills Workshop for Haley House Program Participants
Beyond our monthly discussions, our cohort has decided to use this year to set the course for the future of the Urban Scholars program by crafting a mission statement which articulates a shared vision for our program. We have also decided to participate in the Alumni of Color Conference as a cohort to provide insight into our unique areas of expertise about urban education, and create an Urban Scholars Alumni Network and Advising Council to ensure these programs and initiatives are instituted beyond this school year.
Lunch at the Harvard Faculty Club
I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to develop a lifelong network of colleagues and friends who share a common passion for urban education. I have truly enjoyed learning from each member of my cohort, and am excited to collaborate with them upon our return to the field to advance issues related to urban education.
Supporting fellow Urban Scholar, Edyson Julio, during a panel discussion entitled “The Words to Say It: Teaching, Writing, & Incarceration”
Written by Denise Archibald, photos provided by Denise Archibald
Denise Archibald is an Ed.M. candidate in the Education Policy and Management Program. As a former special education teacher and program manager for Chicago Public Schools, Denise plans to return to Chicago upon graduation from HGSE to expand career and technical education opportunities for students and advance policies and programs that empower students for success in college and career.
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