And although this was Melva’s initial intention, her career took a different path because she embraced opportunities that made themselves available along the way, and she continued to expand her knowledge through multiple professional opportunities. Most students who graduate from our teacher certification programs pursue a teaching career in traditional school settings. She exemplifies Carlow’s mission of service and social justice, and she is a treasured alumna of our special education program. Today, Melva (Gooden) Fair is the Chief Executive Director of CLASS - Community Living and Support Services (previously United Cerebral Palsy) in Pittsburgh ( ). As a child, this puzzled Melva because Curtis was so smart, and she believed that someone in the family should take the time to learn more. Her cousin Curtis, who was deaf, communicated through sign language, yet no one in the family knew any signs consequently, he had to read everyone’s lips. She briefly considered nursing, but the sight of blood made her queasy. She knew she wanted to pursue a profession that would let her help others. Melva Gooden was a shy, reserved young woman when she came to Carlow College in 1978 to study special education. ![]() It is trauma-informed pedagogy and restorative teaching. ![]() It is teaching grounded in science and culturally and linguistically responsive practices. It is empowering marginalized communities and families. It is supporting student voice and choice. It is clearly articulating and advancing educational research. It is advocating for the children and adolescents in our charge. It is addressing political, legislative, and societal systems that impact educational design. We must ensure our students, prospective teachers, educators and educational leaders are equipped to actively engage in the disruption and dismantling of structural systems of discrimination and oppression maintaining these practices. ![]() Victimization of individuals with autism spectrum disorder from the criminal justice system as a result of misunderstanding behaviors and communication deficitsĪs an Education Department of committed faculty and staff, we strive to ensure our undergraduate and graduate students understand these challenges.School-to-Prison pipeline for children of color.Over-representation in special education of children of color and children in poverty.Lack of diversity in the teaching force, particularly teachers of color.Lack of educational degree completion options for adults working in child-care resulting in impoverished wages.Access to high-quality and affordable child-care for families in poverty.The opportunities to advocate for social justice in education are numerous, and many factors directly impact marginalized populations:
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