Emilee Thursby
  • Middle School Education: English & SS
  • Class of 2017
  • New Castle, DE

New Castle, DE resident Emilee Thursby, Attends Urban Education Symposium

2016 Nov 15

Emilee Thursby is one of the seven students to attend a symposium at Loyola University on Urban Education on October 6.

The keynote speaker Gloria Ladson-BIllings, Chair of Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, spoke to students prior to answering audience questions and meeting the students in attendance. The students then broke-out several workshop sessions, where they held conversations about developing culturally competent educators.

"The equity conference was an amazing experience!" remarked Bryan Gieselman, senior intern in Middle School Math and Science. "The opportunity to listen to top researchers and educators, such as Gloria Ladson-Billings, discuss cultural relevant teaching expanded my knowledge on the topic."

The students gained this opportunity through a class at Stevenson about education equity, where they also visited a local middle and elementary school. This opportunity allowed them to observe and interact with teachers and students. This was a way to view successful teaching within the urban area of Baltimore, Maryland.

Lacey Esposito, an intern in Early Childhood education, declared, "Visiting Lakeland Elementary and Middle School was an incredible opportunity and an eye-opening experience that has truly inspired me to become a teacher that is a strong advocate for students and their families."

The students gained a new perspective, and appreciation for educators, and are excited to enter the field upon graduation and be able to serve their community.