Temple’s College of Education Hosts First TIP Seminar March 12, 2025 – Posted in: Uncategorized

Temple’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) joined the TIP partnership this spring with the seminar “Diverse Children’s Literature: Literary Art, Cultural Artifact and Contested Terrain.” Led by Professor Wanda Brooks, this course will cover literature for children and adolescents that reflects the perspectives of underrepresented groups.

Since 2018, professors from Temple’s College of Liberal Arts have offered TIP seminars, but “Diverse Children’s Literature” is the first led by a CEHD faculty member. The seminar showcases the College’s support for Philadelphia’s public-school teachers, and its expertise in language and literacy.

Kristie J. Newton, Associate Dean of Educator Preparation and P-12 Partnerships and Professor of Middle and Secondary Education, spoke on behalf of CEHD at TIP’s January 22 Orientation Reception. She praised the work of the educators in attendance, and the knowledge that Professor Brooks brought to the program. The event was also attended by District Superintendent Tony Watlington, Penn GSE Dean Katharine Strunk, and Penn Vice Provost for Education Laura Perna.

In Brook’s seminar, TIP fellows will explore a variety of picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and works of young adult fiction. They will undertake an analysis of the content of this literature and the responses of readers to it, uncovering the ideological and cultural themes in the texts.

Photo: Temple CEHD Professor Wanda Brooks