Biography : Dr . Donna-Marie Cole-Malott is dedicated to transformative education , serving as the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium ( PEDC ) and as an Assistant Professor of Professional & Secondary Education and Instructional Design Technology at East Stroudsburg University . Her career has seen pivotal roles , including Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Higher Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education ( PDE ) and Inaugural Director of the Institute of Educational Governance and Leadership ( IEGL ). Dr . Cole-Malott ’ s research focuses on the lived experiences of Black girls , advocating for educator workforce diversity , nurturing culturally relevant educators , and addressing issues of race , equity , and educator diversity with unwavering dedication . A staunch advocate , she leads efforts to dismantle systemic racism and promote equitable outcomes for all students , shaping the very fabric of public education with visionary leadership and impassioned advocacy .
Monday , April 7 , 7:00 – 8:00 pm Eastern Cohorted Courses : Unlocking Student Engagement and Success
Session Description : This presentation will explore the transformative benefits of cohorted courses at Springfield Technical Community College ( STCC ), a designated Hispanic Serving Institution , and how they promote deeper student engagement , collaboration , and retention . Highlighting programs such as the Male Initiative for Leadership and Education ( MILE ), LEAD : Female-identifying Leadership and Mentoring Program , and Veteran Services , we will examine their alignment with STCC ’ s strategic plan and commitment to equity . Participants will learn best practices for teaching cohorted classes , the value of holistic student support , and the vital role faculty play in fostering inclusive learning environments . Discover how these courses address challenges , celebrate successes , and create a sense of belonging , empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals .
Session Objectives : 1 . Identify why cohorted courses were created to support specialized student groups , including
MILE , LEAD , and Veteran Services . 2 . Explore best practices for teaching cohorted classes to foster engagement , collaboration , and retention . 3 . Describe how faculty play a vital role in creating inclusive and impactful educational experiences . 4 . Examine the holistic supports available within the cohort models and their impact on student success .
Themes : Institutional , instructional , and co-curricular strategies for advancing DEI
Audience : Higher Education faculty , staff and administrators
Panelists : Miguel Maria , EdD Kimberly Reese , EdD , MHS ( she / her )