Advancing equity

WWU Center for Educational Equity and Diversity receives Advancing Equity Grant

The Center for Educational Equity and Diversity (CEED) at Walla Walla University has received an Advancing Equity Grant from the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board.

Distribution of the $20,000 grant will be spread over two years and will benefit CEED’s latest project Growing Together: Developing Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning Practices with Teacher Candidates and Local Educators.

“This grant funds ongoing professional development for teacher candidates, local educators, and community members focused on culturally responsive teaching, including support for language learners and students with special needs,” said Maria Bastien-Valenca, CEED codirector and assistant professor of education. “It also includes learning to evaluate teaching and learning strategies, curriculum, and other materials for cultural appropriateness. As part of this grant, we look forward to local educators and candidates working together in field experience and clinical placements [to] design and implement culturally responsive teaching and learning practices.”

CEED works to enhance community outreach and to engage in conversations regarding diversity in education. The center provides resources and professional development for teachers, students, and community members, including diversus, a peer-reviewed e-journal that shares research on equity and diversity in education. During the pandemic CEED has also hosted quarterly lunch and learn groups via Teams.

To learn more about CEED, visit wallawalla.edu/ceed.

Posted March 29, 2021.

The Center for Educational Equity and Diversity worked with Frank Ramirez on this new logo from November 2019 to April 2020 to encapsulate all that CEED aims to do.