In addition to my instructional duties, I serve as a curricular leader, field placement coordinator, accreditation team member, and program innovator for Xavier University's Division of Education and Counseling. My work spans undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels and reflects Xavier’s mission to prepare equity-minded, data-literate, and community-responsive educators.
I serve as a lead faculty member on Xavier’s CAEP Accreditation Team, where I authored the division's response to Standard 2: Clinical Partnerships and Practice, during our recent CAEP virtual site visit. I am also in the process of developing the university’s Quality Assurance Handbook (2025–2028), which governs data collection, clinical partnerships, and stakeholder input across our programs.
These efforts contributed to Xavier receiving a 3 out of 4 (“Effective”) rating for our undergraduate program and a 4 out of 4 (“Highly Effective”) rating for our post-baccalaureate program, as determined by the Louisiana Board of Regents.
To ensure my work aligns with evolving state expectations, I completed certification through the Louisiana Educator Effectiveness Preparation and Support System (EE PASS) and received training in the use of the Louisiana Aspiring Educator Rubric (LAER). I now use this rubric to evaluate teacher candidates in field placements, ensuring alignment with Louisiana’s most current observation and growth protocols.
My teaching responsibilities include the development and revision of multiple graduate and undergraduate courses. I assisted my colleague Dr. Larkin Page with creating two cross-listed dyslexia courses:
These courses are now required for Xavier’s new certification track in reading disabilities and reflect the university’s responsiveness to new state mandates. In addition, I proposed new coursework to expand our certification options and authored the design for EDCI 5454 – Collaborative Practices in Special Education to strengthen Xavier University’s MAT program and support the creation of an Add-on Certificate in Special Education.
Recognizing the statewide shortage of qualified special educators, I authored the proposal rationale to demonstrate how this course meets Louisiana Department of Education certification needs and advances our Division's mission of promoting inclusive and equitable education.
I designed the course catalog description to emphasize collaborative teamwork, leadership, and communication skills essential for serving students with significant disabilities. I also outlined how the course expands interdisciplinary engagement across the Division of Education & Counseling, attracts a broader candidate pool, and fosters stronger partnerships with local school districts.
This course represents an innovative expansion of Xavier’s graduate offerings, directly addressing both state and national priorities in special education. My leadership in its development reflects a commitment to program growth, accreditation alignment, and Xavier’s mission to prepare educators who serve all students with excellence and equity.
I represent Xavier’s Division of Education and Counseling at state and regional meetings related to teacher certification, special education, and program accountability. I have participated in external review sessions, curriculum redesigns, and program approval updates to ensure that our coursework remains aligned with CAEP, Louisiana Department of Education, and CEC standards.
Through all of these responsibilities, I help ensure that Xavier remains a mission-centered institution that prepares educators to lead inclusive, culturally sustaining, and equity-driven classrooms.
Since 2019, I have supervised over 90 teacher candidates in clinical placements, including 17 graduate students in Xavier’s EDST 5327B / EDSS 5372A internship courses. I conduct formal and informal observations using the LAER rubric and provide developmental feedback aligned with certification expectations.
Beyond supervision, I led the development of our field placement coordination system, including:
I also helped revise Xavier’s Teacher Education Program (TEP) handbook and co-authored the division’s Educator Dispositions Protocol, which is now used to evaluate candidates at multiple checkpoints. I regularly participate in TEP interviews, candidate screening, and collaborative disposition review processes with faculty teams.
I maintain ongoing partnerships with more than a dozen New Orleans-area schools to ensure placements are equitable and mission-aligned. My work ensures that both candidates and cooperating teachers receive consistent guidance and support.