The Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board meeting held on October 10, 2024, focused on significant developments in teacher education and leadership programs in Maryland, particularly through partnerships with local universities and school districts. The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing equity-centered leadership in education.

Daryl Williams, program director at Morgan State University, provided an overview of the university's collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools and Towson University. He emphasized the importance of a redesigned certification program that aligns with the changing demographics and needs of Maryland's urban schools. The partnership aims to create a pathway for aspiring leaders, integrating administrative certification with doctoral programs to foster effective educational leadership.

Williams noted the establishment of a memorandum of understanding with Baltimore City Schools, which will support the first cohort of students in the redesigned program. He stressed the need for sustainability as funding from the Wallace Foundation begins to diminish, urging collaboration between the university and local school systems to maintain program effectiveness.

The meeting also addressed the importance of understanding community contexts in educational leadership. Williams highlighted the legacy of redlining in Baltimore and its impact on educational access and resources. He advocated for a place-based approach in training future leaders, ensuring they are equipped to address the unique challenges faced by their communities.

Towson University’s Carla Finkelstein echoed these sentiments, discussing her institution's commitment to equity-centered leadership. She outlined the steps taken to revise courses and assessments to better align with equity principles, emphasizing the need for coherence across different program sections. Finkelstein also mentioned initiatives to enhance clinical experiences for students, allowing them to practice equity-centered leadership in real-world settings.

Both universities are focused on building a supportive network for their graduates, fostering ongoing communication and collaboration among alumni. This includes organizing events that engage current students with experienced leaders in the field, thereby creating a community of practice centered on equity and effective leadership.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective commitment to improving educational leadership in Maryland, with a strong focus on equity and community engagement. As the programs evolve, the emphasis remains on preparing leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply connected to the communities they serve.