Southeastern Louisiana University

College of Education and Human Development's 'Conversations on Diversity' Nov. 14-16

Contact: Christina Chapple

11/7/06

(1) Angela Davis, the Yarnspinner (2) Ronald S. Rochon (3) Paige Schulte           

     HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Education and Human Development will present its second annual lecture series, “Conversations on Diversity” Nov. 14-16.

     The trio of featured speakers will present their one-hour lectures twice -- at noon and at 5 p.m. in the Cate Teacher Education Center Kiva -- to accommodate the schedules of students, area educators and community members. The lectures are free and open to the public.

     On Tuesday, Nov. 14, acclaimed storyteller Angela Davis will bring to life tales from around the world. Ronald S. Rochon, dean of the School of Education and associate vice president for teacher education at Buffalo State College, will speak on Wednesday, Nov. 15, on socio-cultural factors influencing American education. On Thursday, Nov. 16, Paige Schulte, assistant professor of education in Southeastern’s Department of Teaching and Learning, will present “The Dark Side of Diversity: Bullying, Harassment, and Relational Aggression in Schools.”

     Known as “the Yarnspinner,” Davis uses storytelling to introduce audiences to imaginative literature, history and cultures from around the world. She also uses stories as a teaching tool, demonstrating to teachers how storytelling skills can breathe life into a curriculum to improve teaching skills and classroom learning. Davis has been enchanting audiences with her storytelling performances at schools, libraries, festivals, and museums throughout the country and has drawn listeners of all ages into the magical world of story theater.

     Rochon said his lecture will focus on “assisting students in examining and deepening their understanding of the ways in which socio-cultural factors influence American educational thought, theory and practice.”

     A Chicago native, Rochon obtained his bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from Tuskegee University and master’s degree with an emphasis in reproductive physiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After working at the University of Chicago, he developed an interest in teaching and obtained a doctorate in educational policy studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

     One of Rochon's primary areas of interest is the recruitment, retention, and successful matriculation of culturally, linguistically, and racially diverse students across the university campus. He also is involved in various area activities and groups and strive to strengthen the relationship between the community and university. 

     Schulte is a graduate of the University of New Orleans where she received her bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education, master’s degree in science teaching and doctoral degree in science curriculum and instruction.

     Before joining Southeastern’s Department of Teaching and Learning, she taught courses in earth science, biology, and history at New Orleans area high schools and was a member of the University of New Orleans faculty. She has also taught courses at Delgado and Nunez Community Colleges and Loyola University.

     In 1996, she was selected as "Outstanding Earth Science Teacher" for Louisiana and runner-up for the Southeastern region by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. She has presented numerous sessions for regional, state, and national meetings, as well as environmental education workshops. She also has attended mentor training sessions at the International Character Education Leadership Conference at the University of San Diego and the Ophelia Institute's Creating Safe Schools Conference.