Mary Baldwin University’s Teacher Education Program is advancing inclusive, high-impact teaching practices through its leadership in the statewide CEEDAR initiative, preparing educators to meet the needs of all learners.
Mary Baldwin University’s commitment to preparing educators who lead, innovate, include, and collaborate continues to shine through its active participation in the Virginia CEEDAR initiative. In partnership with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the CEEDAR Center, and faculty from George Mason and James Madison universities, MBU’s School of Education is at the forefront of transforming teacher preparation across the Commonwealth.
At the heart of this initiative is a shared goal: to ensure every student has access to highly effective instruction in an inclusive environment. The CEEDAR (Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability, and Reform) Center, based at the University of Florida, offers evidence-based tools and resources to enhance teacher preparation. Virginia’s CEEDAR mission furthers this work by focusing on the power of collaborative engagement between universities, state agencies, and local school divisions.
Our work with CEEDAR affirms MBU’s mission to empower educators as change agents.
Dr. Pari PaluszakDirector, Teacher Education Program
MBU’s Role in a Regional Collaboration
Representing Mary Baldwin in this initiative are Dr. Pamela Bailey, Dr. Pari Paluszak, and Dr. Stephanie Sebolt. Together, they are shaping the integration of high-leverage practices (HLPs) and evidence-based practices (EBPs) into both pre-service and in-service teacher development. These strategies are designed not only to support students with disabilities but to elevate learning for all students across Virginia.
“Our work with CEEDAR affirms MBU’s mission to empower educators as change agents,” said Dr. Paluszak. “By embedding these high-impact strategies into our coursework, we are equipping future teachers to thrive in diverse classrooms.”
The MBU team has developed a series of strategic goals that reflect both the CEEDAR vision and the university’s own dedication to inclusive excellence:
- Embedding high-leverage practices into all education coursework, with special focus on the special education program.
- Providing comprehensive professional development on HLPs and EBPs to all faculty and adjunct instructors.
- Analyzing student and course data to improve the implementation of these practices.
- Developing a centralized online resource hub for faculty and students.
- Collaborating closely with K–12 school partners to respond to their evolving needs.
A Promising Future for Student Impact
MBU’s work is also expanding access to teacher licensure pathways. Through an apprenticeship grant with Newport News Public Schools, four students are pursuing bachelor’s degrees that include a special education general curriculum endorsement. Additionally, a recent SAEF grant supports 12 school division employees in completing their licensure and special education degrees at MBU.
“Our programs are designed with both quality and equity in mind,” said Dr. Bailey. “We’re not only preparing teachers — we’re partnering with schools to meet the urgent demand for skilled educators who can make a lasting impact.”
As the Teacher Education Program continues to grow, the MBU faculty remain steadfast in their mission: preparing classroom-ready educators who are equipped to lead student-centered learning across the Commonwealth.