Rutgers–Camden Symposium to Explore New Approaches To Math and Literacy Education
The event will bring together educators, university students, and community partners to explore strategies for meaningful change in schools and communities.
CAMDEN, N.J. – October 19, 2026: Rutgers University–Camden will host a free symposium featuring nationally recognized education experts and school leaders to explore strategies for strengthening mathematics and literacy education through collaborative leadership and instructional practice.
“Leadership in Action: Leading Change Through Communities of Practice in Math & Literacy Symposium” will examine how shared problem-solving can help educators strengthen mathematics and literacy instruction, exchange effective practices, and build lasting partnerships that support educational excellence and lasting improvements in schools and communities.
The symposium is scheduled for November 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gordon Theater, 314 Linden St., Camden. The event is free, and registration is required. A light grab-and-go breakfast and lunch will be provided.
"This symposium is an opportunity for educators and community leaders across the region to come together around one of the most important foundations of student success: mathematics and literacy," said Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor at Rutgers–Camden and founder and director of the Community Leadership Center. "No school, district, or university can do this work alone. On Nov. 5, we are inviting educators from South Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware to sit at the same table and leave with strategies they can put to use."
Nick Tasler, an internationally recognized thought leader, organizational psychologist, best-selling author, and leadership expert who writes for Harvard Business Review about decision-making and leading organizational change, will deliver the keynote. His expertise can help inform discussions about how education leaders can make strategic decisions, build support for new approaches, and guide change within their schools and communities.
The event will also feature a panel of education leaders who will bring perspectives from K-12 education, teacher development, literacy, mathematics, and education policy. Featured panelists include:
- T. Marcel-Herbert, manager of secondary mathematics for Cluster 7 and education campuses in the Office of Teaching and Learning, Social Emotional Academic Development at the District of Columbia Public Schools.
- Alfonso Q. Llano Jr., state superintendent of the Camden City School District.
- Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University and founding president of the Learning Policy Institute.
- Roberto Porrata-Doria, chief of teaching and learning for literacy and professional development at LEAP Social Enterprise Inc.
- Ami Healy, Ed.D., training and consultation supervisor at Capital Area Intermediate Unit.
Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, Ph.D., and John Griffin, Ph.D., will host the event, sponsored by the Rutgers–Camden School of Arts and Sciences and the Rutgers Community Leadership Center, and co-sponsored by the LEAP Academy Charter School District and Camden City School District.
To register or learn more, visit the Rutgers–Camden event page.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Ranked among the Top 50 public institutions by U.S. News & World Report and named one of Washington Monthly’s “25 Best-in-Class Colleges,” Rutgers University–Camden provides an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and student success.
Located in Camden, N.J.’s “eds and meds” district, the campus sits within a city rich in cultural and historic attractions, a vibrant arts community, leading healthcare institutions, and global corporate headquarters that support internships and experiential learning. Recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, Rutgers–Camden offers a welcoming environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, with easy access to Center City Philadelphia and the broader South Jersey region.
Home to approximately 6,000 students, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community while delivering the resources of a world-class research institution. The campus comprises four schools—the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Nursing, and the Law School—and is part of the Rutgers University system. Designated an R2 research university and recognized with the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, Rutgers–Camden is a national model for civically engaged urban institutions, contributing impactful scholarship and creative work on a global scale.
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