Education
Ed.D., Special Education, Johns Hopkins University
M.A., Clinical Psychology, Loyola University, Maryland
B.A., Elementary Education, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Darlene Fewster
Associate Professor
Areas of Expertise
Teacher preparation
Neuropsychological and educational assessment
Impact of trauma on neurodevelopment, learning and behavior
Learning disabilities
Neuroscience and mathematics instruction
Biography
Dr. Fewster is a faculty member in the Department of Special Education in the College of Education at Towson University. She was instrumental in the development of the Elementary Education Special Education (EESE) dual major and has taught more than 14 undergraduate and graduate courses. Dr. Fewster’s scholarship includes invited and peer-reviewed presentations at more than 90 conferences for such professional organizations as the World Congress of the International Brain Injury Association, American Educational Research Association, Council for Exceptional Children, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics and the International Literacy Association.
Her scholarly writing, creative projects and grants have focused on promoting the success of students with diverse learning abilities, promoting an awareness of the impact of trauma on learning and behavior and providing professional development for the retention of teachers in the state of Maryland. She takes great pride in her teaching and is dedicated to preparing teachers to be lifelong learners that can make an impact for all students.
Selected Publications
- Gartland, D., & Strosnider, R. (2023). Considerations for transition from high school to postsecondary education. Learning Disability Quarterly, 46(3), 230-242.
- Gartland, D., & Strosnider, R. (2022, July). Considerations for transition from high
school to postsecondary education. Learning Disability Quarterly.
https://doi.org/10.1177/07319487221111099 - Fewster, D., & Doran, P. (2016). PANDAS/PANS in The General Education Classroom: Creating a Brain-Friendly Learning Environment. In P. R. Doran PANDAS and PANS in School Settings: A Handbook for Educators (pp. 104-120). London, UK, Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Selected Presentations
- Gartland, D. (2025, March). From Pre-Service Candidate to Confident Early Career Special Educator: Twenty Tips to Maximize Your Journey. Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD.
- Gartland, D. (2024, October). How National Alliances Are Affecting Change in the LD Field. 46th International Conference on Learning Disabilities, Charlotte, NC.
- Gartland, D. (2024, October). Expanding Your Reach: Advocacy Strategies for School Personnel. 46th International Conference on Learning Disabilities, Charlotte, NC.
- Gartland, D. (2023, March). Strategies to success: From pre-service/intern to first-year teacher. Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference, Louisville, KY.
- Gartland, D. (2022, October). Making a difference for students with learning disabilities. 44th International Conference on Learning Disabilities, Richmond, VA.
Research
As a psychometrist and educator, Dr. Fewster's research interests include effects of vicarious and complex trauma on school-based professionals and students, impact of episodic stress on the mental health of college students, pediatric traumatic brain injury recovery and school reintegration and instructional design for neurodiverse learners.
Honors and Awards
- 2024, Gloria A. Neubert Excellence in Teaching Award, Towson University College of Education
Teaching
- ECSE 425: Assessment: Infant/Primary
- SPED 301: Introduction to Special Education: K-12
- SPED 425 and SPED 525: Formal Tests & Measurements for Students with Disabilities
- SPED 605: Working with Families of Students with Disabilities
- SPED 637: Inclusion for The Classroom Teacher
- SPED 655: Interventions for The Effects of Trauma in The Classroom