Darlene Fewster

Biography

Dr. Fewster is a faculty member in the Department of Special Education and has taught more than 13 undergraduate courses and four graduate courses. Dr. Fewster was instrumental in the development of the Elementary Education Special Education program. In addition to teaching courses on campus, Dr. Fewster has supervised interns in the Special Education program in various Professional Development Schools throughout the state of Maryland. Dr. Fewster’s scholarship includes presenting at more than 80 conferences for such professional organizations as the World Congress of the International Brain Injury Association, the American Educational Research Association, the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, and the International Reading Association. Dr. Fewster has assumed a leadership role on numerous committees at Towson University and for her academic discipline. Dr. Fewster takes great pride in her teaching and enjoys being with her students. Preparing students for the teaching profession is an honor and a responsibility that she assumes with enthusiasm.

Certification and Licensure

Psychometrist, Maryland State Department of Education (current 2018)

Elementary Education, Maryland State Department of Education (Grades 1-6 and Middle School) (current 2018)

Special Education, Maryland State Department of Education (Grades 1-8) (current 2018)

Special Recognition

2006 College of Education Excellence in Teaching Award

Selected Peer-Reviewed Presentations

Fewster, D. (2019, October). Supporting U.S.-origin, immigrant, migrant and refugee children: Understanding complex trauma. Paper session presented at the 35^th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families, Dallas, Texas.

Fewster, D. (2018, November). Responding to children who face trauma: Is your classroom trauma-sensitive? Paper session presented at the 41st Annual Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fewster, D. (2018, November). Impact of social stress on the brain and body: Fostering resilient learners. Paper session presented at the 41st Annual Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fewster, D. (2018, October). Responding to children who face trauma: Support from teachers, families, and caregivers. Paper session presented at the 34^th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families, Orlando, Florida.

Fewster, D. (2018, March). Mental health concerns following traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents. Paper session presented at the North American Brain Injury Society Conference, Houston, Texas.

Fewster, D. (2018, March). Minimizing the barriers for children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury: Implications for families and schools. Paper session presented at the North American Brain Injury Society Conference, Houston, Texas.

Fewster, D. (2017, November). The impact of trauma on the healthy and developing brain. Paper session presented at the 40^th Annual Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Savannah, Georgia.

Fewster, D. (2017, November). Brain-based teaching for maximizing the potential of students with learning disabilities. Paper session presented at the 40^th Annual Teacher Education Division of  the Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Savannah, Georgia.

Fewster, D. (2016, April). Barriers to learning mathematics for English language learners in the STEM classroom. Paper session presented at the Council for Exceptional Children 2016 Convention and Expo, St. Louis, Missouri.

Selected Invited Presentations

Fewster, D. (2019, June). Grammar smart: Preparing EMPOWER students for the Praxis
assessment. Grammar workshop presented at Towson University, Towson, Maryland.

Fewster, D. & Kerrigan, M.  (2018, May).  Functional recovery following pediatric traumatic brain injury: Implications for school psychologists. Professional development session presented at the Washington County School Psychologist Association Conference, Washington County, Maryland.

Selected Publications

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.

Fewster, D. (2012). Developing a Sense of Becoming a Special Educator. In R.W. Blake, Jr. & B. E. Blake Becoming a teacher: Using Narrative as reflective practice. A cross-disciplinary approach. (pp. 32-57) New York, NY: Peter Lang Publishers.

Additional Professional Experience at Towson University

• Co-developer, Elementary Education-Special Education Major
• Professional Development School Coordinator
• Co-Principal Investigator - 12 Maryland State Improvement Grants
• Special Education Intern Supervisor (Howard County & Baltimore County)
• Advisor, Special Education (Elementary/Middle School)
• Advisor, Elementary Education-Special Education

Recent Service: Committees and Professional Organizations

• Faculty Search Committee (Chair)
• Department Promotion & Tenure Committee (Chair)
• Department Merit Committee (Co-Chair)
• Towson University Academic Senate (College of Education Representative)
• CAEP Standard 3 Committee (Department Representative)
• Maryland Council for Exceptional Children (Secretary)

Selected Professional Affiliations

• American Psychological Association
• Brain Injury Association of America
• Council for Exceptional Children
• National Council for Teachers of Mathematics