Pathways to Leadership in Early Childhood Education: A Practical Guide for Aspiring and Current Educators

Dr. Priscilla Jeter-Iles is currently an assistant professor, the director of Field Experiences and Outreach, and co-director of Social Action and Justice Education Fellowship Program (SAJE) at Arcadia University. Dr. Jeter-Iles served as an adjunct professor at Arcadia University for over 19 years while teaching in the Philadelphia School District. The last three years of her public school tenure, she was the School Based Teacher Leader.

Dr. Jeter-Iles received her BA and secondary certification in social science in 1986. She received her MEd from Arcadia University, formerly Beaver College, in 1999. In 2009, Dr. Priscilla Jeter-Iles received her doctorate in education from Arcadia University with a focus in special education. In addition to her degrees, she holds certifications in Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education and Leadership. 

She has over 35 years of experience in the combined fields of social work, education, and behavioral health. Currently, she is a trainer for YMHFA and consults for a wide range of educational projects from Early Childhood to Higher Education. Dr. Jeter-Iles enjoys working with novice teachers. She works annually with pre-service educators who are preparing for the educator certification exams across organizations and states. She is a contributor to the original Pennsylvania Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education Competencies developed in 2021. In 2020, she became the co-director of Social Action and Justice Education Fellowship at Arcadia University.

Dr. Stephanie E. Blake is an educator, leader, and changemaker dedicated to transforming early childhood education and workforce development. As Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Learn Empower Grow Consulting Group, she combines her business expertise with a deep passion for creating equitable, high-quality learning opportunities for children, families, and educators.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Blake has served as a teacher and mentor, sharing her expertise at Harcum College, Manor College, and Holy Family University, and guiding aspiring educators in the field as a University Supervisor at Arcadia University.

She believes that education can open doors to lasting change and wants to continue to inspire those she teaches and partners with, building stronger pathways for learners and the educators who serve them.

Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks is a seasoned educator with a distinguished career spanning multiple facets of education, from early childhood to higher education. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, K-12 Studies in Education with Distinction from Capella University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Adult Education from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Kutztown University. 

Dr. Crosby-Weeks is the Chair of Behavior Sciences and Education cluster and the Program Director of Teacher Education programs at Manor College, where she teaches, supervises, and advises students in Manor’s Early Childhood Education (Associate's level), Child Development (bachelor’s level), and Child-Care Administration programs (bachelor’s level). She also serves as Dissertation Chair and Adjunct Faculty at Gratz College, where she supervises doctoral students and teaches education courses in Master's and EdD programs. 

Dr. Crosby-Weeks's extensive experience includes administrative roles and has developed and managed numerous academic programs. With numerous certifications, including Canvas Certified Educator and Quality Matters Teaching Online Certificate, Dr. Crosby-Weeks is dedicated to innovative teaching methodologies. She has a strong record of presentations and publications focusing on equity, leadership, and early childhood education. Her commitment extends to community service, serving on various boards and committees. Dr. Crosby-Weeks has received multiple awards for teaching excellence and academic innovation.