Penn State’s Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative and Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
Now in year three of collaboration with Penn State’s Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative, teachers and staff incontinue to engage in practitioner inquiry focused on cultivating strong classroom communities and preparing students for the future. Their wonderings explore how to intentionally foster student belonging and engagement, create meaningful opportunities for student voice in curriculum development—particularly in designing a new freshman course—and encourage lifelong learning within programs such as Academic Foundations. Educators are also examining how different test-taking modes influence student success, how course sequencing decisions (such as the placement of geometry) shape learning experiences, and how library spaces and staff roles can better support connection and community. Additional inquiries center on identifying students who may benefit from stronger adult relationships, promoting student ownership of learning, and reflecting on how educator wellness impacts teaching and classroom climate. Collectively, theirwork reflects a sustained commitment to building inclusive environments where students feel connected, capable, and prepared for what comes next.
