Zeynep Ercan, M.A., Ph.D.
ECED 23523: Access and Equity: Culturally Responsive Practices in Technical Assistance
Zeynep Ercan, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Rowan University College of Education and co-directs the Early Childhood Leadership Institute, a professional development and research avenue in early Childhood within Center for Access, Success, and Equity at Rowan University. Her research agenda includes: Culturally and linguistically divers children, teachers, families and communities within the field of early childhood education (ages 0-8), best practices for culturally responsive teaching and intellectual development, and professional development of practitioners and leaders in early childhood education. Dr Ercan’s research has appeared in academic journals such as: Young Children, Ethnicity and Education, Childhood Education, International Journal of Science Education, Early Childhood Education Journal and Diaspora, Indigenous and Minority Education Journal.
Jen Cortes, M.S.
ECED 23521: Continuous Quality Improvement in Early Childhood: Research & Policy
Jen Cortes, M.S. is the Project Manager and Professional Development Specialist for the Early Childhood Leadership Institute within the Center for Access, Success and Equity in the College of Education at Rowan University and also coordinates the COGS program. Her work includes facilitating Communities of Practice, virtual coaching and reflective sessions and utilizing data from feedback loops to build capacity of early childhood specialists. Her interests in family childcare, building self-efficacy and transforming practice are at the heart of her work and research. Jen has presented research findings at national conferences and published an article in NAEYC’s Young Children on her work in supporting family childcare providers within a QRIS. Jen was also the recipient of Delaware’s 2007 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education for her role as a family childcare provider.
Sarah Sexton, Ed.D.
ECED 23522: Critical Perspectives on Coaching and Mentoring Diverse Early Childhood Settings
Sarah Sexton, Ed. D. is the Associate Director at the Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP) in Morganton, NC. At FIPP, Sarah specializes in implementation science, the science of helping early childhood practitioners translate research-based information into practice. She serves as an Early Intervention Fidelity Coach, provides local, national, and international professional development activities, produces self-paced eLearning modules, and develops implementation tools to guide the use of evidence-based early childhood intervention practices. Sarah has expertise in adult learning theory, coaching as a capacity-building interaction style, experiential workplace learning, implementation drivers, organizational strategic planning, and qualitative research designs. She is also certified Early Intervention Fidelity Coach and provides support to mentor coaches across the country who are leading fidelity initiatives within their own organizations.
Johari Sykes-Ratliff, M.A.
ECED 23526: Developing Expertise as an Agent of Change within Early Childhood Systems
Johari Sykes-Ratliff, M.A. is currently an Early Childhood Lecturer and the Initial Teacher Preparation Coordinator for the BA in Education, specialization in Early Childhood, within the College of Education, Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Education Department at Rowan University. Johari graduated from Rowan University with undergraduate degrees in Law and Justice and Sociology. As graduation neared, Johari acknowledged her true calling of becoming an educator. This led her to the beginning of her teaching experience with educating Early Childhood children with the Camden City School District (CCSD).During Johari’s twelve-year tenure with CCSD in the Office of Early Childhood, she served in the capacities of Preschool Teacher, Master Teacher, Lead Educator/School Administrator at two schools which lead to a promotion as Lead Educator/District Supervisor. She furthered her educational goals by returning to her Alma Mater, Rowan University, to obtain a Master Degree in Administration and currently has State of New Jersey Principal and Supervisor Certifications. Johari is an active member of several professional organizations and enjoys presenting Early Childhood content that supports the growth and development of teachers, paraprofessional staff, school leaders, students, parents and the community.
