Dr. Temple S. Lovelace is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Her research interests include social justice and equity through a disability inquiry lens, as well as innovative classroom based instructional and intervention strategies in the areas of academic and behavior supports. With 15 years experience as an educator, she has remained committed to serving young children and supporting quality and innovative education initiatives that provide the opportunity and access all children deserve. Dr. Lovelace spearheaded the revitalization of the widely successful Fusion program, which is a partnership between Duquesne University and Center of Life, a Hazelwood-based community empowerment organization.
Dr. Lovelace started her career as an early childhood interventionist (PreK – 4th special education certification) and a doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst. She was a classroom teacher and worked in community-based programs that supported students with disabilities and their families. Currently she is a co-facilitator of Teachers Leading Change and the founder of igniteCHANGE, which supports youth and teachers as they “ignite their creative confidence” through innovative projects that support educational reform for those most marginalized. igniteCHANGE is a personal and professional space for understanding how social justice and equity work must first begin with understanding how “the voice” of those most marginalized must resonate so loud that change has no choice but to occur. Innovation is key to this change – and through promoting equitable access to all we can begin to transform how education is currently done.
Most recently she has become a partner in Sisters e S.T.E.A.M., a program for middle school girls that increases their esteem through STEAM learning. Created by Venneasha Davis to support African American girls and girls situated in poverty, Sisters e S.T.E.A.M. gives girls a culturally relevant approach to understanding STEAM content.
Dr. Lovelace is a member of the Remake Learning Council.