Darlene Fewster

Associate Professor

Darlene Fewster

Contact Info

Phone:
410-704-2459
Office:
Psychology Building, Room 303
Email:
dfewster@towson.edu

Education

Ed.D., Special Education, Johns Hopkins University

M.A., Clinical Psychology, Loyola University, Maryland

B.A., Elementary Education, University of Maryland Baltimore County

Areas of Expertise

Teacher Preparation (General and Special)
Neuropsychological and Educational Assessment
Impact of Trauma on Neurodevelopment, Learning, & Behavior
Learning Disabilities
Trauma Brain Injury
Neuroscience and Mathematics Instruction

Biography

Dr. Fewster is a faculty member in the Department of Special Education in the College of Education at Towson University. She was instrumental in the development of the Elementary Education Special Education (EESE) dual major and has taught more than 14 undergraduate and graduate courses. Dr. Fewster’s scholarship includes invited and peer-reviewed presentations at more than 90 conferences for such professional organizations as the World Congress of the International Brain Injury Association, American Educational Research Association, Council for Exceptional Children, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics and the International Literacy Association. Her scholarly writing, creative projects and grants have focused on promoting the success of students with diverse learning abilities, promoting an awareness of the impact of trauma on learning and behavior and providing professional development for the retention of teachers in the state of Maryland.  Dr. Fewster has assumed leadership roles on several Towson University committees including Promotion & Tenure, Faculty Search, University Senate, University Curriculum, Teacher Education Executive Board and Maryland Council for Exceptional Children. She takes great pride in her teaching and is dedicated to preparing teachers to be lifelong learners that can make an impact for all students.

Selected Publications

  • Fewster, D. (2023, January). Trauma-informed learning environment [Learning Module]. Blackboard. 
  • 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.

Research

As a psychometrist and educator, Dr. Fewster's research interests include eEffects of vicarious and complex trauma on school-based professionals and students, impact of episodic stress on the mental health of college students, pediatric traumatic brain injury recovery and school reintegration and instructional design for neurodiverse learners. 

Grants and Contracts

  • 12 Maryland State Improvement Grants, co-principal investigator. The total amount awarded was $435,000.00. The purpose of the grants was to provide professional development for practicing teachers. 
  • EMPOWER Grant, Program Evaluator, 2017-2022.

Honors and Awards

  • 2024, Gloria A. Neubert Excellence in Teaching Award, Towson University College of Education

Courses Taught at TU

  • ECSE 425: Assessment: Infant/Primary
  • SPED 301: Introduction to Special Education: K-12
  • SPED 425 and SPED 525: Formal Tests & Measurements for Students with Disabilities
  • SPED 605: Working with Families of Students with Disabilities
  • SPED 637: Inclusion for The Classroom Teacher
  • SPED 655: Interventions for The Effects of Trauma in The Classroom