The Rumi Forum presented “Supporting and Encouraging Communities to Become Involved in School Reform” with Dr. Kenneth Bedell, Senior Advisor, Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Department of Education.
SUMMARY:
In his State of the Union address President Obama said, “You see, we know what’s possible from our children when reform isn’t just a top-down mandate, but the work of local teachers and principals, school boards and communities.” Dr. Bedell will discuss ways that the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership Center at the Department of Education supports and encourages communities to become involved in school reform.
BIO:
Ken Bedell is a Senior Advisor in the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership Center at the Department of Education. He is ordained in The United Methodist Church and led congregations for 16 years in New York, Maryland, and Ohio. He has taught at the junior high, high school, college and theological schools level. As a volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee he taught high school in Swaziland. In his capacity as executive secretary of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities Ken visited schools and colleges in Argentine, Brazil, Korea, Mozambique, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. His is the author of five books and numerous articles and scholarly papers. His book entitled, “Different Ships—Same Boat,” on ethics was published by the World Association for Christian Communication. After receiving his PhD in sociology he became active in the Religious Research Association where he served on the executive committee. He is married to the former Kathryn Hale. They have two grown daughters, Charity Pelletier and Sarah Cook and four grandchildren.