Ronald (Ron) Whitaker II, EdD, began teaching at Cabrini as an Assistant Professor of Education in September 2015. He now teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Aside from teaching, he also is working on facilitating an improvement research project with the goal of teaching college and career readiness skills to Black males through a culturally responsive approach. Whitaker was appointed Director of District and School Relations in the School of Education and recently named Co-Faculty Director for the Center Center for Urban Education, Equity, and Improvement.
Do you have a favorite subject matter—or lesson—that you teach?
I enjoy teaching the theory of culturally relevant pedagogy. I’ve found that my students enjoy learning about this critically important theory, and how it is applied in a classroom setting.
What is your favorite item in your office and why?
My globe is by far my favorite item in my office, because it reminds me that I am preparing my students to make an impact in the global marketplace.
What is your favorite quote and why?
The following quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is my favorite because it highlights the importance of critical reflection and also high morality. The aforementioned tenets are what I try to incorporate in both my teaching and interactions with students.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
By far, San Diego, is my favorite place in the world. My wife, Sheronda, and I are planning to retire in San Diego (a condo overlooking the water). We absolutely love the city!
What are two things still left on your bucket list?
There are two things left for me to do:
- Compete in the world famous Penn Relays Track and Field Event
- Get my “drop-top” corvette.
See Whitaker's recent blog post about exploring the role faith and religion have in improving urban education.