“I was always teaching about the ‘other,’ making sure there’s space where their voices were heard and seen. Exposing a majority population culture to the 'other,’ and also being able to see and hear the ‘other’ validates and affirms their identity. I’m passionate because this stuff matters. We’re talking about issues of humanity. We’re talking about people and their lives: being able to give space for them and validate their existence. It’s huge!” -Vincent C. Flewellen

The Course

Format: This is a fully online course with no structured class meeting time.

Dates: October 17th-December 18th 2021

Registration deadline: register by Tuesday, October 12th

Pricing: This is a 3 credit hour course. The cost is $145 per credit hour.

What you will learn: This course is designed to increase culturally proficient instruction. The academic focus of this course is to examine how cultural factors contribute to the academic success of elementary, middle and high school students. Students will reflect, explore and evaluate how their values and behaviors support diverse learners.

The Instructors

Vincent C. Flewellen

Vincent C. Flewellen joined Webster University in October, 2018. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, he provides key leadership for the University’s core value of advancing diversity and inclusion as part of the educational mission through the University’s network of domestic and international locations. With more than twenty years of experience weaving diversity, inclusion and equity into the culture of education in the St. Louis area, Flewellen most recently served as Director of Equity & Inclusion at The College School in Webster Groves.

Before taking his role at The College School, he taught in the Ladue School District and for Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School. He also served as Center Director of the University City Children’s Center. Additionally, Flewellen served as an adjunct professor at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis from 2012-2018. He served as a consultant to Washington University in St. Louis in 2006 and 2007. Flewellen also served as a consultant on diversity and inclusion issues for a variety of schools and organizations, including the Kirkwood School District; John Burroughs School; Forsyth School; the Cochran Community Center; and FOCUS St. Louis. Flewellen also has presented professional development sessions to the faculties of the School Districts of both Kirkwood and Webster Groves. He has also served as the Director of Development for St. Louis non-profit Neighborhood Houses (now known as Unleashing Potential). Flewellen served as Managing Director of Program for Teach For America-St. Louis and he was the Speakers Bureau Coordinator for the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures.

In response to the murder of George Floyd, Flewellen launched Webster Speaks: Dialogues on RACE, EQUITY and INCLUSION. As host of the virtual series, he sits down with thought leaders and prominent Black voices and other people of color to discuss issues surrounding systemic racism. For his years of transformative work promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in education, Flewellen was named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2020 Class of Diverse Business Leaders. Flewellen holds a Master of Social Work from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and his Bachelor of Arts in education is from Maryville University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education through Webster University’s School of Education.

Dr. Marshaun Warren

Dr. Marshaun Warren serves as Director of Human Resources, and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Belleville Township High School District 201. She has over 18 years’ experience in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, and coordinator of administrative services.

Dr. Warren has extensive experience in improving staff and student relations, applying school law, and helping all stakeholders feel part of the educational team. Dr. Warren is also a consultant and co-facilitator for Midwest Collaborative for Cultural Proficiency in Schools.

Dr. Warren received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University (2003), M.A. in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University (2005), an Ed.S. from Lindenwood University (2009), and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University (2019).

Media Appearances