Salika A. Lawrence, PhD is currently serving TCNJ as the Campbell Endowed Chair of Urban Education. She is a former middle and high school teacher with the New York City Department of Education. Prior to joining TCNJ, Dr. Lawrence worked with preservice teachers at City University of New York, Medgar Evers College. For two decades Dr. Lawrence has supported preservice and inservice teachers in their professional development as a mentor, coach, and teacher educator. Dr. Lawrence’s research interests include urban education, adolescent literacy, teacher preparation and professional development, and sociology of education.