As a Regional Coordinator for Homeless Education for over 16 years, Al Quarles has had the opportunity to work with approximately 300 schools that serve Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness under the Federal McKinney-Vento Program. During this time, he was responsible for providing support, training, and technical assistance to these schools, as well as serving as a State and National presenter on homeless education.
Recently, the Willow Grove, PA, resident was presented with an opportunity to give back to young aspiring educators and those looking to advance their professional careers in the educational realm. As an adjunct faculty member with Villanova University, Quarles has been charged with developing a course for their counselor certification program that focuses on supporting at-risk high school youth with aspirations to attend an institution of higher learning. “This was an opportunity I could not refuse, as it provides me with a chance to share my expertise and experiences with the next generation of educators,” said Quarles.
It was Quarles’ doctoral dissertation advisorship at Gwynedd Mercy University which also gave him an opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with doctoral students. “These experiences have led me to realize that there is a great need for educators to possess empathy with high expectations and practical solutions for students, regardless of any social or emotional constraints that they may have experienced,” said the 55-year-old. “Therefore, the course I have developed for Villanova University is centered around the theme of providing a practical and pragmatic approach to supporting all students.”
Quarles’ last degree was a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, which he received in 2020 from Gwynedd Mercy University. This degree has provided him with the necessary tools and knowledge to take on leadership roles in the educational realm. With his extensive experience in homeless education he is confident that he has the skill set and life experience necessary to provide students with a valuable and practical education.
The course that he has developed for Villanova University focuses on supporting at-risk high school youth with aspirations to attend an institution of higher learning. It will provide a deep understanding of the unique challenges that these students face, and the practical skills necessary to support them in achieving their goals. The course will cover topics such as the impact of poverty on student achievement, mental health issues, and strategies for building relationships with students.
“My hope for my students is that they gain a sharpened lens of the educational landscape, and are equipped with practical solutions that can be immediately implemented in their own classrooms. I believe that empathy, high expectations, and practical solutions are necessary for all educators to possess in order to effectively support all students. I hope to instill these qualities in my students, and provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to become successful educators.”
Quarles is the author of Burning Sands, and the avid golfer is founder of the 18-year-old Bogey Boyz Golf Club. He possesses a strong network of business professionals and has used his influence to grow more participation in the sport of golf. “I am excited to embark on this new journey as an adjunct faculty member with Villanova University.”
Certainly, Quarles’ extensive experience in homeless education, recent doctoral degree, and passion for educating the next generation of educators will enable him to provide a valuable and practical education to his students. “My hope is that they leave my course with a deeper understanding of the unique challenges that at-risk high school youth face, and the practical skills necessary to support them in achieving their goals.”
