Supporting students, preparing teachers: Wayne State and DPSCD strengthen Detroit classrooms

Wayne State's Math Brigade places math students in DPSCD classrooms to provide small-group academic support.

Wayne State University has a longstanding commitment to K-12 education across Detroit through its partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), aligning student support, educator preparation and community impact. Serving more than 50,000 students and families, DPSCD is Michigan's largest public education system and a key partner in Wayne State's community engagement efforts.

"Our partnership with Wayne State University reflects a shared commitment to the success of Detroit's children," said Alycia Meriweather, DPSCD's deputy superintendent of partnerships, innovation and whole child support. "When we align research, educator preparation and student support, we create stronger classrooms and stronger outcomes. This collaboration not only expands access to resources for our students but also equips our teachers with strategies that respond to the real needs they see every day. The impact extends beyond individual schools - it strengthens families and the entire DPSCD community."

Through a host of programs, Wayne State faculty, staff and students work alongside DPSCD to support instruction, strengthen academic outcomes and build community around education in Detroit. The partnerships connect university expertise with classroom needs to create learning opportunities that benefit students at every level.

Connecting with young learners

Wayne State's K-12 engagement includes outreach programs that meet students in the classroom. One such program, Math Brigade, places WSU mathematics students directly into DPSCD classrooms during the school day, where they work with small groups of students who need additional academic support. Offered as an internship for students and coordinated through faculty and staff in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Department of Mathematics, Math Brigade is now in its fourth year, serving students at Spain Elementary-Middle School.

"Working in small groups allows us to meet students where they are," said Rouba Daher, Wayne State's Mathematics Resource Center director. "When students get that extra support during class, their confidence grows and that shows up in their work."

Supporting educators

In addition to working with Detroit's youngest learners, Wayne State also provides teachers with professional development and training.

Wayne State faculty collaborate with Detroit teachers through programs like the Detroit Writing Project, sharing research-based strategies to strengthen writing instruction and classroom practice.

The Detroit Writing Project, housed in the College of Education, brings together WSU faculty and DPSCD teachers to share research-based practices and peer collaboration around writing instruction and literacy education. The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts also routinely offers workshops for fine and performing arts teachers.

"By connecting with WSU, our teachers gain access to high-quality, relevant professional development that reflects the vibrant, creative energy of our local community," said Andrew McGuire, DPSCD's deputy executive director of fine and performing arts. "It's more than just workshops - it's about being part of a shared mission to uplift education in Detroit."

The College of Education's TeachDETROIT program also offers support and connection for current and future educators. Developed by professor of mathematics and programs director Dr. Jennifer M. Lewis, TeachDETROIT places Wayne State education students in Detroit classrooms from the start, pairing them with experienced mentor teachers in long-standing partner schools, including Coleman A. Young Elementary School, Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy, Munger Elementary-Middle School and Carleton Elementary.

A Wayne State education student leads a small-group math lesson with Detroit students as part of the TeachDETROIT program, gaining hands-on classroom experience alongside mentor teachers.

"Traditional teacher education programs often start far from the day-to-day realities of the classroom, but in TeachDETROIT our future teachers are placed in exemplary Detroit classrooms from the very beginning so they can see strong instruction every day and immediately connect their coursework to their work with children."

Building a continuous pathway

Together, the efforts create a connected system of support - reaching students early, preparing the educators who will teach them and reinforcing classrooms across the city. Wayne State and DPSCD are strengthening the educational experience within Detroit.

By Darlene A. White