Education is Life

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION ALUMNI MAGAZINE SUMMER 2008

Alumni Spotlights Page 2

Alumni News Page 6

Alumni Events Page 10

Education Alumni Awards Page 13

Program Highlights Page 16

Faculty Appointments Page 26

Upcoming Events Page 27 Greetings From the Dean

Sh elle y B. Wep n e r De a n a n d Pr o f e s s o r , Sc h o o l o f Ed u c a t i o n

What Should You Know About Your Alma Mater?

There is no substitute for a good teacher and leader. While we have known this about ourselves for eons, it is heartening to learn that those in the public eye—legislators, government officials, politicians, and policy makers—now have and are using the research to persuade others about our importance as guardians of this nation’s PreK-12 educational enterprise. We at Manhattanville College’s School of Education believe that exemplary teachers and leaders emerge and succeed as a result of innate characteristics, professional preparation, and lifelong professional development. Consequently, we as a School of Education strive to excel at providing all that is needed to prepare and continually develop our students and alumni for the teaching and leadership jobs that they have and which they may seek. With that said, what is it about your alma mater that gives you bragging rights about your education? Indeed, you can proudly make the following claims: n You come from an NCATE-accredited institution that prepares students to be highly qualified, has programs that are nationally recognized, and has faculty that have met rigorous standards from their respective professional societies. n You graduated from an institution that offers the widest array of programs in Westchester County, and has a sterling reputation in the community; so much so, that local area teachers and administrators rave about the qualifications of Manhattanville graduates and seek to partner with us to positively influence their schools and districts. n You are about to be part of your alma mater’s transformation as it prepares itself to offer its first-ever doctoral program in educational leadership (pending New York State Education Department approval) that will gain national prominence because of its innovative program offerings. n You are witnessing the School of Education’s emergence as a leader in promoting the urgency of addressing the challenges of the changing suburbs. Manhattanville is doing so with its ever-evolving “Changing Suburbs Institute” (which we affectionately abbreviate as CSI) that uses evidence-based information to make discoveries about ways to best educate diverse student populations, with a special emphasis on Hispanic students and their parents. n You are part of a community of teachers and leaders who use every opportunity to learn and grow through the School of Education’s Annual Educational Forum, Distinguished Lecturer Series, Kappa Delta Pi workshops, Dean’s Symposium, Hispanic Parent Leadership Conference, and co-sponsored conferences with local professional associations. n You are part of a family which includes faculty who have excelled as PreK-12 educators and who now are engaged in finding answers to pressing educational challenges related to literacy, science education, bilingual and foreign language instruction, early childhood instruction, community-based schools, and leadership practices. Indeed, it is an exciting time to be part of Manhattanville College’s School of Education, not just because of its unprecedented growth, or its 75-year old history of preparing top-notch educators, but because it needs you to keep us nimble, innovative, forward-thinking, and cutting-edge. Please consider joining one of our alumni groups, nominating yourself or someone else for one of our alumni awards, and participating in one of our professional development opportunities (see inside for details). By doing so, your interesting ideas and unique talents can be tapped as we continue to develop our reputation as a school that is second to none in Westchester County and beyond. The more that you get involved, the more widely dispersed our message will be about the magic of a Manhattanville education.

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 1 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION ALUMNI LIFE School of Ed Alumni Spotlights

Media Literacy for the Media Savvy: A New Middle School Curriculum for YouTubers and MySpacers

By Jo h a n n a Mu s t a c c h i (MAT ’00 El eme n ta r y Ed u c at i o n ) Johanna Mustacchi is a Media and “What’s Relevant for Communications Teacher for 6th, 7th, YouTubers?” and 8th grades at Pierre Van Cortlandt Posted By Diana Costello On Middle School in Croton, New York. She March 13, 2008 @ 10:46 am In college is certified Elementary N, K-6, and Middle admissions, Educational Leadership, Childhood Generalist 5-9. Internet, YouTube, MySpace, Croton, Johanna’s article “What’s Relevant for Uncategorized | No Comments YouTubers?” was published in the ASCD Today’s students are immersed in Educational Leadership magazine website mass media – from TV to My Space to and appears in the March 2008 issue. The YouTube to the Internet to cell phones abstract is below: and instant messaging. Croton’s Pierre Van Cortlandt What’s Relevant for Middle School teacher Johanna YouTubers? Mustacchi developed a curriculum Students today spend more time to help students become informed accessing digital and mass media than consumers of mass media. students of any previous generation. “Students need to develop a Teachers can make use of students’ critical eye, and schools need to teach interest in the media while helping them how to become literate in the them become more intelligent viewers multimedia experiences that routinely and users. With this reality in mind, Joanna Mustacchi and several of her bombard and sometimes exploit them,” Johanna Mustacchi developed and students at work Ms. Mustacchi writes. implemented a three-year media literacy This is exactly what she teaches her curriculum for middle schoolers. Students learn to both sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students at PVC. In sixth produce and analyze print, broadcast, and digital media. grade, the curriculum covers print media, focusing on the Mustacchi kept students engaged by offering opportunities creation of a school newspaper; in seventh grade, students for hands-on learning, showing videos and YouTube, and study video and produce commercials, news broadcasts, and discussing current media-related events. Students universally more; and eighth graders focus in on the Internet, which respond with amazement at learning so much they never includes both analyzing online information and building knew about the media. and maintaining websites. As a result of this article, Johanna was spotlighted in Always the teacher, Ms. Mustacchi parlayed her Kim Marshall’s “Marshall Memo,” a weekly newsletter sent experience writing the Educational Leadership article, to administrators all over the country. contacting the magazine, and having her work edited into Johanna was also written up in the Lohud “Hall “teachable moments” by sharing the process with her Monitor” section on March 13, 2008. students. n

Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers Teachers is a career development and (TSTT), of Elmsford, NY, celebrated mentoring organization that recruits Manhattanville Alumni 2007 college graduates who have been and trains culturally diverse and Move Ahead for trained and mentored in TSTT’s career economically challenged high school development and mentoring program, students to prepare them for college Careers in Teaching and are moving ahead for careers in the with teaching as their career goal. teaching profession. TSTT partners with the New York (a n n o u n c e m e n t a ppe a r e d i n t h e Mt. Ve r n o n Two Manhattanville alumni State Board of Regents, school districts, In q u i r e r , Sep t e m be r 13, 2007) completed the program and were colleges and community-minded recognized: Ekene Ndubuisi and Jessica businesses to implement its program of Hilton. teacher training and placement. n Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s

Pa g e 2 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 A Third Grade Class Writes Letters to the Troops

Do r i s Mi d d le t o n (MAT ‘78 Ele m e n t a r y Ed u c a t i o n /Ps y c h o l o g y ) Doris Middleton is a third grade period, many soldiers were stationed loaded each and every letter with teacher for 26 years at the Thomas far away from their homes and their questions such as why did you join, Jefferson School in the Washington families would not be able to attend have you driven an army car, do you Township School District in New the platoon’s graduation. Therefore, need good eyesight to be in the military Jersey. Her third grade students he made sure to lift the soldiers’ spirits and many more along with much wrote letters to troops in an American and came prepared with a stack of praise and thanks to each and every military training post as part of a letters in hand and read each and every one of them. A re-batch of letters will class assignment. The students built one of them aloud to his homesick be received in November, but both the a correspondence with the soldiers peers. Middleton stated, “As young students and teachers cannot wait until during the course of the school year. as the students are, they seem very the troops arrive back home. Who Doris was surprised to receive a appreciative, and they realize these knew that something as simple as a letter from a future soldier who said people are defending them and our letter could lift the morale and spirits that his group had been down on country” knowing that even though in of our fellow troops? morale. The entire platoon was called today’s world writing an old fashioned In a digital world where it seems to formation and the students’ letters letter is not the most popular, it was everyone is texting or IM’ing or were read to them. The soldier said greatly appreciated by our fellow e-mailing, reading and writing between that the students’ letters motivated and soldiers. the lines may seem old fashioned. encouraged the soldiers. While some soldiers were teased Doris said “I’m from the old The students’ letters helped in about how creative Doris’ students school. E-mail has its advantages and many ways that Doris and her students would decorate the letters to the disadvantages, but there’s nothing like had not anticipated. One soldier soldiers, one cadet remembers being a handwritten note.” And these notes noticed that other cadets received little teased for receiving a heart shaped clearly meant a lot and made a big or no mail and “requested backup letter and was forced to do pushups difference for soldiers in training away from a bunch of eager 8-and 9-year before being allowed to open it. from home. n olds” who wanted new pen pals of Unsure how to start their letters their own. After a 17-week training to the soldiers, Middleton’s students

Inspirational Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Ch r i s t i n e St i a s s n i -Ge r l i (MAT ’74)

Christine Stiassni-Gerli received the just came off the board of Greenwich’s conversational English at the English- perfect eightieth birthday celebration Women’s Business Development Speaking Union in Manhattan one day by becoming a volunteer for the Committee (WBDC), which focuses on a week. As Stiassni-Gerli states, “This Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village assisting women entrepreneurs, mainly is a time in our history when we need program, which is an adventurous minority women. Christine was the to reach out, person-to-person, as much complement to a lifelong focus on founder of Helping Hands, a nanny- as possible.” philanthropy and education for finding service. WBDC has been Looking ahead, Christine is working women. associated with Helping Hands and has considering going back to Csurgo September 2007 found Christine spread itself through other towns over with Habitat for Humanity or possibly perfecting the art of spackling in rural the years. joining a team that will be headed to Csurgo, Hungary. She was the eldest Christine who resides in Thailand. n in a group of volunteers ranging from Greenwich, CT., has an association an eighteen-year old to mostly senior with the Carver Center in Port Chester. citizens. Christine didn’t mind hiking This dates back to the 1960’s and Editor’s Note: Christine listed in her four miles every day to accomplish this Christine sees the services that the notable accomplishments “reaching 80 and project along with having to adapt to Center offers as an immediate way of remaining active mentally and physically.” unseasonably cold weather. helping. The School of Ed stands in admiration Christine is on “only a handful This winter, Christine will be of the spirit and accomplishment of this of boards” at the current time. She a mentor for foreign speakers in wonderful alum!

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 3 Reflections of a Manhattanville School of Ed Alum

Br e t t Er e n be r g (MAT ’97)

I am Brett Erenberg, teacher of 6th areas” that you always hear about in a year ago, I interviewed for a 6th Grade Social Studies in Valhalla teaching. My Social Studies methods grade position in what literally seemed Middle School, in Valhalla, NY. I have classes were jam-packed with students! like my “dream school,” Valhalla been teaching full time for eight years I don’t remember exactly when, but Middle School. Although I possessed now, but as I write I am just finishing I had a sit down with an advisor who no 6th grade teaching experience, I up my first year at the job I hope to offered me some very valuable advice: believe I was ultimately chosen for the retain for the rest of my career. it would be wise for me to enhance my position in part because I was part I received my M.A.T. in Secondary future marketability by picking up some of a much smaller pool of candidates Social Studies from Manhattanville other teaching certificate besides 7-12 possessing this certification, along in 1997. I pursued my masters Social Studies. The first idea, Special with a content specialty in Social degree intensively, as a full time Education, didn’t particularly appeal to Studies. Apparently, there are lots of student, starting the September after me at the time. Neither did teaching common branch elementary teachers I graduated as a history major from Language Arts, because I didn’t who have an extension to teach in New York University. While my possess the prerequisite undergraduate some upper grades, but my principal teachers- both those in my content area coursework. The most practical idea was looking for a 6th grade teacher and in educational philosophy and seemed to be the grades 5-6 extension with a true middle school mentality- methods- were exemplary, to this day to attach to my S.S. 7-12 certificate. that is, someone who came from the I believe that my last semester is what This would ultimately qualify me to background of having taught older really transformed me into a teacher. It teach Social Studies in any elementary kids, instead of younger ones. was during this semester that I started or middIe school setting in which So, as it turned out, the student teaching. The Manhattanville 5th or 6th graders traveled from class advice given to me 11 years ago staff did an admirable job placing me to class. I signed up immediately for at Manhattanville College, that in student teaching positions. My the two required extra courses: one this extension would improve my cooperating teachers were fantastic in elementary methods, and one in marketability, proved to be true. veteran teachers, who literally molded Middle School philosophy. Upon Now don’t get me wrong-I know that me into the teacher I am today. Also, completion of these final courses, and my seven years of varied teaching my supervisor at Manhattanville during of course student teaching in both a experiences had to have been a factor this period helped me pull everything High School and a Middle School, in being chosen for a very coveted together, and make sense of all that was the Manhattanville staff was able to Social Studies position, but without the coming at me. The best thing about shepherd me through the process of 5-6 extension, I certainly never would my experience that final semester was attaining my certificates of qualification have been called to interview for the that NO ONE was easy on me. I even for both 7-12 and 5-6 Social Studies. position. I feel very fortunate to have cried (over stacks of papers I had to I ended up teaching 7th and 8th been the recipient of not only the best grade) a few times during those three grade in private schools and in NYC preparation as a student and student months, thinking, “How does anyone schools for seven years, never teaching teacher, but also for the very prescient really do this for a living? What have I under this 5-6 extension. While advice that the Manhattanville staff gotten myself into?” teaching at MS 181 in Co-op City, in gave me back in 1997. It took ten years Now, backing up a bit to the the Bronx, I put in for my permanent for it to all work out, but the 5-6 extension three semesters prior to my student certification, and wisely paid the fee turned out to be the best decision I could teaching, as I progressed through my for my Grades 5-6 certification to be have made at the time. n required classes, it became increasingly made permanent as well, but never clear that secondary Social Studies believing I would actually ever need wasn’t exactly one of those “shortage it. Then in early July, 2007, almost

Pa g e 4 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Manhattanville Alum Publishes a Children’s Book Tricia Grosso Clancy (MAT ’03) has a children’s book that is coming out in August, 2008. (The announcement appears below) The book is intended to help children who have lost a loved one. It should be in bookstores by August 2008. n

We Need You! For The New School Of Education Alumni Board We invite you to be a part of a brand Benefits to alumni include 2008-2009 meeting schedule: new initiative for School of Education career development, professional Thursday, October 2, 2008 alumni: the new School of Education development, personal development, Tuesday, December 9, 2008 Alumni Board! and networking. Thursday, January 29, 2009 The SOE continues to strive to Benefits to the SOE include Thursday, March 26, 2009 create rich experiences for its alumni, program improvement, public and to cultivate and sustain its relations, development, and the Contact Laura Bigaouette relationship with alumni. Your ideas, support of initiatives. at (914) 323-5482 or perspective, and input are all needed! Be a part of a brand new project [email protected] Purpose of the Board: to and help to create and develop ideas explore ways in which alumni can for this new group. Create an alumni reconnect to Manhattanville School organization that you and your fellow of Education to develop a mutually alumni envision! n beneficial relationship.

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 5 is back on campus again and is now in currently the central office supervisor School of Ed the Masters of Writing program and of Gifted Services in the Arlington Alumni News is anticipating getting this degree in Public Schools District. In 1978 2009. Christine received a citation she achieved her BA in English and 1966 from The Institute of Museum Services American Literature along with an in Washington, D.C. in recognition of additional degree; MA Administration. Carol Maurer (MAT ‘66 exceptional contributions to the United She received an award for Outstanding Concentration American History with States Government and the museums Teacher of the Gifted and personal Honors) is a teacher and department of this nation. She taught English recognition for the Education Policy chair for social studies at Rye Neck at public and private high schools in Leadership Fellowship. High School. Carol received a Westchester County. Christine “side- Professional Diploma in School stepped” her teaching career into Barbara Torre Veltri (MAT ‘79 Administration and Supervision in museum administration. She served as Elementary Education) is an assistant 2007, and in 1964 she received her the director of the Discovery Museum professor of Elementary & Social BA in American History with honors. in Bridgeport, CT, and served as the Studies Education at Northern Arizona She has received many honors and CT representative for the New England University in Flagstaff, Arizona. She awards such as Outstanding Service Museum Association. Christine then received her Ed.D. in 2005 from to NY United Hospital award, became a small business owner for Arizona State University. Barbara Outstanding Social Studies Supervisor fourteen years running Helping Hands, developed Power Hitter, LLC which is award, Human Relations Education a nanny search and support firm in a sports education business teaching award, and School to Work award Greenwich, CT, working with parents program. It enriches and remediates along with many others. Besides in Westchester and Fairfield counties with math and literacy curriculum and awards Carol has also been actively recruiting child caregivers for families. is tied to baseball. Barbara appeared involved in committees such as Mayfair Christine says that she does not feel in the June 22, 2008 Chronicle of Organization of NY United Hospital: very “retired” with still a number Higher Education regarding TFA Board of Directors, Westchester Youth of non-profit and family pursuits. research. Leadership: Board of Directors, NYS Christine has worked over the years Council for the Social Studies: Cultural as a volunteer and board member of a Education, Westchester/Putnam Social number of local and regional groups. 1981 Studies Supervisors: Board Member, (See article) Mamaroneck/Larchmont Human Frances J. Ames (MAT ‘81 Bi-lingual Rights Commissions: Advisory Board 1978 Ed.) worked in public relations for and Tri-County Leadership Institute: 13 years at the Miami Art Museum. Advisory Board. Carol is married to Doris Middleton (MAT ‘78 Elementary Upon early retirement he returned to her husband William C. Maurer with Education/Psychology) is a third teaching, where he currently works three children; Michelle, Billy, and grade teacher at the Thomas Jefferson at MDCPS. He created two classes Carolyn Pietrucha. School in the Washington Township for Senior Citizens. One class is School District in New Jersey. Doris “English for the Foreign Born Senior;” 1970 was recognized as Teacher of the Year for students ranging from 65 to 92 in 1992 at Thomas Jefferson School. years old where he uses singing and Pamela Hayes (MAT ’70) in 2000 Her second and third grade students reading lyrics to stimulate learning became the Director of all four schools have written to “Grand Pals” at the English. The second class is a Music, at the Schools of the Sacred Heart, Cardinal Village assisted living home. Movement and Sing-a-long class for San Francisco. She has developed a Doris was a cooperating teacher for seniors 80 to 101 years old focusing on strong community advocacy program four student teachers, two of whom flexibility, memory skills, and music with their African-American neighbors. were former students. She was also and movement. At 65 Frances is more Pamela began and built a new boys a mentor teacher for some first year active than ever. He teaches ESL four high school, a new arts and science teachers. Doris has kept a photo album days and two nights a week and learns center, and is currently redoing the with teaching memories, school events, so much from his students from so boys’ school from the inside out. Total parents and students letters, since 1976! many different countries and cultures. renovations estimated around $50 (See article) million dollars. 1984 1972 1979 Brain Callahan (MAT ‘84 Elementary Christine Stiassni-Gerli (MAT ‘72) Margaret Blaiotta Gilhooley (MAT Ed/Spec. Ed) works in the Brunswick got her Masters in Humanities in 1974 ‘79 English 7-12) began as a teacher, School District as a fifth grade also from Manhattanville. Christine moved to assistant principal, and now teacher. Brian is a member of the

Pa g e 6 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Park Advisory Board in Patterson, schools. Phyllis has received the Girl & Art) is full time high school teacher NY and a member of the Waterside Scout Recognition/ Brevard Music as well as tackling numerous art career School ISEE preparation. He is Center Award. activities. Most recently he had a solo also an administrator for Brunswick exhibition in Amsterdam and released Junior Bruin Ice Hockey Clinics from 1995 his third printing of his children’s book November to March. “Alphabet City: Out on the Streets” Joanne McGrath (MAT ‘95 English) by Gingko Press. For over fifteen 1987 is a Middle School ELA teacher at years he has been creating street art Hastings-on-Hudson schools. Joanne that is not limited to the streets and Jane Skouge Turk (MAT ‘87) is an helped design an Interdisciplinary has appeared in galleries, museums, enrichment teacher in the White Plains Project recognized by the Blue Ribbon books, and magazines around the School District. In 2005 she received and co-wrote their Blue Ribbon world including The New Museum a National Board Certification, N-6, application; which was a very successful of Contemporary Art, NY; the 7-12 Social Studies and Gifted and one, and presented at the Blue Ribbon Neuberger Museum, Purchase, NY; the Talent Certification. Jane also is an Ceremony at Washington D.C. in Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, adjunct at Pace University teaching Ed November 2007. She was twice Ridgefield, CT; MASS MoCA; the Psych and Human Development. She presented “American Young Adult A3 Art Fair, Paris; Biblioteca Civica teaches at NYSUT instruction both in Fiction” at Clifden Community Arts G. Tartarotti, Rovereto, Italy and The graduate and undergraduate programs Week, Clifden, Co. Galway Ireland National Gallery, Bangladesh, amongst and Assessing Learning, Multiple along with being a member of the many others. Michael has also been Intelligence. Edith Winthrop Teacher Center Policy featured on the cover of New York Bd. Joanne also has one-year-old twin Magazine “Reasons to Love New York” 1989 granddaughters. issue and participated in the Wooster on Spring exhibition at New York’s JoAnn DeCarlo (BA ’76, MAT ’82, 1996 “Candle Building”. De Feo’s award MPS ‘89) retired five years ago from the winning children’s book “Alphabet Town of Greenwich where she taught Nan L. Gabriel (MAT ‘96) is currently City: Out on the Streets”, pays homage kindergarten, first and second grades a teacher at Port Chester Head Start. to the classroom that is NYC- using for thirty years. JoAnn spends time Nan received her MSW from Fordham his paintings glued on the streets of at her home in Vero Beach, Florida. University. Involving herself in the Manhattan to illustrate each letter of JoAnn is grateful for the education she community she is a part of the Martin the alphabet. Michael lives in New received at Manhattanville. Her years L. King Institute for Nonviolence, York with his daughter, Marianna, and in education were happy and fulfilling, WESPAC, Forthill Drama Group, teaches high school art in Fairfield and she feels fortunate to have had the and the leader of the Single Parents County, Connecticut. opportunity to shape so many young Support Group. At 83 she goes minds. to Curves for Women every day to Christine O’Connor (MAT ‘99 maintain a physical active life. She is Secondary English) is a part-time 1991 involved in a writing course at Sarah English teacher at Edgemont Jr-Sr High Lawrence College Writing Institute as School. Christine enjoys teaching Jeff Knisely (MAT ‘91) is an 8th well. three classes of high school English grade teacher for Social Studies in and having time to be involved in her Chappaqua. Myriam Lopez Valle (MAT ‘96) is an daughter’s elementary school and ESL teacher at Trinity Elementary brownie troop. 1992 School and New Rochelle Public Schools. In 2000 Myriam achieved 2000 James Carlson (MAT ‘92 Social her ESL certification from St. John’s Studies 7-12) is a content specialist at University. Valle is the director of the Barbara Anne Forte (MAT ‘00 Social Sussex Teach High School. In 2007 Children’s Ministries at “El Olivar” Studies) was a “stay at home mom,” and 2004 James was a Recipient of Church in Portchester, NY. She was and returned to teaching social studies DCSS “Outstanding Contributions in married at Manhattanville’s O’Bryne at FDR High school. She received Social Studies” along with involving Chapel on 7/17/99 to Walter Valle. a dual certification in Social Studies himself in the community as a Voice of She has two sons, Silas who is four and Special Education. In 2007, Democracy Project with VFW. years old and Daniel who is almost two Barbara continued her studies and years old. achieved her degree and certification Phyllis Steinman Caplan Nesbitt in special education. Barbara also (MAT ‘92 K-12) currently works at 1999 involves herself in Strategic Planning Free Lance/ Dance Exercise and is a Committee/ Hyde Park LSD. Barbara volunteer arts council and teaches in Michael De Feo (MAT ’99 Education has two children; Noelle age 6 and

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 7 Christina age 2. She currently teaches School District as a fourth grade the committee for RTI (Response Global History, Geography, and teacher at Park Avenue Elementary to Intervention) and a mentor at History. School. Jennifer has obtained Manhattanville College for new degrees in Educational Leadership teachers. This is her second year as Johanna Mustacchi (MAT ‘00 MPS, Bachelors degree in English at a mentor and thoroughly enjoys her Elementary Education) is a Media and Fordham University and her undergrad experience. Danielle has received the Communications Teacher for 6th, 7th, at Rosehill in the Bronx along with Kappa Delta Pi award along with a and 8th grades at Pierre Van Cortlandt her MST at Fordham University, notable accomplishment of receiving Middle School in Croton, New York. Lincoln Center. Jennifer’s professional tenure in two areas of her certification. She is certified Elementary N, K-6, and recognition includes the Kappa Delta Danielle will be getting married in Middle Childhood Generalist 5-9. Pi education honor society, NYS October 2008. Johanna’s article “What’s Relevant Academy of Teaching and Learning, for YouTubers?” was published in and SUNY Purchase Teacher Center 2004 the ASCD Educational Leadership Professional Curricular Development magazine website and appears in the Award. She is now part of an Samantha Larrea (MAT ‘04 Art March 2008 issue; the Marshall Memo; intensive language institute program at Education-Visual Arts) has been and was written up in the Lohud “Hall Manhattanville College to be certified teaching in the Eastchester School Monitor.” (See article) in ESL and will be the third vice District as a High School Art and K-1 president of the Park Avenue PTO in Art teacher for the past four years and 2002 Port Chester. Jennifer is enjoying life loves it. Besides achieving her masters in her newly renovated home with in education she has also obtained Enjoli Joseph Anderson (MAT ’02) has husband Rob, a guidance counselor a BFA degree in Advertising Design. taught for the past six years at Ardsley at Hommocks Middle School, and Outside of teaching, Samantha works Middle School. Besides teaching, daughters Jane, 5 years old, and Gwen, with The Waverly School’s Picture he is also the coach of the volleyball 3 years old. This! which includes an Art Gallery, and bowling team. The bowling Cafeteria Mural Project, 500 Tile team qualified for sectionals for the Christine Ireland (MAT ‘03 Art Project, Digital Photography Program; third year in a row. Enjoli is also an Education) is a Basic Occupational paid by the Wavery’s PTA Gift money adjunct professor at Manhattanville Education Integrated Art teacher at of $10,000, and Eastchester’s District College and teaches Scientific Methods Southern Westchester BOCES. She is Wide Arts Festival. In addition of Inquiry. He recently bought a also the advisor for Skills USA-Career Samantha is working towards her townhouse in New City, New York and and Technical Education Achievement certification in Structural Yoga and has a one year old daughter named program. Kida Yoga. Andrea Anastacia. Danielle Patane (MAT ‘03) began her Faye Pachonas (MAT ‘04 Biology 5-9, 2003 career as a classroom teacher in the 7-12) is a Biology teacher at Grace Bronx. She remained in the Bronx Dodge Career and Technical High Andrew Bausili (MAT ‘03) is an for three years and received tenure. School. She is also part of the Council English teacher at Bronx High Danielle moved on to Westchester for Unity Youth Group. School of Science. Andrew received and began working in the Hendrick an additional degree in ESL. In Hudson School District as a reading Medard Thomas (MPS ’04) was 2002-2003 he worked at Bronx Science, specialist. She has been with the Parkway School’s Assistant Principal 2003-2006 worked at New Rochelle school district for the past three and is now the Assistant Headmaster High School, and 2006 to present back years and is presently a resource for the Waterside School in Stamford, at Bronx Science. room teacher. As an undergrad she CT. In 1996 he began as a second majored in Sociology and minored grade teacher at Parkway School in Tracy Campanite (MAT ‘03) is an 8th in elementary education continuing Greenwich. For eight years he taught grade teacher and assistant athletic her graduate studies in Reading and second, fourth, and fifth grade before director at Briarcliff Manor School Writing K-12. Danielle has obtained becoming Assistant Principal for the District. Tracy received the Briarcliff certifications in Elementary Education International School at Dundee in Manor Teacher of the Year 2006-2007 Pre K-6, Reading and Writing K -12, 2004 and later returned to Parkway award. Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6, School in 2005 as assistant principal. Wilson Level 1 certification, and is Medard received his Bachelor of Jennifer Carriero-Dominguez (MAT currently working on National Board Science in Psychology from Fordham ‘03) currently works in the Port Chester Certification. She is presently on University in 1994, his Masters of

Pa g e 8 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Science in Early Childhood Education Maria Ricci (MAT ‘05 Jump Start) husband, Fabricio and four beautiful from Bank Street College of Education has just completed her fourth year of children; Daniel, Arianna, Tommy in 1996 and a Masters of Science teaching and is currently at Valhalla and her stepson Nicholas. Odalys is in Educational Leadership from High School teaching Spanish. She an ESOL teacher at Highlands Middle Manhattanville College in 2004. also completed a summer study School in White Plains School District program to Guanajuato, Mexico last teaching Beginner, Intermediate & 2005 summer. Advanced students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. She participated in the Madeleine Ayala-Lopez (MAT ‘05) Roberta Walton (MAT ‘05 Early Manhattanville Alumni Mentoring is a fourth grade teacher at Hackley Childhood) currently works at PS6x Guild program for 2007-2008. Odalys School where she is extremely happy in the Bronx teaching first grade. also teaches ESOL in the evening Adult and enjoying the benefits of working Roberta is a former editor and writer, and Continuing Education program at in a private school, including living on and teaching is her second career. Yonkers School District called Yonkers campus, having 15 bright students, and Besides teaching she is involved with Pathways to Success. Through this going as a chaperone on school trips to Literacy Volunteers of America and position she is able to help the parents Japan. writing books for first-graders. One of of the students and the community her notable accomplishments is that as a whole by improving student’s Michael Fisher (MAT ’05 Childhood, she attained “Plus 30” Professional English survival skills and community Certified Grades 1-6) is a second grade Development accreditation while also knowledge. teacher in the Bronx. making time to regularly meet with other students in the Cohort 4 Jump- Rosana Diaz (MAT ’07 Foreign Kerry Devaney Jacobs (MA ‘05 Art Start Program. Language; Spanish 7-12) teaches at Ed K-12) is the head of the Fine and White Plains Middle School and is Performing Arts Department at the 2006 involved with LASOS evening parents school of the Holy Child. Aside program and coordinates children’s from receiving an award from Kappa Jennifer Shallo Baiocco (MAT ‘06 evening programs. Delta Pi, Kerry began the Summer Biology 7-12) is currently a Biology Arts Immersion Program at School teacher at Blind Brook High School. Catrina Rocco (MAT ‘07 Social Studies of the Holy Child in June. You can She recently married on July 15, 2007. 5-12) is a social studies teacher at New find further information regarding World High School in the Bronx for this program at www.holychildrye. Richard M. Dima (MAT ‘06) received 9th and 10th grade Global Studies. org. Kerry also started the December his MAT in Social Studies 5-9, 7-12, In 2003 Catrina received her BA Arts Immersion and a visiting Artists and Students with Disabilities/Special from SUNY Albany and in 2005 was Program, and has fostered these Education 5-9, 7-12. He is currently a initiated into Kappa Delta Pi. She programs for the last two years. She special education teacher at Arlington teaches at a high school that is geared married James E. Jacobs on August 25, High School. Richard and his wife are just for ELL’s, an English language 2007. expecting their second child; daughter immersion school that is public. n Maeve, in February. Soraya Martino (MAT ‘05) lives in Connecticut where she works at Beth Krapa (MAT ‘06) is a visual arts the International School at Rogers teacher PreK-5 at Martin Luther King Magnet. During her second year Jr. Elementary in Yonkers. teaching she was required by the State of Connecticut to pass a Portfolio in Scott Schiff (MPS ‘06 Childhood and order to keep her certification. This Special Ed.) is a special education was a huge project and required a lot teacher for the 6th grade at Middlesex of time, commitment and most of all Middle School in Darien, CT. Scott had to show how well she was prepared received the KDP Honor Society award to teach a foreign language; in Soraya’s and had a baby due this past May. case Spanish elementary K-5. She passed her portfolio with the best score 2007 and the State of Connecticut kept her portfolio as an Exemplar Porfolio to be Odalys Cedeno (MPS ‘07 TESOL) is a used across the state. very humble and spiritual person. She is blessed with a wonderful devoted

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 9 2007-2008 ALUMNI EVENTS

School Of Education Alumni Associations The School of Education Faculty hold a catalyst for the formation of alumni sharing of experience and expertise a passion for not only teaching current groups for specific areas in education. among teachers in specific grade students, but for providing lifelong Alumni associations for individual level areas. Alumni report that their learning and success for alumni. departments are extremely valuable for involvement in these groups has already The Faculty’s involvement in the School of Education alumni. These been very valuable in that the sharing community and with current students associations provide professional of information and experiences are spe- and alumni in their respective areas was development, networking, and the cific to certain grade levels or topics. n

Educational Leadership Network “Happenings”

Dr. Ka t h y Ro c kw o o d

This year there were two Educational professional development credit. Leadership (EDLEAD) Network Please consider taking advantage of forums: one on October 22, 2007 this support, especially if you are in a and April 28, 2008. At the October leadership position. 22 forum Dr. Jerry Willis provided an The April 28 forum featured update on the Educational Leadership Zachery Sims, a senior from Greenwich doctoral program which precipitated High School, who has his own internet a lot of questions and interest. Dr. consulting business. Jory Lockwood, Virginia Hurley made a presentation a Greenwich High Technology Coach and proposal that targeted alumni and Mville adjunct, helped organize to participate in a Virtual Coaching the presentation with Zachery. From pilot. Three brave souls participated in the moment that Zachery started some of the monthly virtual coaching his presentation, he had everyone’s sessions and Wilma Reid continued attention. He showed the group to be involved all year. With some examples of the various interactive refinements, we plan on offering this web-based tools that students are using. Jory Lockwood (left) and Zachary Simms opportunity to graduates again next Everyone was inspired and challenged year, with the option of accruing as we discussed the implications for classroom instruction and for leaders supporting teachers’ professional development in the use of instructional technology. As we plan for next year, the EDLEAD Network now has new leadership, with three officers. Jeannie Hurley (August ’08) will serve as president and Wilma Reid (May ’07) will serve as vice-president. Kathy Rosoff (May ’06) will continue to lead the Leadership Book Group. We look forward to excellent programs next year and collegial exchange. The Network offers an important source of support for alumni and has been well attended. We look forward to sustaining our friendships during 2008-’09! n

Ed David (alum) and Ron Valenti, Former Superintendent-Blind Brook

Pa g e 10 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Early Childhood Alumni Association

Dr. Pat r i c i a Va r d i n

On October, 11, 2007, The Early Childhood Alumni Association held its first meeting, launching a new alumni group for the School of Education at Manhattanville College. Seven alumni attended the meeting including Marty Berntsen, Renee Ferrito, Barbara Flynn Laura McDermott, Susanne McHugh, Tina Pezzullo, and Laura Woodson. Susanne McHugh and Barbara Flynn were established as co-Presidents of the organization and Dr. Patricia Vardin, Chair of the Early Childhood Education Department, offered to serve as the faculty advisor. Dean Shelley Wepner welcomed alumni back to Manhattanville and offered her support The ECH group at the kick-off meeting in October 2007 for the association as well as praise to the alumni for their interest and watch a film on classroom management initiative in forming the organization. and discuss the content of the film Members then discussed the goals and afterwards. The last event of the objectives of the group and discussed year was held on May 1, 2008. The plans for the 2007-2008 school year. Association had a reception to network They agreed that the organization and to welcome soon-to-be graduates would focus on several key purposes of the Early Childhood Department. including creating opportunities for The program for the event was a professional development, networking, presentation on “Facilitating Young Laura Woodson and Meghan Mara at May 1 event sharing instructional practices and Children’s Speech and Language social activities. Development in the Early Childhood Alumni Association is looking forward In addition to the organizational Classroom.” The presenters were to planning events for the coming meeting, the group met four times Speech Pathologists Jaclyn Israel, M.A., year and contacting and welcoming during the 2007-2008 school year. CCC and Nancy Trommer-Thaul, new members. If you are interested in In November, the association M.S., CCC. A dinner and a discussion joining the Association, please contact met for a networking dinner at a followed the presentation. Dr. Vardin at 914-798-2714. n restaurant close to Manhattanville The Early Childhood Education College. On December 5, 2007, the ECH Alumni Association hosted Dr. Paul J. Donahue, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist and CHILDHOOD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION author of a new book “Parenting Without Fear.” Dr. Donohue gave JoAn n e Fe r r a r a a presentation entitled “Developing Positive Relationships With Parents” The Childhood Alumni Association had its first meeting on Thursday, April 10, which included a question and answer 2007. segment and a book signing. This meeting, co-chaired by Association Co-Presidents Erica Silver and Erica The Association also sponsored Tancora, was attended by fifteen childhood alumni. The group outlined program a film/discussion night on March 26, ideas for professional development and networking events for the coming year. 2007. Members had the opportunity to The group will host events that capture the needs of our graduates and alum. n

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 11 School Of Education Distinguished Lecturer Series

Each year, the School of Education Center of City College. Prior to appeared on numerous television hosts a Distinguished Lecturer series commencing a career as a teacher shows, including Oprah, The Rosie where it invites leaders and innovators educator, Ken taught high school O’Donnell Show, Prime Time Live in the field of education to speak. science and mathematics in Australia with Connie Chung, Barbara Walters’ All events were co-sponsored by the and was involved in curriculum design. The View, Good Morning America, Teachers Center at Purchase College His research interests are focused on and CSPAN’s Book TV. Along with and The Edith Winthrop Teacher appearances on television, they have Center of Westchester. also been featured on National Public Radio, national newspapers, and Maxine Greene was the People magazine. Paramount Pictures distinguished lecturer for the second released “Freedom Writers” in January Distinguished Lecturer Series on 2007, a film based on this remarkable September 26, 2007. Her topic was story featuring Hilary Swank as Erin. “Imagination in the Classroom: Erin is a graduate of the University of Realizing Possibility.” California, Irvine, where she received Dr. Maxine Greene is professor the Lauds and Laurels Distinguished of philosophy and education and the Alumni Award. She earned her William F. Russell Professor in the Master’s Degree and teaching Foundations of Education (Emerita) at credentials from California State Teachers College, Columbia University. University, Long Beach, where she was She is the founder of the Maxine honored as Distinguished Alumna by Greene Foundation for Social the School of Education. Imagination, the Arts, and Education. The foundation directs its primary Maxine Green delivers her presentation Deborah Meier was the fifth attention to the intersections among Distinguished Lecturer for the School various modes of social action and of Education on March 19, 2008. engagements with the arts. Dr. Greene the teaching and learning of science in Her topic was “School Reform in the received a Ph.D. in the Philosophy of urban schools, which involve mainly 21st Century: When the Exercise of Education from New York University. African American students living Teacherly Judgment Becomes a Radical She taught Philosophy and Literature in conditions of poverty. A parallel Act.” A learning theorist, Deborah at New York University before being program of research focuses on co- Meier encourages new approaches hired as an Associate Professor of teaching as a way of learning to teach in that enhance democracy and equity in Literature at Montclair College and an urban high schools. public education. She is currently on Associate Professor of Education and the faculty of New York University’s Philosophy at Brooklyn College. She Erin Gruwell, author of “The Steinhardt School of Education as began her career at Teachers College, Freedom Writers Diary Teacher’s senior scholar and adjunct professor; Columbia University, in 1965. She Guide,” visited Manhattanville’s Board member and director of New also became the editor of Teachers School of Education to give a special Ventures at Mission Hill; director and College Record that same year. She presentation on October 2, 2007. Erin advisor to Forum for Democracy and became Philosopher-in-Residence at the Gruwell currently serves as president Education; and a Board member for Lincoln Center Institute for the Arts of the Freedom Writers Foundation. the Coalition of Essential Schools. in Education, and was the first female She raises awareness by traveling Her books, The Power of Their president of the American Educational nationwide to speak to inside large Ideas, Lessons to America from a Research Association in 31 years. corporations, government institutions, Small School in Harlem (1995), Will and community associations. The Standards Save Public Education Ken Tobin was the distinguished Freedom Writers Foundation uses (2000), In Schools We Trust (2002), lecturer for the third Distinguished innovative teaching methods through Keeping School, with Ted and Nancy Lecturer Series on October 10, 2007. workshops to train teachers to Sizer (2004) and Many Children Left His topic was “Learning to Teach in improve the academic performance of Behind (2004) are all published by Diverse and Dynamic Classrooms.” their students, along with providing Beacon Press. n Kenneth Tobin is Presidential Professor scholarships for commendable of Urban Education at the Graduate students. Erin and her students have

Pa g e 12 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 School Of Education Presents Its New School Of Education Alumni Awards To Six Alumni Six School of Ed Alumni were honored at the recent Graduate Awards & Recognition Ceremony on May 8, 2008.

The Alumni, their friends and family, and the colleagues who nominated them for the award were in attendance at the ceremony. The award recipients received a certificate and a desk plaque in honor of their achievement. President Berman, Interim Provost Schick, and Dean Shelley Wepner presented the alumni with their awards.

The 2008 School of Education Alumni Award winners are as follows:

THE VALIANT EDUCATOR AWARD — Carol Kowalcyk Maurer Carol Kowalcyk Maurer receives her award from President Berman Carol is the Chair of the Social Studies Department in Rye Neck High School. Carol was nominated for this award by Dr. Barbara Ferraro, Principal of Rye Neck High School. Carol was nominated because she embodies the mission of and practices educating students to become ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community. Dr. Ferraro stated that every student succeeds in Carol’s classes, and this is a view shared by students, parents and teachers. Carol shares a concern for world issues that affect humanity that led her to create and advise the Student Awareness Coalition which brings information and raises consciousness regarding issues that affect humanity. Carol also developed a popular elective course, Cultural Explorations, which celebrates diversity and promotes tolerance with a global perspective. Dr. Ferraro summed up Judy Toscano is congratulated by her nominator Marlena Roberts Carol’s accomplishments by observing that Carol brings twenty seven years of joy of learning and “big smiles” to students on a daily basis.

THE INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD — Judy L. Toscano. Judy is an Applied Arts & Enrichment Teacher at the Wampus School in Byram Hills and has been teaching there for eighteen years. Judy was nominated by a fellow teacher Marlena Roberts and by her Assistant Principal Angela Garcia. Judy submitted a proposal for an applied Arts program that would incorporate the New York State Language Arts and Theatre Arts Standards to be implemented with the entire school body. The administration embraced this and has been in place at the Wampus School for eight years. Judy Susanne McHugh (L) is congratulated by President Berman while Bobbie has also spearheaded two large-scale fundraising Flynn receives congratulations from nominator Professor Patricia Vardin

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 13 events for the Byram Hills community: she co-wrote and directed a revue and produced and wrote an original show that incorporated a tribute to families of 9-11.

THE INNOVATIVE TEACHING AWARD (Honorable Mention) ­— Kathleen Harbort Kathleen is a science teacher at the Eastern Middle School in Greenwich, CT. Kathleen has been a teacher for 34 years. She was nominated by Dr. James Micik who is an adjunct professor at the Mville School of Education. Kathleen’s innovative approach to teaching the sciences has earned her the reputation as one of Connecticut’s outstanding educators. She is Kathleen Hobart with nominator Dr. James Micik extremely dedicated to her students and to the field of education.

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD — Barbara Flynn and Susanne McHugh Barbara and Susanne are Co- Head Teachers at the Rye Methodist Nursery School. They were nominated for this award by Dr. Patricia Vardin, the Chair of the Early Childhood Education Department at Manhattanville. Susanne and Barbara helped to conceptualize, design, initiate and develop the new Early Childhood Alumni Association. This association is a key concept and program that is part of the overall SOE Alumni program. The Early Childhood Association has promoted alumni involvement and contributed to the networking and professional Rosa Taylor is congratulated by her nominator Dr. Eileen Santiago development of SOE Early Childhood alumni. Barbara and Susanne have put in many hours of their time to developing a cohesive group and the Principal of Thomas Edison Professional Development School at planning events and programs. Elementary School in Port Chester. Edison. Rosa was selected to serve Their efforts resulted in a year of Rosa was appointed to the principal as Edison’s first Community School rich programming and a strong and position last year and has already Coordinator and in this role was expanding group. established a learning community the founding member of one of the that maintains high expectations first full-time community schools in THE INSPIRATIONAL RECENT for both adults and children while Westchester. Rosa has distinguished ALUMNI AWARD — reaching out to all of the families in the herself as a teacher, advocate for Rosa I. Taylor community. Rosa has been involved children, and community leader. n Rosa is the Principal of Park in the development of innovative site- Avenue Elementary School in Port based programs such as the creation of Chester. Rosa was nominated for a school-based health center as well as this award by Dr. Eileen Santiago, the creation of Manhattanville’s first

Pa g e 14 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 School Of Education 2009 Alumni Awards

Call for Nominations can come from the candidate’s students, professional peers, We are looking to recognize our distinguished alumni and / or supervisors. You may also self-nominate. Self- who embody the mission of Manhattanville College and the nominations must be supported with recommendations School of Education. from students, peers, and/or supervisors. Award recipients will be recognized at the School of Manhattanville College Mission: Education Graduate Awards Ceremony in May, 2009. To educate students to become ethically and socially Nominations are being accepted now. The deadline for responsible leaders for the global community. submissions is March, 2009. School Of Education Mission: Submit nominations to Laura Bigaouette via email at To educate candidates to become ethically and socially [email protected] with an explanation of how the responsible teachers and school leaders for participation in candidate supports the criteria for the award. Nominations the educational community. n

SOE Alumni Awards Description Criteria

Distinguished Service Awarded to a SOE Alumnus who • “Gives back” experience and enthusiasm to current Award has contributed to the SOE through SOE student body by speaking at workshops, events, involvement in programs, events, panels panels, mentoring, and “gives • Volunteers time to participate in SOE events back” as an educator to the student • Enthusiastically and consistently shares experience, community. knowledge, wisdom, or research with SOE students and/or mentors • OR Contributes gifts or raises money for SOE in the form of contributions, scholarships or awards

Valiant Educator Award Awarded to a SOE alumnus • Career accomplishments illustrate examples of whose career and community promoting ethically and socially responsible leadership accomplishments reflect the with his or her constituency (Birth to Grade 12 or higher mission of the School of Education students, Birth to Grade 12 or higher faculty or others) and Manhattanville College by • Community accomplishments reflect the candidate’s contributing to the ethical and social commitment to promoting ethical and social growth to growth of the population he/she the population he/she serves serves.

Inspirational Recent Recognition for a young SOE • Must have graduated from Mville Masters program in Alumni Award graduate (within the last decade) the last 10 years for exceptional contributions to the • Has made an exceptional, creative, innovative field of education and/or to the contribution to the field of education community.

Alumni Innovative Presented to an alumnus who has • For all Mville alumni Teaching Award demonstrated innovative teaching • Evidence that innovative teaching addresses the diverse that positively affects PK-12, needs of students in the classroom or higher education students’ • Evidence that innovative teaching positively affects motivation and achievement. student motivation and achievement through student comments and/or peer or principal nominations

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 15 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Keeping the Arts in Education

Bi ll Go r d h , Ad j u n c t Fa c u l t y -Sc h o o l o f Ed u c a t i o n

courses combine hands-on experience, readings, and discussion, as well as solo and group creative activities to explore their subjects. The “Arts in Education” course has taken the form of an intensive weeklong Summer Arts Institute (now in its 6th summer!). As the brainchild of Dr. Patricia Vardin, the first institute brought together two adjunct professors, Christine Mulligan and myself, to collaborate on a unique educational offering. The classes in a workshop setting immerse the students in a variety of exciting arts adventures, experientially and intellectually. Ms. Mulligan, who is completing her Ph.D. from Teachers College, has worked in public school classrooms as an arts specialist and as a classroom teacher, as well as studying museum education. Her knowledge of the major

Final project for Aesthetic Literacy. Lawryn Berrios’ piece incorporated storytelling, animation techniques, visual arts, and theatre arts

Arts in Education is facing challenging threatened status of the arts, it becomes times. As the focus of many schools crucial that students in the School of is on the “core” subjects of English, Education learn to be innovative and math, and science, the arts are often dynamic teachers incorporating the arts relegated to second-class citizenship in their curricula, as well as articulate or worse – banishment. As more and and eloquent advocates for the place of more time is spent on quantifying a the arts in every child’s school life. student’s education, less is focused The courses that I lead at on its quality. I don’t think that most Manhattanville, “Arts in Education” arts educators believe that English, or and “Aesthetic Literacy” offer the physics or algebra should be dropped students an opportunity to explore a from the curriculum; they just feel range of arts disciplines experientially thinkers in Arts in Education and the arts should have the space and in order to be able to incorporate them the academic underpinnings of this attention they deserve. Time and again in their future teaching. Taking the lead work brought a valuable perspective educators are finding that a school from such influential arts educators to the Institute. My own work as an rich in the arts prospers in all areas of as John Dewey, Maxine Green, Elliot educator, author, and storyteller/ study and exploration. Because of the Eisner and Wallace Fowler, these two musician rounded out our team. We Continued on page 17

Pa g e 16 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS wanted the Institute to provide a The “Aesthetic Literacy” class School of the Arts) wide range of art experiences and so also incorporates “Art as Experience” is an adjunct faculty we invited a number of guest artist/ as a crucial element of its syllabus. member in the Arts educators who are experts in their In this class through the exploration at the School of Ed. fields. Thus students in the Summer of various arts disciplines, students His books include Arts Institute always get to experience become literate in the arts. Though “Stories in Action: first hand - storytelling, the visual arts, these disciplines share many concerns, Interactive Tales” creative movement and music with they also have ideas, vocabulary and and “Learning dynamic practitioners. Depending on approaches unique to their forms. In Activities to Promote the summer, they have also worked this class, in addition to the writings Early Literacy “(Libraries Unlimited, with an animator, a puppet-maker of leaders in arts education, we read a 2006). He was commissioned by and songwriters. Drawing on these variety of articles on aesthetics that can and performed with the New York experiences, the students devise their enrich every aspect of our lives. Philharmonic in an original work, The own arts activities. Keeping in mind “Arts in Education” suggests an Roaring Mountain with composer the groundbreaking work of Howard expansive way of looking at the world. Jon Deak. He is the Director of Gardner on Multiple Intelligences, At a time when many disciplines of Expressive Arts at The Episcopal the Institute offers strategies to reach study call for convergent thinking, the School in the City of New York. Bill the wide range of learning styles arts celebrate imaginative divergent is the storytelling consultant for the and aptitudes of students of all ages. thinking – thinking that can explore Tribeca Film Festival, on the faculty of Although Summer ‘08 did not have the the “what if” in life. We’ll need more of the Jacob Burns Film Center Summer benefit of Ms Mulligan’s guidance (as this kind of thinking as we move into Institute and was a featured storyteller she is completing her thesis), we had a an ever more complex world. at the White House Easter Egg Roll dynamic group of guests that insured during the last three years of the a superb educational experience for all Bill Gordh (AB – Philosophy, Clinton administration. n participants. Duke University; MFA – NYU Tisch

News from the Educational Leadership and Special Subjects Department

Ka t h y Ro c kw o o d , Ch a i r -Ed u c a t i o n a l Le a d e r s h i p

School District Leader & December. The first phase of the volunteered to participate in an eight- Doctoral Program Updates formal review of our doctoral program week virtual coaching pilot. The School District Leader program readiness and program review began Virginia Hurley, a certified coach was officially approved by the New on December 3, 2007 with a two-day and assistant principal in New Canaan, York State Education Department in site visit from a doctoral site visit team. is facilitating the coaching program. December. That means that we will The seven member team represented Through this pilot, we hope to identify now be able to offer three additional various positions and came from all ways to support alumni who are in program options to Leadership over the country. While the two days leadership positions. The coaching candidates. In response to the needs were very intense, the discussions and entails one hour group phone coaching of our growing Physical Education feedback from the team members were sessions twice a month, with follow- graduates, we can now prepare them to very supportive of our program plans. up communication to individuals via be School District Athletic Directors. We used the team recommendations phone or e-mail as needed. We want For individuals who want to assume to revise our original Doctoral program to convey to our graduates that our district-wide administrative roles, they reports. Overall, the team members commitment to them does not end can enroll in the School District Leader were impressed with our campus after they leave our programs. The program. Some individuals may want community and all of the individuals challenge is to be responsive to their the option to have dual certification with whom they interacted. varied needs. Without a doubt, the as School Building Leader and School face-to-face interactions mean a lot to District Leader. That is also possible. Supporting Alumni: our alumni who enthusiastically attend We reached an important Virtual Coaching Pilot the Educational Leadership Network milestone for the Educational A small group of Educational Forums. n Leadership Doctoral Program during Leadership alumni “pioneers” has

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 17 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS MAT in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy

Rh o n d a Cle m e n t s , Pr o f e s s o r -Ph y s i c a l Ed u c a t i o n Pr o g r a m MAT in PE and Sport Pedagogy Joins LAST exam, completed the on-line program content. Indeed, the new New York’s Brightest… application as specified by New York mentorship program is an excellent The MAT in Physical Education City Department of Education, and step forward for those students who and Sport Pedagogy Program took a have completed a Child Abuse Seminar desire to teach within the “most big step forward this spring in creating and a Preventing School Violence progressive, largest, and dynamic public a new program element entitled, the Seminar (S.A.V.E). school system in the country.” And, Manhattanville College Mentorship The Program Director is you can be certain that each of the Program for Physical Education. delighted(!!) to be working with 1,450 schools provides something This special program element will the New York City Department of unique for interested physical be used to better prepare interested Education and Manhattanville’s education professionals! n students in teaching in the New Student Teaching Office, to assist York City School System, and it will in better preparing individuals for replace the Jump Start Program that their spring and summer interviews. had currently existed. In short, the Currently there are 18 motivated program is aimed at giving individuals physical educators who are actively a great opportunity to secure a fulltime attending job fairs, interviewing in teaching position (with full benefits) a number of excellent schools and As of May 2008, starting in any of the five New York City performing demonstration lessons. teacher salaries range from boroughs, while only having completed All 18 individuals firmly believe that $45,530 (bachelor’s degree, one-half of their degree. teaching physical education in New no prior teaching experience) To be considered for entrance, York City will be a uniquely challenging to $74,796 (master’s degree, individuals must have completed the and a rewarding experience. 8 years teaching experience). three prerequisite courses in the science Likewise, New York City is Teachers who already have a area, no less than 18 credits of graduate committed to hiring only the most master’s degree but no teaching level coursework counting toward the highly motivated and dedicated experience will start at $51,425. MAT in Physical Education and Sport teachers to work with their students. Pedagogy degree (i.e., one half of the They are also seeking candidates who 39 required credits and have taken are strong communicators, use data MPE 5537 Analyzing and Assessing to make informed decisions, and have in Physical Education that requires subject matter expertise that coincides 100 hours of observation ), passed the with the MAT Physical Education

News From the Early Childhood Education Department

Pat r i c i a Va r d i n , Ch a i r -Ea r l y Ch i l d h o o d This past fall, the faculty and students October 27, 2007, the Department co- speakers, and another meeting was a in the Early Childhood Education sponsored the Westchester Association film discussion. Department were involved in many for the Education of Young Children During the Fall, the faculty exciting activities and projects. 43rd Annual Conference involving completed the initial phase of the new In October, the Department over 450 Early Childhood educators NCATE assessment system in an effort co-sponsored two early childhood and Manhattanville students. Patricia to prepare for national accreditation. conferences at Manhattanville College. Vardin served as a liaison between The Department was well- On October 24, 2007, the Department the organization and Manhattanville represented at several major co-sponsored the Westchester Child College. Shelley Wepner and Diane educational conferences in the fall Care Council 2007 Infant and Toddler Lang gave opening remarks at the including the National Association of Teacher Conference. Over 150 conference. Early Childhood Teacher Educators educators and Manhattanville students The newly formed Early and the National Association of the attended the all-day conference. Childhood Alumni Association held Education of Young Children. n Patricia Vardin presented a seminar on its first meetings this past fall. Two of evaluating infant and toddler learning the meetings were organizational, two environments at the conference. On were dinner meetings featuring keynote

Pa g e 18 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

and teach a unit to a class of second News From the Becoming a Teacher: grade children. Literacy Department Collaborative Research Through coteaching, participants share responsibility for the planning Ma r y Elle n Lev i n , Ch a i r -Li t e r a c y in the Undergraduate and facilitating of lessons as part of Teacher Education their coursework. Pre-service teachers The Literacy Department was busy collaborate to develop and teach in Westchester public schools in the Program lessons with Christina’s support (as Fall ’07 semester. Mary Ann Reilly course professor) and the support of began a Professional Development Ch r i s t i n a Si r y , Ch i l d h o o d Dep a r t m e n t the classroom teacher, Mrs. Barbara School relationship with Jefferson Terracciano. Elementary School in New Rochelle. During the spring 2008 semester, three Cogenerative dialogues are Mary Ellen Levin is working on an undergraduate students participated conversations around a shared inclusive project at Emerson Middle in a research group to examine the experience with the specific focus of School in Yonkers with the New York impacts of science methods courses on taking collective responsibility, and State Higher Education Task Force their development as new elementary “co-generating” a plan of action. In on Quality Inclusive Education. Jane teachers. David Bedard, Nicole Lowell, the case of a collaborative-field based Gangi’s Methods II class did their and Elizabeth Zawatski met every course, these conversations provide field experience in a fifth grade class second week with Christina Siry and for a critical exploration of issues of at George Washington in White worked in partnership to examine the teaching science. Plains, a Manhattanville Professional possibilities a collaborative approach to Video observations refer to an Development School. They led story- teacher education creates for identity individual reflective review of video telling workshop and led a mask- transformation and feelings of group vignettes of classroom teaching making project. Mary Ellen Levin’s membership. experiences. This provides for an students in Literacy Research Seminar Teacher education has long analysis and critique in hindsight, did research projects in five public been focused around finding ways to and creates a layer to investigate the schools on such topics as motivating a effectively connect educational theory preparation of new teachers for the reluctant learner, integrating an English with teaching practice. Christina has complexities of classroom teaching. Language Learner at the kindergarten developed a collaborative field-based This approach to a teacher education level and learning a new commercial approach to her elementary science course intends to lead to a strong program to teach phonics. methods courses, which encompasses identification with the social and Jane Gangi presented at the 12th Annual New England Conference on Multicultural Education: Teaching Writers’ Craft through Culturally Responsive Instruction. She and Mary Reilly presented a workshop at the New York State Readings Association Conference in Saratoga Springs, entitled Multicultural Literature in Writers’ Workshop: Teaching Writers’ Craft in Culturally Responsive Ways. Kristin Rainville chaired a panel at National Council of Teachers of English entitled Literacy Learning Communities: Unlocking Diverse Literacies. She also presented at the Spring National Reading Conference on coaching: “Reading Resistance: (l to r) Beth Zawatski, David Bedard, Chris Siry, and Nicky Lowell Negotiating Practices When Coaching Resistant Teachers.” She also co- three overlapping experiences for professional role of “teacher” and facilitated a study group on literacy pre-service teachers: coteaching, ideally enable pre-service teachers to coaching that met daily at the cogenerative dialogue, and video connect theory with practice. conference. n observation. In these courses, all This study is entitled Becoming participants work together to develop a Teacher: Identity Development and

Continued on page 20

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 19 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Group Membership in Collaborative presentations thus far, and several Field-based Methods Courses and projects are still in progress. The first the research was supported through a presentation was given by Christina, research grant provided to Christina Nicole, and David to the faculty of as part of her doctoral studies at the Manhattanville College on January Graduate Center, City University of 30, 2008, and was entitled Developing Kappa Delta Pi New York. The purpose of the research Identity and Community through Ri c k He c ke n d o r n , Ad v i s o r & Pr o f e s s o r - is to illuminate the components of the an Authentic Approach to Teacher Cu r r i c u l u m & In s t r u c t i o n collaborative field based framework Education. A second presentation that can facilitate new teachers’ identity was given by all four members of the The first two professional development transformation and feelings of group research group on May 3, 2008 at the panels for 2007-2008 were held membership. Nicki, David, Beth and “Sharing Our Success in Urban Math October 4, 2007 and October 10, Chris partnered in data analysis as part and Science Education Conference,” 2007. The topics were “What To Expect From Your Student Teaching Experience” and “How A New Teacher Can Prepare for the First Week of School” respectively. The October 25, 2007 gathering included a presentation on “Educational Issues in the Classroom,” to Kappa Delta Pi members and other Manhattanville students The Manhattanville Omega Xi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi held its initiation ceremony, December 6, 2007, where 9 undergraduate students and 9 graduate students were inducted. Jerry Willis was the keynote speaker. March 20, 2008, six 8th grade students from Scarsdale Middle School showed a movie that they created to Nicki Lowell, Beth Zawatski, David Bedard working on a presentation for a conference reenact Little Rock. Middle school at NYU social studies teacher Steven Scharf, also a Manhattanville alumnus and of a larger ethnographic study that is held at New York University. This speaker at the Dean’s Symposium, concerned with creating transformative presentation was entitled Becoming initiated this social studies unit. opportunities for pre-service teachers a Teacher: Identity Development and The Spring 2008 KDP Initiation to begin to see themselves as new Group Membership in Field-based Ceremony took place April 17, 2008. teachers and members of a professional Science Methods Courses. Mary Ellen Levin was the keynote community. Together the group Through the collaborative research speaker, and President Berman and investigated their individual and project, the group was able to meet Interim Provost Schick brought collective experiences in the course their goals of identifying resources and greetings to the KDP inductees and and considered how issues of identity practices in elementary science teaching their family and friends. n emerge in the context of collaborative that emerge from the collaborative field-based courses and how the use field-based approach, and investigating of an authentic approach to teacher its effectiveness in impacting new education can enable pre-service teacher identity transformation and teachers to construct a community development of a sense of community. of practice around the teaching of By fulfilling these connected goals, science. Additionally, they focused on this research provides insights towards identifying which teacher education creating teacher education programs practices can create successful that connect theory and practice in interactions that lead to positive authentic settings. n emotional energy and solidarity among pre-service teachers. This work resulted in two

Pa g e 20 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Art Conversations

Ma r y An n Re i ll y , As s o c i a t e Pr o f e s s o r Li t e r a c y Dep a r t m e n t

This past year, I had the opportunity to partner with Cynthia Slotkin, principal of Jefferson Elementary School in New Rochelle, the fifth grade teachers (Stephanie Arrington, Holly Bruni, Theresa DeLorenzo, Jose Rosa, and Leonette Taylor-Brown), and the school’s art teacher, Paolo Fiorino in an arts-infused literacy project. The teachers and I collaborated in the implementation of a unit of study designed to deepen students’ understanding of diversity and respect—a curricular topic taught at the fifth grade level. During the 2-hour sessions I taught, fifth graders explored issues of diversity and respect through examination of global multicultural Figure 1 picture books, visual collages, and film. Students discussed and charted 1) and asked a student to display the displayed at the school for community similarities and differences they noted painting for everyone to see. Along members, students, and staff to view. n in the visual images in the picture with the class, I looked closely at the books and collages to their own lives painting, wondering aloud at what I with respect to diversity. We augmented saw going on. I usually commented The Sea these discussions by considering what on some aspect of line, color, form, - By Elizabeth Coyt & Jade Boyd respect might look like and sound like. value and movement. I also reminded Students concluded this portion of students that we were investigating Swirls of color blend the engagement by viewing a section of the question: How are we similar and Digging deep Godfrey Reggio’s (1983) Koyaanisqatsi: different? How do show respect in Digging down Life out of Balance. After seeing the situations where difference is present? Underneath Beauty sleeps. film clip, students engaged in art Students followed the model I provided Sun beams bright conversations. Art conversations and wrote their own poems (See Figure 2). Wakes her up are non-verbal discussions two or I concluded the work during the To the light she follows more people have using paint as a next several months by conferring To the beautiful seaside house medium. During an art conversation, with each fifth grader and helping the Washed with a camouflage of colors. pairs “discuss” a particular topic or students revise and edit their poetry, experience by finger painting with as well as the photographs of their The sun beams bright on gardens. a partner while not talking. Seated original paintings. The students and Boys and girls play together opposite one another, with only a I worked collaboratively to set the And share toys and say nice words. palette of paint and a sheet of glossy photographs using Photoshop software. They listen to the dolphins sing. white finger painting paper (12” x 18”) I then set the work in a camera-ready between them, the partners engaged in format for the school to reproduce. The sun beams hard on the water. a 15 to 20-minute conversation letting The students’ work was displayed for The water shines like the movement, selection of color, use the community to view at Jefferson Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, of line, employment of form, and the Elementary School on June 4, 2008 And shiny stones. inclusion of images and icons speak. at The Fusion Fair and Showcase. During the second half of the Daniel Gonzalez, the Instructional The sky, workshop, I modeled for students how Technology facilitator, reproduced the a rich color blend, to use the painting as a source for a work students composed as artists and goes by. poem. In each session, I borrowed poets on large 44” x 36” posters. These one pair’s art conversation (See Figure stunning art pieces and literature were Figure 2

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 21 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Changing Suburbs Institute

La u r a Bi g a o u e t t e , Di r e c t o r -CSI

The Manhattanville School of topics that addressed professional Education Changing Suburbs Institute development for educators relative (CSI) held its Third Annual Educational to the education of diverse students. Forum on Friday, April 11, 2008. Attendees were give the choice of seven Over one hundred teachers, workshops on topics that included administrators, students, and Parent/Teacher Communications community leaders attended the event. Strategies for Engaging Immigrant Manhattanville College President Families in American Schooling; Richard Berman welcomed the Movement Based Learning in Diverse attendees and School of Education Educational Settings; Building Literacy Dean Shelley Wepner spoke about Through Creating Original Texts; the importance of CSI’s programs Mentoring Latinas; Critical Literacy for Westchester’s students and the SOE Dean Shelley Wepner, President Practices; Achievement for Middle community. Richard Berman, and the conference School Students; and Multicultural morning keynote speaker Dick Allington CSI was honored to have Dr. Literature and Literacy Development. Richard Allington, Professor of focused on research based principles The workshops were delivered Education from The University of of why most poor readers remain poor by teachers and administrators Tennessee as the morning Keynote readers. from Westchester schools, and Speaker. His presentation topic Workshops were also held on Manhattanville Faculty. The premier Manhattanville College choral group, the Quintessentials, performed for the audience during lunch. MPALS Ja m e s Fi n g e r , Di r e c t o r -MPALS Pr o g r a m

The third summer of MPALS brought 145 students to the campus for five weeks last summer. Our focus continues to be preparing students from modest income families for Honors and Advanced Placement classes and eventually acceptance at America’s selective colleges. There are now 205 students in the program from 8th through 10th grades throughout Westchester. We continue to refine our curriculum by including hands-on science, photo-journalism and theatre classes (to help improve public speaking.) James Garbarino delivers the afternoon Last summer, we had our first residential retreat for 10th grade keynote address students, with the theme “Where do you want to go and how will you get The afternoon keynote speaker there?” was Dr. James Garbarino, Professor of This fall, our mentoring program started with a Career Day, which Education and Maude C. Clark Chair brought various professionals (architects, electrical and mechanical in Humanistic Psychology at Loyola engineers, stock broker, teacher, lawyer, doctor, etc) to talk to the students. University. Dr. Garbarino spoke about Through the generosity of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, working the sources of strength and risk for with the Computers for Youth program, we were able to provide 20 of suburban children and youth. our students with free computers. Also, we were able to send one of our Feedback from attendees on the students to Africa for three weeks in the summer. Goldman Sachs awarded forum was extremely positive. CSI’s MPALS another grant based on the ongoing success of the program. programs continue to create excitement We are always looking for professionals to help mentor our students. and deliver valuable information to its Please call James Finger at 914.323.5368, if you would like to be involved in constituents. the MPALS program. n The speakers were co-sponsored by the Teachers Center at Purchase College, The Edith Winthrop Teachers Continued on page 23

Pa g e 22 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Center of Westchester, and the New organizations share best practices for Rochelle Staff Resource Center. education that have been successfully The Manhattanville College implemented. This has resulted in School of Education Changing Suburbs networking and implementation of new Institute was created in 2005 to address programs in districts that address the the increasing diversity in seven needs of diverse students and families. target school districts in Westchester Another key initiative that CSI launched in 2007 was the Parents Leadership Institute. The education of Latino parents about Manhattanville’s premier vocal group, the US educational system is key and The Quintessentials, performs for the foundational to any program and audience initiative that CSI will implement. This program was launched on March Director of the Office of Hispanic 2, 2007 with a Leadership Conference Affairs of Westchester. held at Manhattanville College. Eight workshops were available David Valloladid, President of Parents for attendees and included topics Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) such as Middle School to High School Jane Gangi, a professor in the Mville was the keynote speaker. The event Transition (facilitated by Pedro Literacy department, leads a workshop on was co-sponsored and organized in Santana, Middle School Principal, multicultural literacy collaboration with the Westchester Bronx), Advocacy for Children County: Elmsford, Greenburgh 7, Hispanic Advisory Board and the CSI (facilitated by Dinorah Olmos from New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, the Center for Talented Youth, Johns Port Chester and White Plains. CSI Hopkins University); Student Loans is a systematic, collaborative, phased (facilitated by the New York State program for professional and program Office of the Attorney General), development for schools to help Planning for and Accessibility of teachers, parents and administrators College (facilitated by Jose Flores, address the challenges of educating Vice President of Enrollment Hispanic students. Management at Manhattanville The Changing Suburbs Institute is College), Raising Children: Challenges a collaborative initiative among public and Acculturation (facilitated by Maria schools, community organizations and Rodriguez, School Counselor, New Manhattanville’s School of Education Diane Gomez, a professor in the Mville Rochelle School District); and How to to improve educational opportunities TESOL department, and Syd Schneider, Help Students Succeed Academically for Hispanic students in changing Director of the New Rochelle Staff (facilitated by Gustavo Barbosa, New Resource Center, work with attendees in suburbs. CSI provides program and their Building Literacy Through Creating Rochelle School District), Supporting professional development to schools, Original Texts workshop Your Childs’s Pre-School Education teachers, administrators, and teacher (facilitated by the First Steps Program education program to address the school districts. in Ossining), and Supporting Your growing Hispanic student population The second Parents Leadership Continued on page 24 in the suburbs. Conference was held at Manhattanville Manhattanville works with on May 19, 2008. Over 250 parents a CSI Consortium comprised and community organizations attended of administrators, teachers, and the conference. Maria Hinojosa, community leaders that is developing award winning journalist and host; action plans across the seven host of Latina USA; and Senior Westchester school districts to achieve Correspondent for PBS; and Elba CSI’s objectives. Montalvo, the Executive Director of The CSI Consortium, which the Committee for Hispanic Children meets bimonthly, has identified priority and Families, Inc. were the keynote action plans for teachers and staff speakers. Sharon Schneider, adjunct professor professional development. The CSI Opening Remarks were given and movement specialist at Hofstra Consortium hosts a guest speaker series by Zoila Tazi, Principal-Roosevelt University, leads her workshop on Play where school districts and community School in Ossining and Martha Lopez, and Props to Facilitate Movement Based Learning

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 23 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Childs’ Elementary School Education is to (1) bring together stakeholders (facilitated by Rosa Taylor, Principal- involved in and interested in promoting Park Avenue School, Port Chester.) Hispanic students’ achievement; The event was co-sponsored by (2) work collaboratively with these The Office of Hispanic Affairs of stakeholders to develop and assess Westchester County; Hudson Health programs that are both experimental in Plan; The New Rochelle Staff Resource design and validated by prior research; and (3) bring greater awareness to the achievement gap challenges that exist in school districts heretofore under the radar screen of the general public so Zoila Tazi, Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School delivers her remarks that time, attention, and resources are on the academic achievement of Latino provided to begin to close the gap. As youth a result, Manhattanville will enhance its ability to develop teacher candidates because of its increased interaction with CSI Tuition Reduction and understanding of high needs school CSI is extending a tuition districts. For example, Manhattanville is reduction for School of Ed Graduate Jose Flores, VP-Enrollment Management already providing additional multicultural courses for teachers and staff in CSI at Manhattanville welcomes the parents experiences for teacher candidates. districts (Elmsford, Greenburgh, New to Manhattanville Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Center; and The Parents Leadership Chester, and White Plains) Institute of the Ossining Union Free Elmsford, Ossining, and Peekskill School District. receive a 20% tuition reduction. The event and programs are School districts with Professional planned and organized by a CSI Development Schools (PDSs) receive Parents Program committee comprised 1/3 tuition reduction. These districts of experts on programming for parents are Port Chester, White Plains, New from Ossining, Port Chester, New Rochelle, and Greenburgh 7. Rochelle, the Office of Hispanic Contact Laura Bigaouette for Affairs, and the Mentoring Latinas information: (914) 323-5482. n Keynote speaker Maria Hinojosa (l) and program Martha Lopez, Director of the Office of Manhattanville’s role with CSI Hispanic Affairs for Westchester County

Jump Start Program

Ja m e s Fi n g e r , Di r e c t o r -Ju m p St a r t Pr o g r a m

This fall, 72 teachers, our largest group that with diligence and hard work they to Spanish teachers, another major so far, began their careers in New will be successful-97% of our graduates shortage area. York City and Westchester (Scarsdale, are still teaching and 74% are still Individual attention and strong Pleasantville, Rye, etc), Orange and serving students in New York City. group cohesiveness continue to be the Duchess counties. While the majority With the national shortage in hallmarks of the program. We have of teachers work in New York City, we Science and Math teachers, we have expanded the Mentoring program, are pleased that we are able to serve been trying to do our part in helping and we have formally instituted the students who want to work throughout to solve the problem by offering 30% workshops that bring back alums to this area. discounts to Math and Science teacher talk about their first-year teaching This spring the eighth cohort of candidates. This has resulted in a experience. n Jump Start students began classes. The doubling of applicants in these areas. results of a recent survey ensures them We also have expanded this discount

Pa g e 24 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Curriculum and Instruction

JoAn n e Fe r r a r a , Ch a i r -Cu r r i c u l u m & In s t r u c t i o n

Since its inception in 2002, the the needs of diverse learners. department is moving forward with partnership with the Edison School sets The field-based childhood a field-based program for secondary the standard as an effective Professional education program for undergraduate education. Development School. The partnership teacher candidates had another Once again, the Day Start program provides the perfect venue to address successful year at our Professional benefited from field-based courses the broad goals of the Professional Development Schools: Thomas A. at George Washington and Edison Development School, including the Edison School, George Washington Schools. These site-based social studies preparation of teacher candidates, School, and Jefferson School. Our and science courses helped Day Starters the professional development of professors continue to bring innovative to practice content area methodologies practicing teachers, the creation of projects and lesson delivery models to in an authentic setting and interact act research opportunities, and a focus elementary students and their teachers, with children, classroom teachers, and on student learning. This spring an while our teacher candidates continue the school community. article entitled: “A Full Service School to flourish in environments that The Teacher As Researcher course Fulfills its Promise” was featured in support effective teaching practices. has yielded several outstanding action the Association of Supervision and Professor Rick Heckendorn and research projects. Under the guidance Curriculum Development’s prestigious his undergraduates were busy this of our competent professors, master journal Educational Leadership. The year at Fox Lane Middle School in degree candidates created exceptional Research on Professional Development Byram Hills working in three sixth research projects. The projects are Schools, volume three, has included grade classrooms teaching lessons featured on the department’s Forum a book chapter describing how the and developing new exciting ways for Childhood and Early Graduate partnership prepares teachers to meet to introduce course content. The Student Research website. Students are invited to submit applications for consideration in August. n Professor Joan Weinreich’s Poems to Music

Many of you may know Joan Rudel Weinreich as a professor in the School of Education; and perhaps some of you took Professor Weinreich’s course in Foundations of Education. But did you know that Joan is also a published poet and essayist? More than thirty poems and half a dozen essays are in print under her maiden name: Joan Rudel. The Center for Career Development Recently, three noted composers, Mary Ann Joyce-Walter, Geoffrey Kidde and Binnette Lipper, have put several of Joan’s poems to music. at Manhattanville What is even more exciting is that on Sunday, October 5, 2008 these songs will be performed at 4 P.M. in the new Student Center at the College. The concert is open to the public, and Joan hopes many of her former Did you know that you receive students will be there. a lifetime of support for career related issues as a Joan grew up, literally and figuratively, in an opera house! Manhattanville Alum? Her father is the renowned conductor, Julius Rudel. When asked about his daughter becoming a lyricist, Mr. Rudel said, “It seems totally natural to me, Contact the Center for Career almost inevitable that my daughter would turn to Development for any kind music and verse. I am looking forward to the concert.” of career related counseling. When asked about the upcoming concert Joan said, “I feel that my life has come full circle. My earliest memories are of (914) 323-5484 sitting on a high stool against the railing in the orchestra pit, so often overwhelmed by the power and beauty of the opera. I guess it makes sense that several of the songs that will be performed on October 5th recall those amazing musical dramas.” n

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 25 SOE FACULTY APPOINTMENTS New Faculty 2008 & 2009 Professor for literacy in the Department of Literacy. She was a secondary English and Reading teacher in Texas, Massachusetts, and Colombia, South America. She also n Vance L. Austin joined the School of Education as an was an adjunct professor of TESOL and English at Ohio Associate Professor in Special Education, January 2008. He Dominican University. Her research interests include first was an Associate Professor and Director of the Masters in and second language literacy and situated literacy, which Childhood Special Education Program at Nyack College. she intends to explore through praxis. She already has He also is a part-time teacher at The Summit School, made regional and national presentations. She received her Nyack, New York, where he teaches English to high school Ph.D. in Language, Literacy & Culture from Ohio State students with emotional/behavioral disorders. He currently University in June 2008. Her dissertation focused on the is writing a book, Helping Students with Emotional/ literacy practices of Latina immigrant and urban, low-income Behavioral Disorders Succeed in the Classroom with middle school students within the interactions occurring Pearson-Prentice Hall. He received his Ph.D. in Language, at a multicultural after-school program. She has an M.A. in Literacy, & Learning from Fordham University, M.S. in Spanish, an M.A.T. in Teaching, and a B.A. in English from Special Education at the College of New Rochelle, and B.A. Rice University. in Education and History at SUNY- Empire State College. n Helen Krasnow was hired as a Visiting Instructor for n Maria Bonella, to begin January 2009, was hired as the Childhood program, with a science education focus, an instructor for the physical education program in the in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for Department of Educational Leadership and Special 2008-2009 while Christina Siry in on a leave of absence to Subjects. She is completing her Ph.D. in Curriculum Theory complete her Ph.D. Helen has been an adjunct instructor Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland. at Manhattanville College since July, 2004. She also has She was an elementary physical education and health teacher been an adjunct instructor at Pace University and Teachers in Virginia public schools, where she is a certified physical College, Columbia University. She has had extensive education teacher. She also was a physical education teacher experience in science education. She was co-director of the in her home country, Malta (Europe). Her dissertation is Hollingworth Science Camp at Teachers College, Columbia focused on students’ understanding of fitness content. She University, from 1998-2004. In this position, she wrote and already has made regional and national presentations related coordinated curriculum, supervised teachers, provided staff to her dissertation topic. She received her M.A. in Health development, and supervised the children’s activities. She and Physical Education from Virginia Polytechnic and State also has conducted a variety of workshops throughout her University, and her B.Ed. (Hons) in Early Childhood and career. Helen has an Ed.M in Curriculum and Teaching Physical Education from the University of Malta. from Teachers College, Columbia University; an M.S.Ed. in elementary school reading from Queens College, and a B.S. n Deborah Inman was hired as an Associate Professor for in education with a minor in psychology from the University the proposed doctoral program in educational leadership of Rochester. in the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Subjects. Most recently, she was an Associate Professor in n Anthony Scimone was hired as an Assistant Professor the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology, for the English Education program in the Department Dowling College, New York. She has held many positions of Curriculum and Instruction. Most recently, he was related to research and policy, most notably, as Director an adjunct for Empire College SUNY and Bridgeport of the National Institute on Educational Governance, University, where he taught materials and methods in Finance, Policy Making and Management for the Office of Secondary English. Previously, he was a Director of Literacy Educational Research and Improvement, U. S. Department and Language Arts for the North Shore School District, of Education; and Senior Research Associate for the U.S. Long Island, where he supervised a 6-12 curriculum. In that Department of Education. She was Co-Director of the role, he created a Writing Center that became the hub of all Oxford International Round Table on Education, Oxford, academic activity related to writing, and developed protocols England. Her current research, demonstrated through for working with students in the center. He also was English numerous publications and presentations, focuses on the Chairperson for Secondary Schools and Teacher of English, effects of mediated learning strategies on teacher practice Grades 7-12, for Manhasset Public Schools, New York. He and on students at risk of academic failure and the impact of has published on assessment and topics related to writing. demographics on school district funding priorities. She also He has Ph.D. in 19th Century British Literature from NYU, has chaired more than 60 dissertations. She has an M.A. a master’s degree from NYU in English literature, and a BA and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Higher Education degree in English from Fordham. from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in English with a minor in Education from the University of Florida, Gainesville. n Courtney Ryan Kelly was hired as an Assistant

Pa g e 26 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION UPCOMING EVENTS

FALL, 2008 SPRING, 2009 n School of Education Alumni n Distinguished Lecturer Keynote Speakers*: Board Meeting Series Dr. Eugene Garcia, Professor of Thursday, October 2, 2008, Wednesday, January 28, 2009, Education and VP of Education 4:30-6:00 – Reid Castle 4:20 pm-6:00 pm – West Room, Partnerships, Arizona State University Reid Castle Contact Laura Bigaouette at Dr. Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita, (914) 323-5482 or at bigaouettel@ Speaker: Shimon Waronker, Principal- Language, Literacy, and Culture, mville.edu for more information Junior High School 22, Bronx University of Massachusetts, Amherst n Dean’s Symposium Mr. Waronker was featured on the *Keynote Speakers co-sponsored by The Thursday, November 13, 2008, TODAY Show because of his success Teachers Center at Purchase College 4:20 pm-6:00 pm – Ophir Room, and experiences in transforming one of and The Edith Winthrop Teachers Reid Castle the city’s 12 most dangerous schools. Center of Westchester

Speakers: Co-Sponsored by the Teachers Contact Laura Bigaouette at Cynthia Slotkin, Principal-Jefferson Center at Purchase College and The (914) 323-5482 or at bigaouettel@ Elementary School, New Rochelle Edith Winthrop Teachers Center of mville.edu for more information Westchester Dr. Susan Sciascia, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Professional Development Credit n Distinguished Lecturer Greenburgh 7 School District Available Series Robert Orlando, SOE Alumnus Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 4:20 pm-6:00 pm – West Room, Eileen Cagner, SOE Alumnus n School of Education Alumni Reid Castle RSVP: (914)323-7180 Board Meeting Thursday, January 29, 2009, 4:30-6:00 Speaker: Denny Taylor, Professor & n School of Education Alumni – Reid Castle Doctoral Director of Literacy Studies, Board Meeting Hofstra University Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 4:30-6:00 Contact Laura Bigaouette at – Reid Castle (914) 323-5482 or at bigaouettel@ Co-Sponsored by the Teachers mville.edu for more information Center at Purchase College and The Contact Laura Bigaouette at Edith Winthrop Teachers Center of (914) 323-5482 or at bigaouettel@ n School of Education Alumni Westchester mville.edu for more information Board Meeting Thursday, March 26, 2009, 4:30-6:00 – Professional Development Credit n Distinguished Lecturer Reid Castle Available Series Wedneaday, October 22, 2008, 4:20 Contact Laura Bigaouette at pm-6:00 pm – (914) 323-5482 or at bigaouettel@ West Room, Reid Castle mville.edu for more information Speaker: Richard Ingersol, Professor of Education & Sociology, University of n Changing Suburbs Institute Pennsylvania Fourth Annual Educational Forum Co-Sponsored by the Teachers Conference Theme “Flourishing in Center at Purchase College and The a Culturally Diverse Classroom and Edith Winthrop Teachers Center of Community” Westchester Friday, March 27, 2009, Professional Development Credit 8:30 am-2:30 – Reid Castle Available

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 27 School of Education Alumni We Want to Hear From You!

Please update your contact information and provide us with any information that you would like to share in the SOE Alumni Newsletter.

Name: ______E-mail Address: ______Current Place of Employment:______Position:______Year Graduated from Manhattanville College:______Degree and Areas of Certification:______Additional Degrees:______Awards / Honors:______Professional / Personal Recognition:______Career Moves / Transitions:______Community Involvement:______Special Projects / Activities:______Notable Accomplishments:______Personal News:______

Please return to: Manhattanville College – School of Education Attn: Laura Bigaouette, Assistant Dean, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577 Or via email at: [email protected].

Pa g e 28 Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Support the Fund for Manhattanville!

Each year, undergraduate and graduate students alike benefit from the generosity of the thousands of alumni who came before them. Your gift to the Fund for Manhattanville is unrestricted and allows the College the flexibility to undertake new and innovative projects. We hope you will join us this year with a gift to the Fund.

Donate online at https://www1.mville.edu/alumni/donatenow.html — it’s fast, secure, and easy!

Or, call Teresa Weber, Director of Annual Giving, at (914) 323-7145.

Thank you for your support!

Ed u c a t i o n Is Li f e | Su m m e r 2008 Pa g e 29 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Education Is Life P a i d School of Education Alumni Newsletter White Plains, NY Summer 2008 Permit No. 5165 Editor: Laura Bigaouette Assistant Dean – Outreach (914) 323-5482 [email protected]

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