December 2012
Dr. William R. Young ’11, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, became the supervisor of curriculum and instruction for Trumbull County Educational Service Center, in Niles, Ohio, in August. In this position, he designs and presents professional development workshops, supervises fine arts and physical education curricula for the county, and is working with the Ohio Department of Education to develop curriculum. He is also an adjunct instructor at Youngstown State University.
David Andrade ’08, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, recently started work as the chief information officer for the Bridgeport Public Schools in Connecticut. In this position, he will oversee the information technology, educational technology, and data/assessment departments. He previously spent 10 years as an engineer and 10 years as a teacher.
Dr. Ludmila Ellis ’08, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, runs a writing studio for English-language learners at esl-page.com. She is a New York Times ESOL Teacher of the Year Honoree.
Dr. Michael Vinella ’07, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, became the principal of East Brunswick High School in New Jersey in September. He formerly served as the supervisor of social studies and media at the school.
November 2012
Dr. Julia Marshall ’11, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate who is a teacher interventionist and literacy coach at Rosewood Elementary School in Rock Hill, S.C., was recently named one of the nation’s top educators by the National Education Association Foundation. The awards, intended to promote excellence in teaching and advocacy for the profession, are given to standout educators who are members of state National Education Association chapters.
Dr. Pamela Giles ’10, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, was recently named the executive director of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities’ Center for Research in Adult Learning at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.
Celisa Edwards ’09, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named a semifinalist for the Gwinnett County Public Schools’ 2013 Teacher of the Year Award in October. As part of the final judging process, the selection committee will complete classroom observations and conduct interviews with each teacher. Edwards joined Gwinnett County Public Schools in 2004. She is currently a seventh-grade teacher at Dacula Middle School in Georgia.
Audra Wood ’09, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was profiled in the article “Educator’s Life Fully ‘Elementary’ ” on CodyEnterprise.com on Oct. 1. Wood is a fourth-grade teacher at Eastside Elementary School in Cody, Wyo.
Dr. Deborah Proctor ’05, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, was a co-panelist for “Quality Blended/Online Professional Development: There’s No Debate!” at iNACOL’s Virtual School Symposium in New Orleans in October. Dr. Proctor is the online and digital learning specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education in Roseville.
Angie Hayes ’04, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was recently named principal of Willard Elementary School in Casper, Wyo.
October 2012
Dr. John DeGarmo ’12, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, authored Fostering Love: One Foster Parent's Journey (CrossBooks, 2012). Dr. DeGarmo is a media specialist in the Jasper County School District in South Carolina.
Dr. Kimberly Handy ’12, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Reading and Literacy Leadership student, co-hosts a weekly talk show on Blog Talk Radio with Dr. Wanda Gwyn to give graduate students tools to complete their dissertations. Dr. Handy is a language arts teacher in the Anchorage School District and a published author.
Dr. Earl Metzler II ’12, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was named the superintendent for School Administrative Unit 55, which includes the Timberlane Regional School District and the Hampstead School District in New Hampshire, in August. He previously served as the principal of North Quincy High School in Massachusetts and has helped author school improvement plans in several large urban districts.
Dr. Tracy A. Harris ’10, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, became the vice president and dean of the College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown campus in September. He previously served as the dean of enrollment services at Prince George’s Community College. In his new position, Dr. Harris will oversee day-to-day services and operations and work to support faculty, staff, and students.
Shannon Hilderbrandt ’10, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was recently named the systemwide Teacher of the Year for the Jenkins County school system. As a result, she is a candidate for the 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Hilderbrandt began her career in education in 2000 and has worked at Jenkins County Middle School in Millen, Ga., since 2005, where she currently teaches sixth-grade mathematics.
September 2012
Dr. Stephen Chris Edwards ’12, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, published Teaching Genius: Redefining Education with Lessons from Science and Philosophy (Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2012). In the book, he contends that teachers should not be viewed as individuals who adopt systems, but as professionals who are invited to shape and advance their field.
Dr. Derek “Bo” Hannaford ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was promoted to dean of professional studies at Northwestern Oklahoma State University this summer. He oversees the education, business, nursing, psychology, agriculture, health and sports science, and graduate studies divisions at the university.
Carol Albright ’09, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was recently named teacher of the year at First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Ga.
Dr. Merryl Polak ’08, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, published Murphy Lives Here (2012) to detail her experiences with motherhood and adoption.
August 2012
Nelson Brown ’12, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning graduate, was named principal of Liberty Middle School by Madison City School Board in Alabama in June. He previously served as the principal of Columbia Elementary School.
Dr. Stephen (Chris) Edwards ’12, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, published Teaching Genius: Redefining Education With Lessons From Science and Philosophy (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012) at the end of July. Proceeds from the book will benefit the Riley Children’s Foundation for research in pediatric oncology on behalf of Dr. Edwards’ son, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Dr. Edwards teaches history at Fishers High School in Indiana.
Rose Tran ’12, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was appointed the assistant principal of Fulton Learning Center (FLC) in Rockport, Texas, in July. Tran has served at the FLC since 2001, when she started as a fifth-grade teacher. She began her teaching career with the Aransas County Independent School District in 2000.
Brian W. Nelson ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in June, the highest recognition a K–12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. As a Curtis Corner Middle School mathematics teacher in Wakefield, R.I., Nelson researched the Boston Red Sox Summer Math Program, which was designed to determine if a student-led summer math program based on students’ love for the Red Sox could offset the negative effects of summer learning loss.
Rebecca McLelland-Crawley ’04, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) student, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in June, the highest recognition a K–12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. A Perth Amboy High School science teacher in New Jersey for more than 12 years, McLelland-Crawley recently accepted a position as a science supervisor for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District.
July 2012
Dr. Anita Stewart-McCafferty ’11, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was named principal of Reeds Brook Middle School in Hampden, Maine, in June. She previously served as the assistant principal and athletic director at Mattanawcook Junior High School in Lincoln.
Marion MacIver ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, published an article based on her dissertation, Aboriginal Students’ Perspectives on the Factors Influencing High School Completion, in the journal Multicultural Perspectives (Vol. 14, Issue 3).
Dr. Madeline (Lynne) Foord ’04, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, recently joined the MGH Institute of Health Professions as the Boston graduate school’s first director of the Prerequisites for Health Care Professions program. In this role, she will work to improve and increase the courses offered to college graduates who are considering changing their careers and entering health professions. Dr. Foord previously taught at Simmons College, founded and led its department of online teaching and learning, and most recently served as its interim director of academic technology.
June 2012
Jill Bastian’11, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was featured in the article “Jill Bastian’s Global Classroom” in Lake Mary Life (May/June 2012). She shared why she travels to Africa to positively impact the lives of schoolchildren.
Christopher T. Hendricks ’11, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, won a 2012 Golden Apple Award from the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partners in Education program in April. The fifth-grade teacher at Glenbrook Elementary School in Pulaski, Wis., was recognized for creating a learning environment that stimulates student interest in learning through technology, including laptops and iPads.
James Richard “Dick” Jordan ’09, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was one of three Idaho Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers to receive a 2012 GIANTS Award from First Lady Lori Otter in April. The award recognizes teachers who link industry and the economic future of Idaho to the classroom through science and technology education.
Bernadette Scheetz ’09, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year in April. She will run for the chance to be named Maryland Teacher of the Year later this year. Scheetz is a mathematics teacher at Esperanza Middle School in Lexington Park.
Walter “Trey” Rischmann ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named the principal of Taylor Elementary School in Cincinnati in May. Rischmann originally served as a fourth-grade teacher at Bevis Elementary in 2002 before he was promoted five years later to the assistant to the principal at the same school.
Maurna Rome ’03, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was featured on the International Reading Association’s blog Engage in April as the Member of the Month. She serves on the teacher advisory panel for the association and is a first-grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary School in Albert Lea, Minn. Rome is also a past president of the Minnesota Reading Association.
May 2012
Dr. Celeste Schwartz ’11, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, co-presented “Data to Dashboards: Creating and Using Analytics” at the Innovations 2012 conference in Philadelphia in March. Dr. Schwartz is the vice president for information technology at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pa.
Dr. Lynne DiNardo ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was named principal of Mansfield Elementary School in Mansfield, Ga., in March. She previously served as an assistant principal at Newton County Theme School at Ficquett in Covington, Ga.
Robert Bourgault ’08, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named executive director of Almond Acres Charter Academy in March. The academy is scheduled to open this fall. Bourgault is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of La Verne in California.
Dr. Deborah W. Proctor ’05, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, was recently named the online learning specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education in Roseville. She previously served as an academic dean, a curriculum director, and a faculty member in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Dr. Proctor is also an advisory board member of the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT).
April 2012
Dr. Andrea L. Edmundson ’04, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, presented “Addressing Cultural Differences in ADL: Globalization and Localization” at the 2011 Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) forum held in Suffolk, Va., Aug. 30–Sept. 1. Edmundson is also the author of Cases on Globalized and Culturally Appropriate E-Learning: Challenges and Solutions (eWorld Learning, 2011). She founded eWorld Learning Inc. to help corporations, international development agencies, and educators analyze their online courses to ensure the content aligns with the needs and preferences of students in other countries or cultures.
March 2012
Dorsey Kendrick ’94, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate and the president of Gateway Community College, was honored with the 2012 Liberty Bell Award from The Foundation of the New Haven County Bar. The award honors non-lawyers and community organizations that demonstrate a commitment to justice and serving the local community.
February 2012
Dr. Hope Blecher-Sass ’08, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate and district supervisor of language arts, social studies, and library-media services at the North Plainfield School District in New Jersey, accepted the first Peter Biondi Cultural Diversity Award in Education in November 2011 on behalf of her district for its series of educational events and commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Their work included mailing care packages and holiday cards to service personnel overseas, creating a monthly display of American flags, re-dedicating memorial plaques, and creating a book of student and staff remembrances.
Kathryn Spruiell ’07, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, received the 2011 Excellence in Mathematics Teaching Award from the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics in November. Spruiell has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Birmingham-Southern College and is working on an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership at Piedmont College.
Jeanne White ’07, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was featured in the “Class Acts” column in The Modesto Bee in December 2011. The weekly segment highlights outstanding teachers in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and foothills in California. White, who comes from a family of teachers, first pursued a business career but was drawn to teaching because of her desire to make a difference in children’s lives.
Dr. Patricia Moran ’98, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, authored “Unemployed Boomers Are Going to College” on MyCentralJersey.com (Dec. 27, 2011). The article discusses the kinds of programs people older than 50 pursue to gain an advantage in a difficult economy.
January 2012
Maryann B. Sawka ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, published her first book, Good Table Manners Made Easy (Halo Publishing, 2011). Sawka is the founder of an etiquette training academy.
December 2011
Jennifer Gray Stephens ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, authored “Rethinking Marine Corps Training” in the United States Naval Institute Proceedings magazine (November 2011), based on her dissertation research.
Dr. Kenneth Powers ’09, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, authored Holy Noise: Filtering the Questions of Church Musicians (Wasteland Press, 2011).
Robyn Tibbetts ’09, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate and seventh-grade teacher at Renfroe Middle School, was honored as Decatur’s systemwide 2011–12 Teacher of the Year. She is set to compete for the statewide Teacher of the Year honor.
Nancy Roth ’05, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, co-authored From Tiny Acorns Great Oaks Grow: Instructional Practices from Great Oaks Academy (Mljamms Enterprises, 2011), which offers ready-to-use methods to improve student success in the classroom.
Vicki Gripp ’03, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named Teacher of the Year at Stapleton Elementary School in Fairhope, Ala. For the past few years, the sixth-grade teacher has been involved in the eMINTS program, which emphasizes constructivist learning.
Dr. Jacob Lozada ’94, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was appointed to the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council within the Department of Health and Human Services in November. He also serves as a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Medical Music Group, and the Budget Committee of Andrews Federal Credit Union, and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
November 2011
Dr. Julia C. Bausman ’09, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, joined the faculty at Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania as an assistant professor of education in the department of education.
Dr. Alan Beaulieu ’07, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, authored the children’s book Tommy's Secret Code, the story of a young boy who learns about his reading disability upon entering kindergarten. The book is a resource for teachers, parents, and students that promotes understanding and advocacy.
Dr. Bryan Matera ’05, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, was named the associate principal at Bay Lane Middle School in Muskego, Wis., in October. Matera taught at the middle school level for six years prior to accepting his new position.
Dr. Dianne DeMille ’00, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was honored by the National Association of Professional Women as a 2010–2011 Professional Woman of the Year for her accomplishments in education. She has worked in education for 38 years, both in K–12 classrooms and in executive administrative roles with the Orange County Department of Education and the California Department of Education.
Dr. Richard D. Wellbrock ’97, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was appointed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as a member of the Higher Education Council. Wellbrock is the retired president of Wellbrock Inc., a management consulting firm and a certified member of the Institute of Management Consultants, and chairman of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
October 2011
Dr. Derek “Bo” Hannaford ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was hired as a faculty member at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in August.
Dr. Karin Strohmyer ’10, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, was hired as assistant professor of education/special education at Buena Vista University in August. Dr. Strohmyer was selected for her experience as a teacher and administrator in special education as well as for her certifications across the special education spectrum.
Michael Sementa ’07, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is one of 10 Illinois teachers to receive the 2011 Golden Apple Award. Sementa will receive free tuition for a semester of study at Northwestern University and a $3,000 cash award.
Terri Ivester ’04, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named Teacher of the Year for Anderson School District 2 in Honea Path, S.C. Ivester, who aspired to be a teacher since childhood, is in her 11th year of teaching.
September 2011
Melissa Edwards ’11, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Teacher Leadership graduate, was hired as headmistress of Thales Academy, a K–8 college preparatory school in Wake Forest and Apex, N.C. In her first two months, she has opened two schools while preparing new teachers to educate middle school students.
Deborah Raines ’11, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Technology graduate, was named a south regional finalist for Nurse.com’s Nursing Excellence awards program, which recognizes the extraordinary contributions nurses make to their patients, each other, and the profession.
Chris DiMauro ’10, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is the new assistant principal at Stow-Munroe Falls High School in Stow, Ohio. His goals include increasing communication and introducing new methods of technology-based instruction and assessment. Prior to this role, DiMauro taught 11th- and 12th-grade language arts and American and British literature.
Dr. Derek “Bo” Hannaford ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was appointed principal at Ponca City High School in Ponca City, Okla., while working on his degree. Upon graduation, Hannaford was offered a position as chair of the education division at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Dr. Gary Mullen ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, is the first year-round equestrian studies director of the equestrian therapy program at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. Mullen brings together speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and mental health specialists to work with children and teens with autism, cerebral palsy, emotional problems and other disabilities.
Deborah H. Brogden ’05, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is the new principal at Woodlawn Middle School in Burlington, N.C. She had served as an assistant principal at Graham Middle School since 2007.
Moniek Silas-Lee ’05, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is the new principal of Listwood and Southlawn Schools in Irondequoit, N.Y. Previously, she was principal of K–8 Urban Choice Charter School and an assistant principal, elementary math coach, and teacher.
Dr. Peter A. Maresco ’98, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate and clinical associate professor of marketing at Sacred Heart University’s John F. Welch College of Business, co-authored Dangerous Hoops: A Forensic Marketing Action Adventure (LSU Press, 2011). Written as a crime novel, the book also serves as a textbook in marketing.
Dr. Patricia Moran ’98, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, wrote the article “Techniques to Help You Find That Job” in the Daily Record (Parsippany, N.J.). Moran is the director of The Institute at Middlesex County College, where she provides training and consulting services for companies and organizations.
August 2011
Dr. Regan Romali ’11, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, was named president of Harry S. Truman College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago.
Dr. Anthony Jackson ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was named superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount schools in Wilson, N.C.
Michael T. Beckett ’08, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was honored at the United Nations Headquarters for his service as the faculty representative on the national board of directors to the International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA).
Mark Hall ’07, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is the interim principal of Cascadia Elementary School near Bellingham, Wash.
Scott Holland ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, became assistant principal at J. Blaine
Blayton Elementary in Williamsburg, Va.
Kurt Harvill ’04, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, will assume the roles of vice principal and athletic director of Meridian High School in Bellingham, Wash. Harvill will oversee improvements to athletic facilities during construction of the new school.
Robin Poulos ’04, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named Teacher of the Year at Pitner Elementary School in Acworth, Ga.
Dr. Patricia Moran ’98, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, offered helpful tips for starting a new job in the article “Improve Work Habits and Make a Fresh Start” in the Asbury Park Press in June.
July 2011
Stephanie Sago ’11, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) andDoctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, has accepted a position teaching middle school students at the American International School in Cairo, Egypt.
Marie Larcara ’10, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, has accepted a full-time position as the interim director of education technologies in the Graduate School of Education and Human Services at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Larcara also had her dissertation accepted as a peer-reviewed paper at the International Association for Development of the Information Society conference in Rome, Italy, in July 2011. She will also present the paper in Honolulu, Hawaii, in October 2012 for the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education conference.
Nicole Yemothy ’10, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is the new middle school coordinator of the Magen David Academy in Howard, Panama. The position is equivalent to a U.S. middle school principal.
Gladys Landing-Corretjer ’09, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, had her dissertation, Listen to Me! An Exploration of the Students’ Voices Regarding Homework, published by Lambert Academic Publishing.
Dawn Sparks ’08, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching from the National Science Foundation.
Jonathan Coyle ’07, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named the director of the Lighthouse Point Academy of the North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, Fla.
Adam Kloper ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, is one of 85 nationwide recipients of the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Kristen Mitchell ’05, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named Teacher of the Year for the Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware.
Lynn Parsons ’05, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, published (dis)Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ (Cedar Fort, 2011).
June 2011
Dr. Trae T. Cotton ’09, a Ph.D. in Education graduate, is now vice chancellor for student affairs at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.
Dr. Kathryn L. Bonnell ’08 and Dr. John C. Owens ’08, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduates, were cited in Children’s Literature (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010) in the chapter “Dissertations of Note.”
Dr. Pedro Nino ’08, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was appointed as a lead reviewer for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In this role, Dr. Nino is responsible for submitting the final program-review report in compliance with national accreditation standards.
Christine Zelaya ’04, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named principal of Sycamore Trails Elementary School in Bartlett, Ill.
May 2011
Patrick Lane ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named K–6 principal of Chase County Schools in Cheyenne, Wyo.
April 2011
Dr. Vilma Caban-Vazquez ’11, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, was recognized in the article “GW Elementary School Teacher Defies Stats” (White Plains Patch, Feb. 28, 2011) as one of the 0.4% of Latina women in the United States who have earned a doctorate, and for her role as executive board member and fundraising coordinator for the Walden International Corps.
Patrick McGee ’08, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was featured in THE Journal for his presentation on engaging students through technology at the FETC 2011 conference in Orlando, Fla.
Margaret Young Bennett ’06, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) student, won a WYFF-TV Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching.
Kathleen Werner ’03, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named 2011 Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of Washington School Principals.
March 2011
Dr. Michael L. Hixon ’09, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) graduate, wrote a book review of Evelyn Hunt Ogden's Complete Your Dissertation or Thesis in Two Semesters or Less, which appeared in the 2011 Kaleidoscope special issue of Educate~The Journal of Doctoral Research in Education (University of London).
Jennifer Smith ’08, an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) graduate, was named 2010–2011 Teacher of the Year for Baldwin County, Ga.
February 2011
Lisa Waidler ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Teacher of the Year by her colleagues at Little River Elementary School.
Stephanie Harman ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), is one of 24 U.S. educators who will travel to the Galapagos Islands with the Toyota International Teacher Program to complete a two-week study tour to explore solutions to environmental challenges and exchange teaching practices with Galapagueño educators.
Angelia D. Smith ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Teacher of the Year at Blackman Elementary School in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Dr. Cassandra Robison ’07, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, has co-authored A Brief Introduction to Writing Poetry: Heart’s Craft (Pearson Publishers, 2012).
Linda Catherine Douthard ’03, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named one of two finalists for the Georgia Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Dr. Marie Larcara ’10, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), has accepted a position as an instructional designer at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Larcara was also asked to present at the United States Distance Learning Association’s “International Forum for Women in E-Learning” in December.
January 2011
Kelly M. Smith ’10, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named 2010 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
Dr. Laura E. Weidner ’09, who earned a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Community College Leadership, received an Exemplar Award from the North American Council for Staff, Program, and Organizational Development. She is the dean of workforce development at Anne Arundel Community College.
Ranae Watts ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Enterprise City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year. Watts is an English language arts teacher at Enterprise Junior High School in Enterprise, Ala.
Chase J. Young ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), co-authored a chapter, “Mentoring Authors’ Voices through Readers’ Theater,” in the book Writing Strategies for All Primary Students: Scaffolding Independent Writing with Differentiated Mini-Lessons (Jossey-Bass). Young also presented “The Reading Brain: Research-Based Questions and Related Classroom Practices” at the National Reading Conference, Fort Worth, Texas.
David Buddenbaum ’05, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named principal of North Hart Elementary School in Bowersville, Ga.
December 2010
Jessi Anderson ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Teacher of the Year at Lake Joy Elementary in Warner Robins, Ga.
Tina Schaefer ’04, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), achieved tenure as a middle school language arts teacher with the Wharton Borough Board of Education.
November 2010
Eben Shaw ’07, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was appointed Leavitt Area High School principal in Turner, Maine.
Mason Kuhn ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), will be honored as a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest recognition a K–12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
Dr. Pedro Nino ’08, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), was named director of the Quality Enhancement Plan in the area of Critical Thinking at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Kristie Clark ’03, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), received the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
Jennifer Smith ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named the 2010–2011 Baldwin County (Ga.) Teacher of the Year. Smith is now a candidate for the 2012 State Teacher of the Year title.
Katie Saldarriaga ’10, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), is a semi-finalist for Gwinnett County (Ga.) Teacher of the Year.
October 2010
Monica Hardy ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Washington-Wilkes Primary School’s Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Arthur Ogden ’95, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, was named vice president of development of the United States Sports Academy.
September 2010
Bianca Elliott ’10, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, is writing a book about her journey from high school dropout to achieving her educational goals.
Timothy Emhoff ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named one of three finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by the Maryland State Department of Education. The award is the highest recognition that a K–12 mathematics or science teacher can receive in the United States.
Dr. Maisha Otway ’07, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), is the assistant principal of a high-performing elementary school in the Atlanta metro area and works as the Instructor of the ESOL endorsement courses in Fulton County Public Schools. Otway is also a vested board member for the Los Niños Primero program, which provides academic education for at-risk Latino children age three to six.
Shelley Hamill ’97, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, was awarded the South Carolina Health Education Professional of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Health Education.
July 2010
Dr. Ayanna Cooper ’09, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), was selected as an ASCD Class of 2010 Emerging Leader. ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) is a membership organization that develops programs, products and services essential to the way educators learn, teach and lead.
Cassandra Donaldson ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named the 2010–2011 Bryan County (Ga.) Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Daniele Kass ’09, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), was named the 2010 New Milford School District (N.J.) Teacher of the Year. Kass recently published her second children’s book, The City Trail: A Skip-Counting Tale, which integrates language and mathematics to support students’ learning.
Calvin Spencer ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Monongahela Middle School (N.J.) Teacher of the Year for the 2009–2010 school year. Spencer serves as director of bands.
Dr. Keith Smolinski ’07, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was featured in the New Haven Register (Conn.) article “Heard it in a Lab Song: Teacher’s Album Helps Kids Sing Their Way Through Biology” for his doctoral dissertation research on learning through music.
Gloria Brooks Brown ’05, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), chaired Santa Ana (Calif.) Opportunity Schools’ Second Annual Community Night, attended by local unions, agencies, and community colleges to raise community awareness and reach populations in need.
Dr. Dorsey L. Kendrick ’94, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, was recently honored by Junior Achievement of Southwest New England and the Girl Scouts of Connecticut for her contributions to growth in the state and for being a role model and inspiring leader. Kendrick currently serves as president of Gateway Community College in New Haven, Conn.
May 2010
Derek Beet ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), is a 2009 recipient of Raytheon’s MathMovesU Math Hero Award. Beet, a mathematics teacher at Brunswick Middle School (Md.), received $2,500 to help fund educational experiences.
Mary Lou Nielsen ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), held a workshop at the 2009 Wisconsin Education Association of Student Support Programs (WEASSP) conference on integrating technology in the elementary classroom. The conference was held on Dec. 3 in Lake Geneva, Wis.
Dr. Betsy Stoutmorrill ’09, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, was recently appointed vice president of enrollment management and engagement at Beacon College in Leesburg, Fla.
Dr. Jacqueline A. Vrdoljak ’09, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), had a summary of her project study, “Lessons Learned While Designing an Inclusion Model for a Catholic School,” published in Momentum: The Official Journal of the National Catholic Educational Association (Nov./Dec. 2009).
Dr. Laura E. Weidner ’08, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, was named dean of workforce development at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Md. Weidner recently completed “The Nature of Innovation in the Community College,” a yearlong research project with Dr. Terry O’Banion.
Dr. Pedro Nino ’08, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), was appointed to the National Board of Program Reviewers by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). As a member of this strategic NCATE board, Nino is expected to continue completing program reviews, working in the review process and responding to program reviewer evaluations.
Andrea Strehle ’07, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was featured in the Feb. 25 Indianapolis Star article “Meet the Teacher: Andrea Strehle.”
Shannon Lynn ’06, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named one of seven finalists for the 2010 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards.
Rosemary Geri ’05, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was named Northfield Community School’s (N.J.) co-teacher of the year.
Dr. Shelley Hamill ’97, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, was named Health Education Professional of the Year for 2010 by the South Carolina Association for the Advancement of Health Education.
March 2010
Carrmilla Young ’09, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), was accepted into New Leaders for New Schools, a national principal preparation program dedicated to promoting positive change in schools throughout the United States.
David Andrade ’08, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), writes a blog called “Educational Technology Guy.” Andrade, a high school English teacher, is an advisor for Technology & Learning magazine and has been published in National Education Association Today magazine.
Dr. James Lehmann ’07, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), is the president and CEO of the Foundation for the Center for Research of Whales, a nonprofit organization in Ecuador that conducts environmental research and provides environmental education. In 2009, the Foundation for the Center for Research of Whales worked with more than 700 students in 21 schools.
Kelly M. Cook ’03, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership, and excellence in education. Cook teaches kindergarten in the Ontario-Montclair School District in Ontario, Canada.
January 2010
Dr. Ayanna Cooper ’09, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), chaired the 2009 Southeast Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Regional Conference in Atlanta. Cooper currently serves as president of the Georgia chapter of TESOL.
Dr. Daniele Kass ’09, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), recently authored “The Relationship Between Instructional Delivery and Academic Motivation of Included Elementary Students With Special Needs,” which appeared in the National Forum of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal. Kass is currently writing a children’s book that integrates literature and mathematics.
Dr. Edwina Suit ’07, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), is the human resources supervisor for teacher placement in the Indianapolis Public School system.
November 2009
Bryna Schreier ’06, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K–12), was certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood Physical Education.
Dr. Dorsey L. Kendrick ’94, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, received two prestigious awards: one from the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund and another from the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP.
September 2009
Dr. Edwisimone Rodriguez-Dorestant ’06, who earned a Ph.D. in Education, co-authored the article “Going D.E.E.P.: Developing Experiential Education Programs to Enhance Teaching, Learning, Retention and Outcomes for Minority Students” in Models of Success: Successful Models for Effectively Retaining and Graduating Students (TMCF Publications, 2009).
Gloria Brown Brooks ’05, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.), received the Duke Energy award for conference travel at TODOS: Mathematics for All in April 2009. The award was presented during the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics conference.
July 2009
Dr. Pedro Nino ’08, who earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a specialization in Teacher Leadership, published “SOSA and SOSE: Mnemonics for Verb Endings” in the May 2009 issue of Hispania Journal, the peer-reviewed journal of The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Nino is an adjunct assistant professor of Spanish at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a program reviewer for the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
John Hoving ’06, who earned his M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in Middle Level Education (Grades 5–8), has been named principal at All Saints Central High School and Middle School in Bay City, Mich.
Katherine White ’03, who earned an M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy (PreK–6), has been named principal at West Terrace Elementary School, Evansville, Ind. She has been assistant principal at Highland Elemenary School in Evansville since 2007.