TSOE SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTER | VOL 3. No. 1
James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D. | Dean, School of Education
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Dear Colleagues and Friends of the School of Education:
In this issue of our eNewsletter, we continue to highlight the transformative work being led by faculty, staff and alumni in The School of Education (TSOE). The legacy of The School of Education (TSOE) is deeply rooted in an excellent education for our students, partnerships with external stakeholders, and alumni engagement and support.
Through our research, teaching and service, we prepare our students to ensure that everyone has access to an outstanding education.
We are proud to share this edition of our eNewsletter highlighting our critical work in TSOE. As we end another successful academic year, we look forward to celebrating with our graduates and wishing them well as they advance into the next chapter of their lives.
Onward and upward!
All the best,
James D. Wolfinger
Dean, School of Education
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13th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner Highlighted Alumni Achievement! | |
The School of Education held its Thirteenth Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on Thursday, April 11, 2024 in DAC Ballroom on the Queens Campus.
The five award recipients were Christopher Cuccia '97CBA, '01MBA, '07PD, '09Ed.D., Associate Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs at Seton Hall University; Casey Lomangino '14Ed, '16GEd, '23Ed.D., Assistant Principal at Carrie P. Weber Middle School, Port Washington, NY; Sunita Manjrekar '98Ged, Deputy Commissioner for Public Assistance and Employment Services Nassau County (NY) Department of Social Services; Br. David Anthony Migliorino, O.S.F. '79Ged, Principal, St. Anthony's High School, South Huntington, NY; and Jorge Santos '10CPS, '12G, '18Ged, Author, Soy Bella Teacher, Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School, Queens, NY.
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From Left to right: Br. David Anthony Migliorino, O.S.F. '79Ged; Sunita Manjrekar '98Ged; Jorge Santos '10CPS, '12G, '18Ged; Casey Lomangino '14Ed, '16GEd, '23Ed.D. In absentia: (Christopher Cuccia '97CBA, '01MBA, '07PD, '09Ed.D). | |
Alum to speak on "Understanding Mental Illness in Family Systems: What You Should Know and What You Should Do" | |
Christopher E. Fisher, Psy.D. ’14GEd, Counseling Education Alumnus to speak on Monday, May 20, 4–6 p.m. in D’Angelo Center Ballroom on the topic "Understanding Mental Illness in Family Systems: What You Should Know and What You Should Do." Dr. Fisher is a licensed clinical psychologist, and the Director of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Department, Behavioral Health Crisis Center, and the Clozapine Clinic at Northwell Health. | |
Sharod L. Tomlinson ’21 Ed.D. Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging | |
In January 2024, Dr. Tomlinson was named Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging. In his new capacity, he continues to serve the R.I.S.E. Network and lead the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Dr. Tomlinson remains committed to doing all he can to learn and positively impact the lives of our students and campus community. | |
Associate Professor Receives Fulbright Scholar Award | |
Conference Sponsored by the School of Education Focuses on Meeting Needs for Special Education in the Community |
A conference for educators, behavioral specialists, students, and parents of children with special education needs was held on March 20 in the D’Angelo Center on the Queens campus.
The theme was “Understanding Behaviors of Children with Disabilities: Effective Strategies and Support.” The keynote speakers were Debora Thivierge, BCaBA, CBAA, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, The ELIJA School, and Founder The ELIJA Foundation, ELIJA Farm, and ELIJA’s Transition Program and Services, and Joshua Jessel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Queens College, and Lead Consultant, FTF Behavioral Consulting.
The aim of the conference was to promote a greater understanding and sharing of resources among those committed to helping children in need of extra support.
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Congratulations to Dr. Yvonne Pratt-Johnson for winning the “Overall Success Award” and Dr. Ishita Khemka for winning the “Most Aligned with Mission Award” at the university-wide Grants Reception and
Awards Ceremony in April.
From left to right: Dean James Wolfinger, Dr. Ishita Khemka, and Dr. Yvonne Pratt-Johnson.
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St. John's University recently received full accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)! | |
The School of Education (TSOE) recently received full accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)! This approval provides national accreditation through 2030.
Expanding on this significant accomplishment, a team of TSOE members presented at the 2024 AAQEP Symposium in Orlando, Florida, on April 4-5, 2024. Drs. Aliya Holmes, Katherine Aquino, and Mary Beth Schaefer presented "The Critical Role of the Local Practitioner: How to Enlist, Enmesh, and Engage an Educator for Your Site Visit.” Their presentation focused on stakeholder engagement and feedback in the accreditation process.
AAQEP is a national accreditation agency that "promotes and recognizes quality educator preparation that strengthens the education profession’s ability to serve all students, schools, and communities."
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Networking Event Brings Together St. John’s Student Teachers and Area School Representatives | |
The School of Education hosted its annual Maureen A. Hartigan Forum and networking event in the D’Angelo Center Ballroom on April 16. The next generation of teachers from St. John’s University were excited to take their next steps toward life as professionals.
Eleven public and private schools and school districts from New York City and Long Island met with more than sixty student teachers. Joining them were Alumni Advisory Board members, faculty, administrators, and staff from TSOE.
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Education Majors Participate in Study Abroad Program in Rome | |
The Italian Cultural Center (ICC) at St. John’s University offers scholarships that enable students to study abroad at the University’s Rome, Italy, campus and experience Italian culture and everyday life. This year, two sophomore students from The School of Education were selected as scholarship recipients. Gianna Fricano and Gianna Ferriso excitedly shared their experiences. | |
Annual Leadership Symposium Celebrates English Language Learners | |
The St. John’s University School of Education held its 11th Annual Leadership Symposium at the D’Angelo Center on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The keynote address was delivered by Diane Rodriguez, Associate Dean, Graduate School of Education, Fordham University at Lincoln Center. Her topic was “English Language Learners (ELL): Challenges and Opportunities.”
The Symposium also featured research presentations by 29 recent graduates from the doctoral program and four breakout sessions led by local superintendents. One hundred and thirty participants attended this event, nearly one-third of all students enrolled in the program. Alumni enjoyed a special reception after the symposium.
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The School of Education Honors Last Graduating Class from St. John’s Staten Island Campus | |
Fifty students from The School of Education on St. John’s Staten Island campus were honored on April 11th for their outstanding academic achievements. It was bitter-sweet moment for the administrators and staff as the University prepares to close its campus in Richmond County after more than 50 years of service to the community. | |
The School of Education Awards Ceremony Celebrates Achievements of Future Educators | |
The School of Education at St. John’s University honored 27 highly accomplished students with bright futures at the Annual Awards Ceremony on April 18th in the D’Angelo Center on the Queens campus. Student speaker Thomas P. Blanc ’23Ed, who will graduate in May with his master’s degree in Literacy, told his fellow students that his journey may have differed from the expected path of most future educators but he could not have done it without the faculty and fellow students of The School of Education. | |
Celebrating the Women
of St. John’s
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The School of Education was part of the celebration of the Women of St. John’s event held on March 23, 2024 at The Inn at New Hyde Park. Congratulations to two of our alums!
Lifetime Achiever Recipient
Kathleen Meehan '75Ed, '79GEd
Senior Deputy Athletics Director (retired), St. John's University
Women's Achiever Recipient
Jo Ann Kocher '67Ed
Special Agent, US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (retired)
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Kathleen Meehan '75Ed, '79GEd with colleague, Nunziatina A. Manuli ’97MBA | |
Jo Ann Kocher '67Ed enjoying the moment with friends and well wishers | |
St. John’s University Remembers Jerrold Ross, Ph.D., Former Dean of The School of Education | |
Jerrold Ross, Ph.D., was a beloved member of The School of Education family. Dean of The School of Education from 1995 to 2014, Dr. Ross had a long, diverse, and distinguished career. While Dean, he also served as Academic Vice President of the Staten Island, NY, campus. His spirt lives on in our memory and the good work of the School. | |
Our donors are critical to the educational experience we provide our students. The School of Education, believing in the importance of relationship building and engagement with our alumni and other supporters, continuously works to create a sense of community and belonging among all TSOE stakeholders. | |
School of Education Alumni gather in the Villages. | |
Alumni event at a Florida Marlins spring training game. | |
Retired SOE Faculty member, Dr. Barbara Signer with Dean Wolfinger. | |
Alums hosted by fellow-alums Marguerite Dennis ‘67Ed, ‘70G and Russell Dennis ‘67Ed in their Naples home. | |
For more information on how to participate, please contact:
Robert Cote
Director of Development & Gift Planning
718-990-5612
coter@stjohns.edu
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