The School of Education offers baccalaureate degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education, master's degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education, Literacy, Special Education, and Humanistic Education, as well as Certificates of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership. Most of these programs lead to New York State certification and graduates are well grounded in content, theoretical and historical perspectives, pedagogy, and clinical practice. They are prepared to meet the diverse needs of children in our schools today and will be poised to respond to the changing needs of the future. Working collaboratively with schools and associated organizations, as well as our own campus-based programs, the Literacy Clinic and Numeracy Club, we are enhancing children's learning and success in many ways.

We are pleased to announce that the School of Education has returned home to a newly renovated Old Main Building with state-of-the-art classrooms, an expanded Curriculum Materials Center, as well as remodeled and inviting Literacy Center spaces. We are also extremely pleased to have received a large monetary donation from the estate of former faculty member, Dr. Olga Santora, who established our literacy programs.

While the institution searches for a dean, I am in the leadership role for an interim period. During this time, I am working, both locally and state-wide, to respond to the changing New York State requirements, shifting demographics, and a tight economic climate.

Over the past few years, the School of Education has been able to attract excellent new faculty, who have enhanced our programs and the school overall. We are delighted to have them join us, as they make our education programs stronger and provide new perspectives. They add to our vitality and vibrancy.

Faculty have been awarded book contracts, have submitted grant applications, and have had publications appearing in peer-reviewed journals that document their exciting research and scholarly activity. Some of these activities include  funding for a large, multi-year 325T grant, focused on Response to Intervention (RTI), continued funding of the Hudson Valley Writing Project, and the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) for high school students. We are very proud of all the accomplishments of our faculty in teaching, scholarship and service.

These are challenging times for education and teacher education, in particular. We strive to continue to provide superior programs for the next generation of teachers and administrators.

Karen N. Bell, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, School of Education