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TSOE SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER | VOL 4. No. 1
James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D. | Dean, School of Education
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Dear Colleagues and Friends of the School of Education:
As the academic year comes to a close, we have an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and the possibilities that lie ahead. At The School of Education, we strive to create a world where all students have access to an exceptional education. We are dedicated to preparing the next generation of professionals who will teach, counsel, lead, and inspire.
In this edition, we celebrate our outstanding graduates of the Class of 2025, highlight our alumni and faculty, and share the successes of our students. Their stories reflect our vision, mission, and values, as well as our shared commitment to creating positive change through the Vincentian spirit that guides our lives.
Commitment is a central theme in our research, teaching, and service. We are focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of all our graduates. Therefore, we are steadfast in our determination to shape leaders, drive change, and expand our influence. We welcome your support in this journey.
Wishing you a restful summer.
Onward and upward!
| | CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES! | | The Graduate-Level Commencement Graduation is a significant milestone celebration that marks the completion of an important academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter. This moment is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment of our graduates and to honor the invaluable support from those who have stood by them throughout their education. | |
Alumna Explores Critical
Media Literacies and Podcasting
| | Proud alum receives Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award! | | Dr. Samuel Thompson, a proud alum of The School of Education, is making headlines! He currently serves as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Administration in the Farmingdale School District and was recently honored with the Town of Oyster Bay's Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. | | Scott Muller Named the 2025 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year! | | Celebrating the Women of St. John's | | Ms. Lisa Paolo, Owner and Principal of Paolo Prep Academy was honored as one of the 2025 Women Achievers during the university’s Women's History Month event: Celebrating the Women of St. John's. | |
14th Annual Leaders in Education
Awards Dinner!
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The School of Education held its 14th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on Thursday, April, 10 at the Stewart Manor Country Club.
We are proud of our School’s long history and the impact our faculty and alumni have had on education. This evening recognizes and celebrates our outstanding alumni and friends.
From left to right (top):
- Dcn. Scott Conway ’98C, ’07Ged, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of St. Augustine.
- Richard Mangeri ’93Ed, ’99GEd, ’17Ed.D.. Assistant Principal, Woodmere Middle School, Hewlett-Woodmere Public School District.
- Tyce Nadrich, Ph.D. ’14Ged, Associate Professor of Counseling, Program Coordinator, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mercer University.
From left to right (bottom):
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Andrew Nasser ’07Ged., Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services, The Bronx High School of Science, New York City Department of Education.
- Sonia Nieto, Ed.D. ’65Ed., Professor Emerita of Language, Literacy, and Culture, College of Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Member, National Academy of Education.
- Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70Ed, ’80PD., Principal (retired), New York City Department of Education, Member, The School of Education Dean’s Advisory Board.
| | Outstanding Faculty Awardees | | |
At the 14th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner, The School of Education also celebrated four of our faculty members who received "Outstanding Faculty" awards.
Congratulations, to all four!
| | 12th Annual Leadership Symposium | The 12th Annual Leadership Symposium underscored the importance that "All Children Have the Potential for Greatness!" Dr. Frank C. Worrell, Distinguished Professor of Education and Director, School Psychology Program at the University of California, Berkeley School of Education, served as the symposium’s keynote speaker. | | Institute for Catholic Schools Hosts Successful Workshop for Catholic Educators | | On May 10, the Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS) at St. John’s University, hosted a professional development workshop designed to equip Catholic educators with the knowledge and strategies to support students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and executive function challenges. | | The Next Generation of Great Educators and Counselors Honored | | The School of Education once again honored its best and brightest graduating students at the annual SOE Awards Ceremony on May 1 inside Taffner Field House on the Queens, NY, campus. Representing the next generation of educators was student speaker Saidy López, a native of Long Island, NY, who will earn her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education later this month. | | The School of Education Students Complete the Rome Study Abroad Program! | | St. John’s University’s Office of Global Programs and The School of Education partnered with local teachers from the I.C. Claudio Abbado Giovanni XXIII Middle School and the I.C. Claudio Abbado Ermenegildo Pistelli Elementary School in Rome, Italy, to offer a study abroad program during the Spring 2025 semester. | | |
Participants (from left to right):
Valeria Asquini, teacher; Elisa Bracalente, Assistant Director, Rome location; Simona Ciavolella, Coordinator of Academics and Program Development, Rome location; Samuel Rivera, SOE student; Daneiela Bermudez, SOE student; Gwyneth Boccio, SOE student; Amelia Wojtkowski, SOE student; Kaitlyn F. Messina, SOE student; Caterina Visocchi, teacher; Sophie Liu, SOE student; Cristina D’Amico, teacher; and Mary Ann Maslak, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The School of Education).
| | Student Teachers Network with Industry Professionals at the Annual Hartigan Forum | | Meet the next generation of teachers from The School of Education, who are eager to begin their careers. | | Literacy PhD Student, Ciera Harris, Releases New Book | | Overwhelmed with mandates, outdated curricula, and increasing demands, teachers are often left wondering if they’re truly making an impact. The Thinking Reader by Ciera Harris is here to offer a transformative approach to literacy instruction. | | Accepted Students Day at the School of Education was a joyful event that brought students together to connect and foster a sense of community. It provided an informative and inspiring experience for prospective students, helping them make their final decision. | | Graduate Student Carves a Path to a Career in Mental Health Counseling! | | A resident of Montclair, NJ, Kirdon Jones, Class of 2025 loves the counseling program and her professors. She enjoys working alongside and being challenged by like-minded peers who share the same passion for helping others. | St. John’s Endowed Scholarship Helps Literacy Student Achieve Her Dream! | This scholarship has allowed Megan Schumacher of Atlanta, Georgia, a Ph.D. candidate in The School of Education, to focus on her research and professional growth, furthering her commitment to literacy education. | |
Doctoral Student Embraces
Study Abroad While Earning Her Ed.D.
| Doctoral candidate Prattasha Paul was delighted to discover a “hidden gem” among St. John’s University’s numerous offerings: a commitment to provide global-learning opportunities through its wide-ranging study abroad programs. | | |
Monday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 15, Queens Campus
Summer Leadership Institute
The Summer Leadership Institute at St. John’s University, taking place July 14-15, 2025, is a two-day on-campus event designed for superintendents, assistant superintendents, and principals. Focused on “Leadership That Connects,” the Institute offers panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing leadership communication. Participants will engage with thought leaders in education, learning strategies to bridge communication gaps, inspire teams, and drive positive change. This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to network, share insights, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen leadership practices and create lasting impact in schools and communities.
Register here!
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EMPOWERING EDUCATORS CONFERENCE
STRENGTHENING FAMILY LITERACY FOR
MULTILINGUAL LEARNER SUCCESS
Conference Highlights:
· Keynote Presentation
· Panel Discussion:
“Advancing ML Family Literacy Engagement through Policy and Practice”
· Project LEADER Scholars Presentations
· Community-Based Organization Presentations
· Books giveaway
Date: June 6, 2025 | Time: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location:
St. John’s University | Queens Campus
D’Angelo Center - 4th Floor, Room 416
Moderator: Dr. Yvonne Pratt-Johnson
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jasmin Varela
Panelists
Dr. Ekaterina Midgette
Dr. Olivia Stewart
Dr. Maria Paula Mello
Ms. Lisa Pineda
Register Now!
For more information, visit: bit.ly/tesolprojectleader
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For more information on how to give, please contact:
Robert Cote
Director of Development & Gift Planning
718-990-5612
coter@stjohns.edu
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SUBMIT YOUR STORIES
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WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR SUCCESS STORIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS SO WE CAN CELEBRATE YOU WITH OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY!
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