Several weeks ago, Dean Jane Ashdown joined other deans from local schools of education at a meeting with New York City schools chancellor Carmen Farina.
In February, I was invited to join other deans from schools of education in the metropolitan area at a meeting with Carmen Fariña, the recently appointed chancellor for the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). The meeting was positive and engaging.
Chancellor Fariña emphasized her vision for instructional excellence and for promoting teaching as a career. The chancellor identified three key priorities—the implementation of universal pre-K, establishing more dual language programs and developing a number of middle schools across the city as demonstration sites for best practices.
In describing her vision for pre-K programs, Chancellor Fariña stressed that pre-K teachers must have more than minimal qualifications, be able to promote rich language experiences and be skilled in engaging with families. All of these priorities fit well with the nationally recognized programs that we offer in Early Childhood Special Education, Bilingual Education/TESOL and Middle School Education.
It was especially refreshing to hear Chancellor Fariña emphasize teaching as a career. As our recent NYCDOE teacher preparation program report reveals, 83 percent of our graduates hired between 2008 and 2010 were still teaching three years later, which demonstrates that our graduates are prepared to build strong teaching careers in New York State.
For further information, please contact:
Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu