Fall Newsletter

The fall semester is in full swing and we have several exciting announcements and invitations to share. In this newsletter edition you will meet new faculty and staff, learn about an Education graduate's work in outdoor classrooms, and be inspired by a tremendous line-up of workshops and events planned this year. We were thrilled to welcome more than 100 new Education students this summer and fall to Carlow's Education Programs! Pictured below are some of our new undergraduate Education students during orientation.

Carlow's Education Programs are devoted to the future of transformational teaching.

Join us at the AJ Palumbo Science and Technology Center, Carlow University for an exciting, educational event with talented author and illustrator, Bethany Barton. Prepare to be amazed as she takes you on a journey through the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) with a special stop in mathematics. All participants receive a copy of Bethany's book, I'm Trying to Love Math!

Saturday, October 21st

Registration & Light Breakfast 9:00am – 9:30am

Keynote Address 9:30am-11:00am

Author Talks: 11:00am-11:30am

Book Signing and Connections: 11:30-noon

Lunch Provided

Keynote Description

“Mathematics, in a sense, is logic set loose in a field of imagination.” -Margaret Wertheim.

When Author, Illustrator & Creative Science Communicator, Bethany Barton set out to create a book about math… she wasn’t a fan. She’d been given the (false!) impression that there are math brains and art brains; which meant she just wasn’t wired to excel at math. It wasn’t until she started to think like a mathematician— and stopped thinking of math only in numbers — that she fell in love with it. In this interactive presentation we’ll reframe our brains to see math as the language of logic, and we’ll use this language to talk about traditional folk crafts, deep ocean creatures, language, and even pirates. You know, math stuff.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be inspired, learn something new, and have a blast! Mark your calendars and join us for Full STEAM Ahead! A Special Event with Bethany Barton at the AJ Palumbo Science and Technology Center, Carlow University. All attendees receive an autographed copy of one of her books!

Bethany Barton is an award-winning author, artist, and illustrator of children’s books for Penguin Random House. She is also a self-described perpetual optimist! Her STEM picture books have won the Children’s Choice Award, been named an Amazon Best Book of the Year and were featured in the New York Times. She’s won over a dozen state literacy awards and travels around the world to visit schools and inspire young readers. Her books have been translated into four languages. She will do a book signing after her presentation!

Bethany is on a mission to empower kids to approach STEAM subjects using facts, humor, empathy, and critical thinking. When she’s not making books, she works as a Propmaster for shows like The Muppets Mayhem and Obi-Wan Kenobi. For more about Bethany and her books, visit bethanybarton.com

IG: @bethanybarton

Twitter: @awesomebarton

Join us in welcoming Dr. Marissa McClure Sweeny as the education department’s newest faculty member and Early Childhood Program Director!

In her former role at IUP, Dr. McClure was Professor of Art Education, Art Education Program Coordinator, and Women’s and Gender Studies Affiliate Faculty and Assistant Chair of the Department of Art and Design. She is committed to reconceptualizing images of historically marginalized groups of young children and centering difference through collaborative scholarship, community-based pedagogy, and mentoring. Marissa has worked with young children as a teaching artist, early childhood educator, and researcher in a variety of urban and rural settings nationwide. These include Montessori Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood programs, public and independent schools, community-based programs, and museums.

She is co-editor of the forthcoming texts Postdevelopmental Approaches to Digital Art in Childhood with Dr. Mona Sakr and Transformative Motherscholarship and Art: Public Pedagogies of Childhood with Drs. Georgina Badoni, Shana Cinquemani, and Elizabeth Garber. Her collaborative photographic work with young children has been exhibited in juried national venues including the Phoenix Museum of Art. As Montessori-prepared and Reggio-inspired early childhood educator, she received her PhD in Art Education with an emphasis in early childhood studies from Penn State, an MA from the University of Arizona, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2017, she founded SQUAD Art Studio, an alternative, multi-site, community-based program dedicated to providing materials-rich creative experiences anchored by contemporary art and children’s literature for young children, their caregivers, and preservice educators.

Marissa previously served as a faculty member at the University of Arizona and at Penn State where she ran Saturday Schools for young children. She received the 2023 IUP Center for Teaching Excellence Heiges-Lamberski Award in Experiential Education for her work with SQUAD and the Charles and Irene Putnam Award for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Arizona. Marissa is pictured below (left) with her family.

Marissa was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Greensburg before attending college in Philadelphia. There, she began to volunteer as a teaching artist and tutor for children experiencing homelessness. As she explained, “This strengthened my commitment to equity in education. After I graduated, my first teaching position was as a Reading Educator at a bilingual elementary school in Boulder, Colorado. I began to draw in sketchbooks with my students to get to know them, and I became fascinated by the ways in which visual and spoken languages intertwined. I moved to the University of Arizona to do further research on multiliteracies and continued to work as an elementary educator. I collaborated closely with children and educators working along the US/Mexico border and on the Tohono O’Odhman Nation. During my first year of teaching in Tucson, I learned about the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education and the concept of the 100 languages of children. I traveled to Reggio for the first time and was completely inspired by the schools, children, families, educators, and the community. I continue to use that inspiration along with my Montessori preparation in my work with young children, pre-service educators, and in community-based and intergenerational education.”

Marissa returned to Pennsylvania to do her doctoral work at Penn State. “Much of my research was completed in collaboration with the Cyert Center for Early Education at CMU and the rest happened in my elementary and preschool classrooms. After I graduated, I transitioned to higher education and created a community-based program for young children so that I could continue to work with both young children and with preservice educators and the community and to pilot the approaches to education and curriculum development that arose from my research with a particular emphasis on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in multiliteracies, STEAM, arts education, and inter-generational practices. My experience as a parent and mother scholar and mother artist directly impacts this work. My three young children – Robert, 8, Stella, 6, and Luca 3 inform me as collaborators in this work. In our time together we like to hike, bird, bake, and create art and music in our home studio,” Marissa shared.

Welcome to Carlow! We are #CarlowProud

*The Power of One is Carlow's University's Teacher Diversification Education Program committed to supporting students in obtaining initial teacher certification. As part of this grant funded project, students receive a scholarship, textbooks, and financial support during student teaching.

Myriah Neal-McKenzie, Class of 2022, pictured below, is currently working at Penn Hills Entrepreneur Charter School. “I am so honored to have been chosen as a Power of ONE recipient. I am now a full-time elementary school teacher, and I am using my degree. I never dreamed that I could have a Master's degree, but the Power of ONE program made my dream a reality. I learned so much from my professors at Carlow, and I am so grateful for everything they have taught me," said Myriah.

"Thank you to the Power of One teacher diversification program and Carlow University for pushing me to become an educator that is culturally aware, empathetic, and focused on creating a space where all students are seen and heard. I know that students need an adult that relates to them and encourages them to be their best. The Power of ONE program has given me all the resources I need to continue ensuring the success of all students. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. I will not disappoint you," Myriah shared.

Following her graduation from Carlow University in 2022 with a degree in Education, Julia Conway accepted a position as a Nature Preschool Teacher at The Whirlybird Nature School, where she is one of two Lead Teachers who facilitate the daily events and the learning that occurs at Wirlybird -- planning the intentions of hikes, group activities, scaffolding learning with what students see throughout the day, student observations, and communications with parents and families. Julia does a lot of behind-the-scenes work in outdoor programming and community outreach that aligns the school’s goals with partner goals.

There are 28 children enrolled in one classroom. Each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., about 16 children attend the school, alternating days of the week according to parents’ schedules.

The Whirlybird Nature School is a mixed-age nature preschool that serves children from 2 years 7 months to 5 years of age. The preschool’s approach to learning is to embrace "All-Rounded Development," by inspiring joy and wonder in children with a heart-centered approach, instilling in them a love of nature and the natural world, fostering environmental ethics, and encouraging them to get involved. Her hopes are to empower future generations through informed teaching practices that promote a connection to nature and conservation. By providing opportunities for discovery, play, and creation, Julia is dedicated to inspiring young minds to find confidence and joy within themselves to succeed in this beautiful and challenging world.

“Everyone pitches in to make the best day possible for the children. My whole life is about being an educator,” said Julia.

“Carlow has the best education program with the best professors. I enjoyed the small community atmosphere; the professors were so kind and knew their students so well.. I felt like I could grow and thrive in this setting, while still being close to the city and Pitt and other college students," Julia explained. “I loved the real-life experiences provided at Carlow. Those experiences gave me a lot of practice and positive feedback, which gave me an exceptional foundation to start anywhere I chose as a new educator. I felt like I could think through what it means to be an educator. The coursework and open-table conversations in my classes contributed to this, as well as all of my professors who really cared about my experience – all of this combined gave me hope in, not only being an educator but also in being a human being in the world. I also felt like the women, educators, and staff at Carlow were inspiring, both in their professional and personal lives. They shared so much wisdom with us younger women; I remember feeling that I wanted to be in their shoes already, even though I wasn’t there yet, and I lacked their life experience!"

Julia's advice to other students? “Keep your heart and your passion in education, even when you are exhausted.”

Our Sister Mary Paul Hickey Educator Workshop Series has a robust line-up of great workshops and trainings this year! You won't want to miss two special workshops, presented by Director of the Dyslexia Center at The Campus Lab School, Mrs. Sarah Sora.

Wednesday, October 4th: Understanding Dyslexia and Designing Student Supports

Wednesday, October 18th: Universally Designed Comprehension Strategies for All Students

Both workshops are free to the community and held online. To register, click the link below.

Meet Jodi Crytzer, a graduate student completing the Reading Specialist certification and Dyslexia certificate program. Jodi lives and works in the Freeport Area School District; she is the RtII Coordinator and Gifted Support Teacher at Buffalo Elementary School. “I used to spend most of my day working with small groups for 30-40 minutes with a focus on intervention or enrichment in both reading and math. Since starting my master’s at Carlow and gaining new knowledge about Structured Literacy and The Science of Reading, I have been teaching first and second-grade ELA pull-out classes to struggling students for 90-120 minutes daily. It has been great having the opportunity to put newly acquired skills and strategies into practice immediately,” Jodi explained.

Carlow’s Reading Program and dyslexia certificate program was recommended to Jodi by Carlow alumnae Samantha Buterbaugh. “I couldn’t wait to learn more after starting my first class,” Jodi shared. “As a veteran teacher, it was frustrating to learn that I wasn’t teaching students to read in a way that aligned with what we know about how our brains learn to read. I had 25 years of teaching experience and was getting weary. With the new knowledge, I was invigorated to become a better teacher and help as many students as I could with their foundational skills. I was thrilled when our administration committed to training our staff in structured literacy practices so all students could benefit from this.” Jodi credits Reading Specialist Program Director, Val Piccini, with the incredible knowledge she is learning. “Honestly, I love Val! She is so enthusiastic about teaching students and adults about structured literacy that you can’t help but get excited about it too. She led a Structured Literacy Institute for our district this summer and has motivated many of our teachers to change their strategies for teaching reading to be more effective and meaningful for our students. I know it’s a cliché, but her enthusiasm is contagious!”

Jodi and her husband are raising her four children: Claire, Grant, Kate, and Quinn, and they love vacationing on Anna Maria Island. “I’m looking forward to finishing my degree, and I am considering continuing on to get my doctorate through Carlow.”

Department Chair, Dr. Keely Baronak, is one of three authors of a new Remake Learning Playbook: Reimagining Partnerships in Higher Education.

Briana Fitzgerald, Carlow University Early Childhood Apprenticeship Graduate, and Kyle Bender, current Carlow University Early Childhood Apprenticeship student, were recently accepted into the Tech Plus 2023-2024 Early Childhood Fellowship Program.

Bri and Kyle recently attended the first meeting of the Teach Plus 2023-2024 Fellowship in Harrisburg Pa. During their time in Harrisburg, they visited Temple University Harrisburg for programming where they worked in the Early Childhood Education work group. The programming included reviewing modules involving leadership behaviors and mindsets, storytelling, community building, and an introduction to the research project; this project will include gathering information from students, parent, and educators across Pennsylvania to answer several questions pertaining to student success in school.

On day two of the visit, Bri and Kyle visited the Capitol Building and attended a session on Identity and Leadership. They are so excited develop policy leadership competencies and become effective advocates, system leaders, and change agents for the future of Education.

Congratulations Bri and Kyle!

Valerie Herrero has a soulful commitment to community and creativity. For Valerie, community is the space where individuals find their connection to others and their shared purpose. In her second-grade classroom at Beechwood Elementary School, learning is the shared purpose, and she inspires the students in her classroom to honor that learning community in ways that support and uplift each other. She also encourages students to see her as part of that learning community, knowing that her role as a teacher requires her to know and understand each of them and the cultural communities that make up their lives beyond the classroom. As a Latina teacher, Valerie feels the importance of relating her background to the learning community through organic conversations and in context with the moment.

Valerie has an undergraduate degree in Fine Art so her artistic talent is naturally embedded in her teaching style as she develops creative pathways for students to engage in the subject matter. Valerie shared this creativity when she led a session with her Power of One peers, engaging them as she would her students in unique ways to use art in universal learning experiences. Valerie enjoyed the opportunities at Carlow where she could connect with and find comfort in her Power of One peers. She also found value and interest in the textbooks that were written by authors who drew from their own teaching experiences. Powerful Teaching, with its emphasis on the Science of Learning, was one textbook that she enjoyed.

Valerie said that while the graduate program is rigorous and fast-paced, when she noticed she was struggling trying to keep up with all her commitments, she quickly checked in with her professors. She was relieved to find they understood and supported her in getting back on track. Each semester she worked to create a good rhythm in juggling her roles and understanding what was needed to set herself up for success. Valerie shared that she is very grateful for the Power of ONE scholarship and the Carlow staff and professors who believed in her potential. She also accepts her purpose as a Power of One scholarship recipient to be that ONE teacher who has the POWER to make a difference.

For more information about the Power of One Teacher Diversification Program, please contact Dr. Tammi McMillan: at tlmcmillan@carlow.edu

Carlow is pleased to welcome Dr. Lillian Naccarati to our Campus Lab School and Early Learning Center community. Beginning July 17, 2023, Dr. Naccarati began serving as Executive Director of the Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center, supporting all aspects of school leadership, accreditation, community engagement, fundraising, and lab school relationships. Dr. Naccarati brings an impressive array of skills and experiences having previously served as a teacher, principal, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in public school systems, and Assistant Superintendent for Administration for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Her experience at all professional levels has allowed her to develop a global perspective on teaching and learning and transforming educational theory into sound practice. Her work history demonstrates her ability to blend traditional and innovative education practices to address the needs of all students. Her career has been a model for addressing long-range planning processes, providing professional development opportunities for principals and teachers, and initiating a framework for principal/teacher supervision.

“As the Executive Director, I am surrounded by innovative research, diverse viewpoints, and a deep commitment to education. Additionally, the opportunity to work with students from different age groups and backgrounds is extremely rewarding,” she explained. The Campus Lab School environment allows for hands-on experiential learning, fostering creativity and critical thinking among both students and educators alike. “The collaborative nature of the Campus Lab School/ Early Learning Center with the University enables me to work closely with professors, researchers, and fellow educators, creating a supportive network for professional growth and development.”

Dr. Naccarati is the proud mother of four adult children and six grandchildren. She enjoys reading, spending time with family, and vacationing at the beach. Her advice for those seeking a career in Education is “As an aspiring educator or student in education, it is important to stay passionate and resilient. Education can be demanding and challenging but your passion for teaching and learning will help you navigate through tough times. Stay motivated, seek support from collaborators, and take care of your physical and mental well-being. Cultivate resilience and a growth mindset, knowing that failures and setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth.”

Collaboration with various professionals is a necessary practice when providing special education services.

Students in Dr. Reid’s “Foundations of Special Education” course engaged in a variety of collaborative active learning activities while learning about the personnel involved in special education.

Mrs. Leigh Roche, Art Educator at The Campus Lab School (seated front) leads an introductory lesson with Carlow student teacher Anna Birstein (seated left). Student teaching in Art at The Campus Lab School allows Carlow Art students to work with children in PreK-8th grade.

Students in EC-401SL, Professional Communities of Practice, partnered with local organizations to complete service-learning projects supporting children and families experiencing poverty and homelessness. Carlow Education students Brandi Milliron and Denise Nedev (pictured below) partnered with the Penn-Trafford School District by volunteering for Backpacks-To-Go, a local food program that provides nutritional food and self-care items to children and families during school breaks, weekends, and the summer months. Brandi and Denise raised nearly $1000 for the Backpack-To-Go program which they used to purchase food and school supplies for children in their community, exemplifying Carlow University’s Scholar-Practitioner Framework. Both students learned how vital community programs and resources can change the trajectory of a child's health and well-being and empower families to regain stability. A special thank you to Dr. David Price for teaching this course and facilitating the project.

We believe in the transformational power of education. We celebrate diversity, champion social justice, and work tirelessly to address issues of equity in education. Our conceptual framework of Scholar Practitioner comes alive through coursework, practicums, research, and community-based service. Whether you are a recent college high school or college graduate, mid-life career changer, or a veteran educator, we invite you to join us. Devoted to the Future of You.

Email: kobaronak@carlow.edu
Website: https://www.carlow.edu/academic-programs/education-teaching-degrees/
Location: 3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Phone: 412-578-6024
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlowEducation
Twitter: @EducationCarlow

In our December newsletter, we will share exciting new programs in Education!

Save the Dates...

Oct. 19th Future Educator Club Bake Sale in Commons

Oct. 21st Full STEAM Ahead Symposium with Bethany Barton

Nov. 15th Kappa Delta Pi Induction

Dec. 1st Power of One Celebration Dinner

Dec. 8th Celebration of Teaching

Devoted to the Future of You.