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Jennifer Katz-Buonincontro, PhD, professor, School of Education was recently recognized as a fellow by the American Psychological Association.

Taslim Sabil, a rising sophomore in Drexel’s School of Education, spent her summer as a STAR Scholar researching how social and emotional development shapes kindergarten readiness through the K-Bridge program. Her study showed that emphasizing play and social interaction not only nurtures growth but also improves academic outcomes, leading her to present her findings as a finalist at the STAR Summer Showcase.

The Kindergarten Bridge program, run by Drexel’s School of Education, helps rising kindergartners in West Philadelphia adjust to classroom routines while supporting their cognitive, social, and emotional development. At the same time, it offers Drexel education students hands-on teaching experience and mentorship, preparing them for future careers in the classroom.

Drexel’s USDA-funded Nutrition Program equips Philadelphia educators with hands-on knowledge about healthy eating, food science, and industry careers to bring back to their classrooms. By inspiring teachers, the program empowers students with lifelong health habits and exposure to new career pathways.

Drexel education majors like Naomi Yoon and Keegan Robertson highlight the tight-knit community, hands-on field experience, and deep sense of purpose that define the program. Their stories reflect a shared passion for teaching and the meaningful impact they hope to make in students’ lives.

After a career in acting, Ursula Connolly joined Drexel’s School Psychology program to help students like her son with learning disabilities. She and fellow graduate Nicole Yencho-Nies now work in special education, showing the program's real-world impact.

Drexel’s McNichol Early Childhood Education Lab honored over 20 Pennsylvania teachers with the Penny Hammrich SEL Excellence Award for advancing social-emotional learning. Winners received certificates, monetary awards, and access to lab resources.

The 2025 School of Education Honor Awards Ceremony celebrated exceptional student achievement, leadership, and service across the Drexel community. The event recognized award recipients for academic excellence, impactful capstone work, and dedication to civic engagement. Student organizations, alumni, and community partners were also honored for their contributions to education.

As a preschool teacher for the past eight years, Cristiane Alexander had trouble understanding the behavior of the children in her class. Through her classes at Drexel, supported through a scholarship from PHMC, Cristiane learned why her children behaved the way they did and how to design learning activities to best meet their needs. Cristiane shares her story on how Drexel has transformed her life.

Meet Nicole Trinkaus, academic advisor for Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, Special Education, and Education Improvement and Transformation programs. 

As the winter sets in and the weather gets colder, seasonal depression and “winter blues” starts to hit its peak. Mental health for some can begin to decline which is why it is so important to prioritize your well-being and mental wellness when you can. Here are a few tips to help you thrive this time of year.

Imagine this: you are offered an incredible opportunity to travel halfway around the world, all expenses paid, and you get to learn all about a different culture and its approach to learning and teaching. Would you take it? Well, five students from Drexel’s School of Education took this opportunity and immersed themselves in a unique cultural experience in Japan, spending 18 days at Tamagawa University.

Ready to take on the world? At 91��Ƭ��, a bustling, vibrant city campus meets cutting-edge academics and real-world experiences. From game-day excitement in the DAC to hanging out with friends and good eats at the dining halls, there’s always something for everyone. With 300+ clubs, the unique Co-Op experience, and the city of Philly in your backyard, our Dragons are sure to be set up for success!

Meet David Appleton, one of Drexel’s dedicated academic advisors who recognizes potential in students and turns it into success. Appleton more than just an advisor—he’s a mentor, a motivator, and a champion for every student’s journey.

91��Ƭ��’s School of Education is hosting Science of Reading Day on September 26th, 2024, a free event aimed at tackling the literacy crisis. The event will feature a screening of the documentary “Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars” by director Harvey Hubbell, followed by a panel discussion with notable literacy experts. The day will also include a resource fair, a dyslexia simulation, and discussions on science-based literacy instruction, which is crucial for improving reading outcomes. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Edmund Bossone Research Enterprise Center in Philadelphia.

From creating hands-on lessons to building lasting relationships with their students, Tasneem Motan and Zoe Ann Boynton are using their passion for teaching to enrich the minds of young children in the Summer Kindergarten Bridge program. Learn how the love and excitement they have for their job is laying the foundation for students' futures.

Discover how 91��Ƭ�� is helping Philly educators integrate careers in food and agriculture into their classrooms through a four-week program that includes hands-on learning and field trips, addressing workforce diversity in the industry.

Discover Allison Redman's inspiring journey beyond the pageant sash, where passion for community, leadership in HR, and academic pursuit converge. Learn how her experience at Drexel's School of Education shaped her path towards making a meaningful impact.

Discover how Tamara Galoyan's journey from 91��Ƭ�� to MIT has shaped her career in learning and curriculum innovation, and the mentors who inspired her along the way.

School of Education honors seven outstanding faculty and staff at the Spring All-School Meeting.

Drexel School of Education's Katie Mathew, PhD '23, honored at AERA 2024 for her impactful dissertation on kindergarten readiness and transition practices.

From teaching to writing, Christine Galib does it all! Thanks to the leadership and organizational skills she practiced in the EdD program, she has built a successful career. Christine expresses her gratitude to her professors and the community at Drexel, claiming that her time in the program felt like it was created just for her.

Discover the incredible journey of Obadiah Baker, an army veteran and filmmaker, whose powerful documentary "The Shadow Between Us" transformed his passion for anti-racism into global impact and earned him a prestigious Fulbright Award.

91��Ƭ��’s School of Education proudly welcomes Chief Education Officer Debora Carrera as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024. An inspiring leader, Dr. Carrera’s impactful journey in education makes her the perfect choice to address our graduates.

Starting an advanced degree like a doctorate in education can be daunting, but 91��Ƭ��'s EdD Mentoring and Coaching (MAC) program is here to help. With mentors like Dr. Natasha Brown, EdD ‘14, who brings 20 years of experience and a passion for education, students receive personalized guidance and support. This program, designed to help students navigate coursework and balance life's responsibilities, proves invaluable in fostering the next generation of educational leaders.

Discover how Raen Johnston, BS in Elementary Education, Middle Level Science and English, will proudly represent the undergraduate Class of 2024 at 91��Ƭ��'s School of Education commencement. Grateful for the experiences and support from Drexel's staff, Johnston reflects on her diverse educational journey, which has prepared her to lead in various classroom settings and ensured a promising future in education.

Discover how Mitchell Marcello, a 2021 graduate of Drexel's M.S. in Creativity and Innovation program, used the lessons he learned to found and direct Imago Innovation Firm. Learn about his journey and insights into fostering creativity in the workplace.

Ashley Trump graduated from Drexel’s MS in Education Improvement and Transformation program in 2023 while working at Drexel. Her experiences at Drexel have significantly aided her achievements, especially in her role as Assistant Director of International Admissions at Dickinson College. Read more about her journey and insights into her career.

It was an honor to have Obadiah Baker, veteran and Fulbright Scholar, speak and inspire others at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony. While praising his professors and experience in the EdD program, Baker gives insight into how he prepared for his powerful speech on resilience and hope.

Since earning his EdD in Educational Leadership and Management from 91��Ƭ�� in 2023, Dr. Brandon Wallace began changing lives as an associate professor at Montgomery College and as a committed father. Inspired by the support he received at Drexel, he has dedicated his life to teaching and bettering others.

Dive into the vibrant experiences of School of Education students at AERA '24! From presenting groundbreaking research on topics like Black girls in dance to reconceptualizing education through hip hop, their journey highlights the transformative power of academic exploration and collaboration.

Explore the journey of Jenika Cuocco as she balances incredible athletic accomplishments and academic excellence in the School of Education. Learn how her resilience and support from others have guided her to outstanding achievements.

Drexel’s School of Education made waves at the 2024 AERA annual meeting in Philadelphia with 75 faculty and students presenting 51 innovative research projects. With a theme focused on "Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities," the event featured keynote speakers like Kimberlé W. Crenshaw and Gloria J. Ladson-Billings. The School of Education also hosted engaging events before the conference, showcasing its commitment to advancing education and fostering racial equity.

Grace Kirby, a Drexel School of Education student, embarked on a transformative journey at Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. Through hands-on co-op experiences and mentorship, she honed her teaching skills and built lasting relationships with her students. Discover Grace's inspiring path from student to teacher and how Drexel’s unique programs prepared her for a rewarding career in education.

As a dedicated student in Drexel's education program, Gabriella Breen discovered unparalleled value in its intimate and impactful environment. Through personalized interactions and mentorship from committed professors, she has gained practical insights and honed her skills, preparing her for success in the education field. This program's emphasis on hard work, dedication, and real-world experiences has not only opened doors to funded co-op opportunities but has also provided transformative learning experiences that surpass traditional academic study, making it one of the most rewarding decisions in her educational journey. 

A first-generation college student from a single-parent household, the author initially doubted their ability to pursue higher education but found empowerment through acceptance into Drexel's masters of applied behavior Analysis program. Choosing a concentration in autism spectrum disorder, they received specialized training alongside essential coursework, culminating in a transformative capstone project guided by supportive professors, ultimately preparing them for success as a board certified behavior analyst.

In our Faculty Spotlight, we recognize Jen Katz-Buonincontro, PhD, professor in the School of Education, who received an award recently from the American Educational Leadership Association and will serve as a visiting scholar to Princeton's Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education in 2024-2025.

Thanks to newly approved funding, students teachers across Pennsylvania will be paid for their full-time student teaching experiences.

The Courageous Conversation® Global Foundation promotes interracial healing by creating safe spaces for authentic dialogues among people of all races. The foundation’s Courageous Equity Leadership Fellowship program trains college students to become leaders in engaging their communities in conversations that create change. Four School of Education students were chosen to be part of the cohort that includes students from colleges and universities from across the nation. The students recently shared their reflections of the program and their their efforts to promote racial healing on Drexel's University City campus.

The School of Education is in mourning following the passing of its beloved Dean, Penny L. Hammrich, PhD. Dr. Hammrich died on Thursday, August 11th, 2022. In her tenure at Drexel, Penny made an indelible impact on the School of Education and was admired and loved by her colleagues and students across the university.

In a continuous bid to elevate the faculty and student experience, the School of education is proud to announce a new partnership with Abu Dhabi University (ADU). 

I am most excited about our various projects in the Justice-oriented Youth (JoY) Education Lab. Getting to collaborate with incredible youth and community members as well as working with amazing SOE students, faculty, staff and other colleagues at Drexel on inspiring research and programs brings me great “joy”!

I am currently working with the Centre for Equity and Quality in Universal Education (CEQUE), a non-governmental organization (NGO) in India, that upskills public and private school teacher practices. To improve classroom practices, CEQUE coaches and mentors teachers to engage in reflective practice.

Working with colleagues Valerie Klein and Wesley Shumar at Drexel, as well as partners at 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, and SoE alum Anthony Matranga at California State University – San Marcos, much of my attention this year will be on our NSF-funded ORCIDS project. The project brings together teachers, researchers and other math educators to focus on ways to engage more meaningfully with students online.

As a Research Professor and Co-Director of The Methods Lab, I am part of many exciting new projects this year! In addition to building interdisciplinary research teams and partnerships, the most current project is a collaborative project among 91��Ƭ��, Bowling Green State University, and Clarity Assessment Systems.

Dara Bright, a doctoral researcher from 91��Ƭ��’s School of Education, has been selected for one of 15 highly competitive annual fellowships with the Community for Advancing Discovery Research in Education (CADRE), a resource network for STEM education researchers supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) granted accreditation to 91��Ƭ�� School of Education educator preparation programs. Drexel is the only university in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs to be approved under the  – rigorous, nationally recognized standards that were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs.

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, here are 10 great ways you can thank teachers.

91��Ƭ��'s partnership with the TEACH Pennsylvania Scholarship from the the Pennsylvania Child Care Association is helping teachers at childcare centers across the state earn teacher certification without having to take out loans and other debt to pay for their education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic changes in our everyday lives. Dr. Penny Hammrich, Dean and Distinguished University Professor has this special message with students.

91��Ƭ�� School of Education Assistant Professor Christopher Wright is a 2019 recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.

Global architecture and design firm Perkins Eastman and 91��Ƭ��, a Tier 1 Research university in Philadelphia, PA, are pleased to announce the Consortium for Design and Education Outcomes (CDEO), a joint research collaboration that will study the impact of environmental design on educational outcomes.

Jetting off to a foreign country to teach sounds like the dream of bright-eyed young college graduates and corporate America burnouts looking for a fresh start. But Nathalie Chica, MS in Global and International Education ’16, doesn’t quite fit these stereotypes. As a divorced mother working in education, Chica wasn’t looking to escape her day job or take a gap-year adventure; she was looking to further her career.

Drexel Joins Carnegie

New Year New SoE Faces

Drexel School of Education Associate Dean of Research Dr. Dominic Gullo was quoted by WHYY  Newsworks regarding the signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act and new federal funding to expand Pre-K.

 Drexel’s DragonsTeach program was recently recognized among three schools in the nation who are meeting the need for future STEM teachers by providing students with the resources they need to educate our next generation of children.

The School of Education hosted a discussion on higher education reform on September 9, featuring Andrew Kelly as the speaker.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a grant nearly $93,000 to the Math Forum for the project, “Online Collaboration to Understand Preservice Teachers' Developing Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT).”