2023 - 2024 Spotlight
PRIZE Summer Teacher Academy Signing Day
On June 27th, 2024, three recent PRIZE (Partnering in Raising Inclusive, Zealous Educators) students committed to the teacher education program at West Chester University. Hannah Giampietro and Cecelia Perrotti are recent graduates of Kennett High School, part of Kennett Consolidated School District, which was the first district to sign onto the PRIZE initiative started by Dean of the College of Education and Social Work, Desha Williams. The third student, Carmelena Smith, recently graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. All three students have committed to teaching in their home districts upon completion of their education degree, fulfilling the PRIZE program’s mission of increasing the teacher pipeline in the face of a national teacher shortage.
Seven additional high school students participated in the inaugural PRIZE Summer Teacher Academy, held on campus from June 24th – June 27th, 2024. From Avon Grove School District, Fidel Castro-Najera and Faith Bullen participated. Kieran Flanigan joined from Colonial School District. Ryan Navickas and Lila Graney participated from Rose Tree Media School District, and Imanni Barrett and Emma Arocho joined from Kennett Consolidated School District. Assisting students throughout their academy experience were three current West Chester University Early Grades Prep teacher candidates: Kristina Williams, Conner Penny, and Alyssa Wheat. In a few short years, these seven participants will follow in their peers’ footsteps and sign the following PRIZE Pledge:
“To create a classroom where every voice is heard, every perspective valued, and every individual celebrated. To make a profound and lasting difference in the communities I serve. To stand committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but cherished, for it is in our differences that we find strength. To commit to being an active and engaged member of my community, leveraging my role as a teacher to uplift, empower, and inspire those around me. To cultivate a learning environment that reflects the rich tapestry of our community, embracing diversity and celebrating the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of everyone. To foster a sense of belonging and inclusion, ensuring that every learner feels valued and supported as they embark on their educational journey. To approach my work with dedication, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to fostering a brighter future for all.
As a teacher, I am not just shaping minds; I am shaping the future, and I do so with passion, inclusiveness, and unwavering zeal.
I AM THE PRIZE!!!”
The June 24th PRIZE signing ceremony was featured on 6ABC Action News and can be viewed here.
The PRIZE program was featured on CBS News Philadelphia and can be viewed here.
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Mildred 'Mit' Joyner - May 23, 2024
The life and legacy of Dr. Mildred 'Mit' Joyner will continue to impact West Chester University for years to come as an office in the Social Work Department has been named in her honor. The Naming Ceremony, which took place in Anderson on Thursday, May 23, 2024, featured a speech by President Chris Fiorentino, as well as words of remembrance shared by Dr. Desha Williams, Dean of the College of Education and Social Work, in addition to various members of Mit's beloved family. President Fiorentino shared the following in his tribute to Mit:
"Mit was instrumental in establishing our first Master of Social Work program, which has since nurtured countless professionals dedicated to societal change. This is why we’ll never know the true extent of her legacy. The trickle down is just too massive to follow. Beyond academics, Mit was a driving force in community initiatives that reached far beyond the classroom. She chaired fundraising efforts for the Frederick Douglass Statue on campus – its eventual installation was a dream come true for her. She also profoundly impacted our local community by serving on the boards of the Chester County Food Bank and Living Beyond Breast Cancer, again advocating tirelessly for those in need."
Congratulations to our 2024 Graduates in Philadelphia!
View a photo gallery of our Graduates in Philadelphia
Celebrating the Class of 2024 Graduate Scholars!
Check out our photo gallery of our 2024 Graduate Scholars
Honoring the Class of 2024 Undergraduates!
Check out pictures from the 2024 Undergraduate Commencement.
Bridging the Gap: Witnessing the Art of Counseling in Action
“I wish I could see it.” This is a common statement among new counselors-in-training as they begin their graduate journey. It also represents a critical focus of the newly updated curriculum in Counselor Education: closing the gap between knowing and doing. In this recent Counseling Demonstration, faculty members took on the roles of counselor and client. True to what is often the case in the field, the counseling faculty member had to navigate an unscripted session with a “client” for whom they had no prior knowledge. This opportunity allows students to observe experts in their field work through complex cases, asking questions and discussing among peers as they see the science of counseling meet the art of the therapeutic process.
Evan Horton, a graduate student attendee, shared this about the event, “The counseling demo was one of the best experiences I've had in this program so far. It's one thing to learn about techniques and theories and practice with classmates. This gave the opportunity to see what a session could look like. As someone who is completing their first year of the program, it gave me a chance to see how to approach a session and client. I was able to ask questions and give feedback to my professors, knowing that there was no 'right' or 'wrong' answer. It was a fantastic learning experience, and I can't wait for the next one!”
Celebrating Our 2024 Outstanding Teacher Education Seniors!
PEDC / PAC-TE / PaCase Advocacy Day!
On April 9th, Dean Desha Williams, three WCU teacher candidates – Cecelia Perrotti, Teddy Schaefer, & Kristina Williams – and Dr. Ashley Rowe participated in the PEDC/PAC-TE/PaCase Advocacy Day in Harrisburg for teacher preparation.
The team met with 6 legislators and/or their staff including, Senators Comitta, Hughes, and Kane as well as local Representatives Isaacson, Pielli, and Young. The team discussed topics such as student teacher stipends and dual enrollment programs like WCU’s Partnering in Raising Inclusive Zealous Educators (PRIZE).
Also, Dr. Jan Schumacher participated in the PA Educator Diversity Consortium’s session with House Education Subcommittee’s Chairpersons – Rep. Topper and Rep. Schweyer!
Thanks to all the elected officials, students, staff, and faculty who contributed to this busy, fun day!
Cultivating Excellence: The West Chester Writing Project's (WCWP) Commitment to Writing and Teaching
In the realm of education, the adage "practice what you preach" resonates profoundly, especially in the craft of writing. The West Chester Writing Project (WCWP) stands as a vibrant testament to this belief, advocating that the most effective teachers of writing are those who actively engage in the craft themselves. Through their dynamic and innovative programs, WCWP fosters a lively and supportive community that connects educators from K-12 and beyond, nurturing a collaborative environment where new ideas flourish.
One of WCWP's initiatives is the upcoming 15-credit Advanced Certificate in Teaching Writing, offered exclusively through West Chester University (WCU). This comprehensive program equips educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to inspire and guide young writers. The courses focus on assisting classroom teachers in cultivating the valuable skills of critical thinking, analytical reading, open inquiry, and self-expression. Moreover, WCWP's engagement extends beyond traditional coursework, as they actively work with students through initiatives like the Young Writers Young Readers program held every summer. These experiences provide invaluable opportunities for educators to apply their learning in real-world settings and network with other writers.
At the heart of WCWP's mission lies its Invitational Summer Institute, a transformative six-credit course that offers a unique blend of theory and practice. This immersive experience is designed to empower educators with innovative teaching strategies, fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies of writing instruction. There are many opportunities for cultivating lifetime writing skills through exploration of a creative process with immediate impact on classroom experiences. Furthermore, WCWP's impact extends far beyond the classroom, as many participants continue their involvement after their tenure as classroom teachers. Through ongoing collaboration and professional development opportunities, WCWP cultivates a community of lifelong learners dedicated to the art and craft of writing and teaching, offering a rewarding and enriching experience for all.
View more information about the West Chester Writing Project.
Congratulations to our 1871 Award Winners for 2024!
1871 Awardees - 2024
Join us in supporting the CESW for WCU's Day of Giving 2024
"Balance Week" at the WCU Philadelphia Location Brings Rest and Rejuvenation
Balance Week, a tradition at West Chester University in Philadelphia, provides students with the opportunity to de-stress by engaging in different stress relief activities and discussions to ease the end of the semester burdens. At the close of the Fall 2023 semester, students learned about mindfulness from Lori Mina, the counselor at WCU’s Philadelphia location, and enjoyed a catered dinner with their peers, staff, and faculty members. Another special part of Balance Week included a visit from two therapy dogs, Remy and Emmet! A group session with Dr. Erin Hipple’s graduate social work class and a massage chair service from Harmony Hands Massage wrapped up the fall term's Balance Week activities. Over the course of the week, close to 100 students were able to participate, and prioritize self-care. Thank you to Dr. Evelyn Anderson for organizing this popular event.
Meet our 2023 Wall of Honor Recipients
Wall of Honor Awardees
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Nadine M. Bean, MSSA, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Nadine Bean retired in August 2020 after completing 22 years as a professor at West Chester University. While Dr. Bean was beloved to many in the Master of Social Work Program as a respected colleague, professor, researcher, and social worker, she didn’t always plan on going into social work. After completing a BA in Biology and Psychology on the pre-med track, she entered medical school in 1980 with plans to practice family medicine or child psychiatry. However, with a medically fragile young daughter, she decided a career in medicine was not worth the time she would have to spend away from her daughter’s care, and instead found her calling in social work. Dr. Bean earned a MSSA (Master of Social Sciences Administration, equivalent to the MSW) and PhD from Case Western Reserve University.
Highlights of Dr. Bean’s career include her volunteer work with the American Red Cross in disaster mental health services; her first deployment was to lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. She has volunteered at multiple disaster sites since then, including in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Bean also volunteers to provide pro bono mental health services to veterans and military families through the national Give an Hour network. A meaningful time in her early social work career were the years she spent providing in-home services in Baltimore County’s early intervention system, supporting families of young children with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities.
After completing a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Maryland investigating family violence in the military, Dr. Bean took a position at West Chester University in 1998. Fiercely dedicated to the success of her students, she is especially proud of being awarded a total of $1.9 million from HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) BHWET (Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training) Grant in the fall of 2017. This grant provided $10,000 stipends to over 100 MSW and MEd, School Counseling students in their final year of field who were working in an integrated health care setting or a Title I school with diverse and underserved populations.
Dr. Bean is the proud mother of three daughters and grandmother of three grandsons.
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Sally Tamburello Winterton, Ed. D.
“It’s a beautiful day for school!”, is how Dr. Sally Winterton regularly greeted her students. Dr. Winterton joined the faculty at West Chester University in 1992 after 24 years in public education where she served as an elementary classroom teacher, an assistant middle school principal, and an elementary school principal. Her 22-year career at WCU in the College of Education began when she joined the faculty as an adjunct professor; upon completing her doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania, she was tenured and later promoted to Associate Professor. Following her retirement in 2014, Dr. Winterton was honored with the designation of Professor Emerita.
Dr. Winterton’s teaching responsibilities included early field courses, Creativity in the Classroom, and supervising teacher candidates. She also taught the inaugural section of the Middle Level Certification field experience class. Dr. Winterton managed and coordinated WCU’s Gear-Up Grant in cooperation with Holy Family University, the Community College of Philadelphia, and the School District of Philadelphia; the grant funded professional development for teachers and summer technology/math camps for students. In addition, she served as the Department of Elementary Education’s Coordinator of Field Experiences, Interim Director of the Teacher Education Center, and Interim Associate Dean of the College of Education.
Dr. Winterton is most proud of her collaboration with two colleagues in instituting “The Kennett Experience,” a two-semester commitment of cooperating teachers and teacher candidates which culminates with the student teaching experience. Such yearlong experiences continue as part of the teacher preparation program and have resulted in strong partnerships with several school districts. To enrich these yearlong partnerships, Dr. Winterton co-authored a grant to fund professional development facilitated by St. Cloud University Co-Teaching Model presenters to benefit WCU student teaching supervisors, local superintendents, and cooperating teachers. Subsequently, she and a colleague conducted Co-teaching workshops for local school districts.
Dr. Winterton is Past President of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators and a member of its Board of Directors and a Past President of the Immaculata University Alumni Association. She currently is on the WCU’s CESW Advisory Council and on the University’s New Faculty Orientation Committee.
Dr. Winterton and her husband, John, are longtime residents of Chester County where she has served on their township’s Historical Commission as a 25-year member and as current chair of the Planning Commission.
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Scholarship Awardees!
Dawn Patterson Awarded PEPI Grant
Congratulations to Dawn Patterson on receiving the Provost Enrollment Planning Investment (PEPI) grant through West Chester University. Dawn was awarded this grant alongside a group of colleagues with whom she collaborated on this achievement: Dr. Beatrice Adera, Dr. Colleen Commisso, Dr. Mary Houser, and Dr. Michael Ubbens.
In recognizing the Pre-K to 12 teacher shortage and low enrollment in special education majors at WCU, Dawn and her colleagues saw an opportunity to use this grant to work towards reversing this trend. The program they’ve designed, called the Paraprofessional Pathway Program, provides an opportunity for paraprofessionals currently employed in special education classrooms to earn a BS in Special Education along with their teacher certification. This will create a direct path to earning a degree for these dedicated professionals already working in the field of special education.
Dawn joined our West Chester University community in 2015 and began serving the Department of Special Education as an Associate Professor in 2020. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from State University of New York College at Buffalo, M.S. of Education in Special Education from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and her EdD with a specialization in Special Education/Autism Spectrum Disorder. Prior to arriving at WCU, Dawn was a special education teacher for 15 years. Dawn continues to infuse her passion for special education into the service-learning, study-abroad experiences she has organized for WCU students since 2018. This grant will open doors for special education paraprofessionals, and positively impact special education students for generations to come.
WELCOME NEW FACULTY AND STAFF 2023!
New Staff
Valerie McCaffrey, Dean’s Office
Valerie McCaffrey
Dean’s Office
The CESW Dean’s Office welcomed a new Office Assistant in January 2023. Valerie McCaffrey most recently served as the Assistant Librarian at Henderson High School in the West Chester Area School District. She has been very active in the schools also volunteering as President of the Home & School Association at East Goshen Elementary. Val is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she studied Journalism. We are excited to have Val as part of the College!
Amber Junkins, Secondary Education and K-12 Health and Physical Education
Amber Junkins
Secondary Education and K-12 Health and Physical Education:
Amber began her role as the Office Coordinator in the newly titled Department of Secondary Education and K-12 Health and Physical Education (Anderson Hall) in April 2023. Stay tuned for a spotlight on this department soon!
Lisa Harrington, Counselor Education and Ed Leadership and HE Admin
Lisa Harrington
Counselor Education and Ed Leadership and HE Admin
Lisa began in November 2022 as an Administrative Assistant working with both the Department of Counselor Education (Graduate Center) and the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education Administration (Anderson Hall / Graduate Center).
Mollie Zenz, Assessment Team
Mollie Zenz
Assessment Team
Mollie Zenz is the new Assistant Director of Data and Program Administration. She is originally from Ohio but spent the last ten years in Virginia working at James Madison University in Orientation. Mollie received her B.S. from Ohio University (not be confused with Ohio State) and her M.Ed. from The University of Toledo. She spends her free time cheering on her seven-year-old son during soccer and basketball games, finding exciting vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and reading/listening to audiobooks.
Judith Mullane, Office of Candidate Services
Judith Mullane
Office of Candidate Services
Judy Mullane began her new role as Administrative Assistant, Office of Candidate Services on August 28, 2023. Prior to working at West Chester University, she worked as an administrative assistant in the Development Office of a college prep boarding school. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College, North Easton, MA. Her major was Psychology with a Business minor. She has a passion for education and is excited to work in the Office of Candidate Services in the College of Education and Social Work at West Chester University.
Kristen Crans, Technology Center
Kristen Crans
Technology Center
Kristen is coming to us most recently from the Registrar’s office, where she began her WCU career back in January 2023. Prior to that, Kristen has spent the last twenty years working in elementary schools, first as a classroom teacher, then switching to a school library media specialist position. Kristen received her master’s in library science with a school library certification from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009. Kristen is excited to be back in education working in a new and invigorating capacity as the Assistant Director of Instructional Design and Technology!
New Faculty
Emmaline Ellis, EMGE
Emmaline Ellis
EMGE
Dr. Emmaline Ellis teaches courses in the undergraduate Early Grades Preparation program and Early Childhood Minor. Before her transition into higher education, Dr. Ellis was a Kindergarten teacher and social worker in the city of Philadelphia. Her scholarship focuses on teachers’ implementation of classroom resources that support young children’s early literacy skill development, with a particular focus on classroom discussion related to print during shared reading activities. Dr. Ellis has presented her research at national conferences and published articles in multiple peer-reviewed journals on the topics of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and social-emotional learning interventions.
Brittany Severino, Special Ed
Brittany Severino
Special Ed
Dr. Brittany Severino is the definition of RAM pride being a three-time WCU Alum (Class of 2016, 2018, and 2021)! Dr. Severino is a certified special education teacher and general education teacher (PreK-12th grade) in Pennsylvania. She earned her M.Ed. in Special Education and Ed.D. in Policy, Planning, and Administration. Before becoming an assistant professor at WCU, she worked as a high school learning support and emotional support teacher for a public school district in Chester County. Dr. Severino also worked with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) as a job coach and community-based living and learning teacher supporting secondary students with transition planning and services. Dr. Severino has adjunct teaching experience at Cabrini University and Eastern University. Dr. Severino is proud to be a full-time faculty member at WCU and prepare the future generation of special education teachers.
Emily Southerton, EFPS
Emily Southerton
EFPS
Dr. Emily Southerton was awarded her BA from Villanova University and her PhD from Stanford University. She studies the development of youth agency and social justice efforts and strives to better understand how they relate to social writing technologies and curricula.
Her dissertation was a mixed methods, critical action, and design-based research project,
titled: "Reimagining Youth Agency and Social Media Platforms with Middle School Girls
and Nonbinary Youth"
Before Stanford, she taught middle school ELA, Humanities, and Computer Science in
Haddonfield, NJ and Jackson, MS.
She also created the Poet Warriors Project, a digital publishing platform that amplifies the work of youth poets from low-income schools across the country: www.poetwarriorsproject.com.
Her work has been published most recently in the journals, Computers and Composition (2023) and, The Journal of Educational Research (2023) and the books AI in Learning: Designing the Future (2023) and Literacies in the Platform Society–Histories, Pedagogies, Possibilities (forthcoming).
She's from central Pennsylvania, was educated in public schools, and is the proud great-granddaughter, daughter, and sister of Pennsylvania public school educators!
Anne Gill, Secondary Ed – Social Studies
Anne Gill
Secondary Ed – Social Studies
Dr. Anne Gill has worked as a pre-service teacher educator for the last four years. She comes from a background in public education, specializing in history, special education, and humanities leadership. Anne holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Monmouth University, Long Branch, NJ, and a Ph.D. in Literacy Education from St. John's University, Queens, NY. Anne's research interests focus on innovative teaching methods, such as integrating social media and media texts in instruction. She is also passionate about promoting critical media literacy in the social studies classroom, specifically focusing on media analysis and incorporating multiple perspectives.
Welcoming the Health and Physical Education Faculty!
Matthew Cummiskey
Matthew Cummiskey
Dr. Matthew Cummiskey is an Associate Professor and the Director of Adventure Education Program. He received his BS in Health and Physical Education from Ithaca College, his MSEd in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, and his PhD in Kinesiology from Temple University. His research interests include staff training in adventure education, school wellness education, and accreditation of K-12 Physical Education programs. He's a lifetime member of SHAPE America, the Pennsylvania Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK)! In 2018, he was awarded the Linda Wood Huber Aware for Service by the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance! Dr. Cummiskey is on sabbatical for the Fall 2023 semester.
Elizabeth Dlugolecki
Elizabeth Dlugolecki
Liz Burkhart Dlugolecki is an enthusiastic educational leader with sixteen years of experience in K-12 and higher education. This is Elizabeth's second year as an Assistant Professor at West Chester University in the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification program; she also served as a part time adjunct professor at Penn State Berks and West Chester University. Previously she worked as a secondary health physical education teacher in the public school system. Selected as both the Pennsylvania State and Eastern District Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, her success in teaching is achieved through an emphasis on confidence and empowerment in making healthy decisions thus allowing for exploration, learning, and growth. Liz is known for her boundless energy and passion for health and physical education. Since completing her undergraduate degree, she went on to earn both her master’s and doctoral degrees with a research focus on the areas of high quality health and physical education programs and educational support among early to mid-career teachers. Liz’s service and leadership to the profession is extensive. She was a key contributor in the establishment of Berks County into the Lancaster/Lebanon/Berks local chapter for health and physical education. She has served on the Executive Board of PA SHAPE, SHAPE PA Lancaster/Lebanon/Berks, written numerous scholarly articles, and conducted countless professional presentations across the country. She has served in several different leadership roles in her school district from committees to event coordinators, and much more. Liz’s knowledge and experience in the educational system has helped her become a true advocate for quality health and physical education programs. Her dedication and passion to education has impacted the lives of many professionals and helped strengthen health and physical education!
Jenna Fisher
Jenna Fisher
Jenna started as an adjunct in the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Program during the pandemic. She began her tenure track role in Fall 2021 when students were allowed back face-to-face on campus. She holds a PhD in Physical Education Pedagogy with a cognate in Motor Behavior from the University of South Carolina. Jenna earned a Masters of Science degree in Health Education with a focus on Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification and her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University.
With several years of teaching health and physical education at the middle school level, Jenna's passion is in preparing preservice teachers to provide best practice education in the real world. There is nothing better than watching preservice teachers develop into effective and motivated future professionals.
Elizabeth Foster
Elizabeth Foster
Dr. Beth Foster, CAPE (certified adapted physical educator), is an associate professor at West Chester University in adapted physical activity/education (APA/E). She is the APA/E program coordinator and graduate coordinator of the APE graduate certificate program, the program coordinator for health and physical education majors, and the director of the Adapted Physical Activity minor. Dr. Foster is also the director for Camp Abilities, which is a developmental sports camp for youth with vision loss that occurs over Memorial Day weekend at WCU. She is the head coach of Special Olympics Rammies for Soccer and basketball hosted here at West Chester for athletes with intellectual disabilities Dr. Foster has presented internationally and nationally at conferences on research and various application-based topics on vision loss/deafblindness, adaptations, and assessment within the field of APA/E and adapted sports. She completed deafblind intervener training at the Minnesota Deafblind Project. Dr. Foster was named the 2012 Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance APE teacher of the year and is also English as a Secondary Language certified. She is currently a member of the Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Advisory Committee and is also a special advisor for the Pennsylvania Partnership for the Deafblind. She is the research chair for the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities. In addition, Dr. Foster has been involved with various adapted sport organizations and disability organizations promoting physical activities, fitness, adapted sports, and aquatics for all individuals with disabilities.