Sharon Sherman, Dean of the School of Education
Rider University is responding to the nationwide call for transformational improvements in our schools of education. Engaging the “digital natives” who are growing up with 4G mobile technology, iPads, cloud computing, augmented reality and social media means that we must learn to communicate and educate in different ways. Our programs in teacher education, teacher and administrator leadership, and human services offer cutting-edge opportunities for high quality preparation and professional growth.
And our students get jobs.
Many 2013 graduates are working in schools, clinical settings and organizations, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Our field-based programs and strong Rider alumni network provide important contacts and mentoring opportunities that leads to employment opportunities for our graduates. In fact, five of our recent graduates, Emily DiPaola in 2010 and Angela DiFranco in 2011, Toni Ann Mizzi in 2012, and Jami Centrella and Amanda Schott in 2013 have been named NJ Distinguished Student Teacher of the Year.
To learn “What happens to Rider graduates when they take actual teaching positions?” we developed a survey and sent it to principals throughout the region asking them to rate the performance of any and all recently hired Rider graduates in their schools. The results have been very encouraging. The average of all the responses in all the categories was “Above average for a new teacher.” This confirms information from ratings by student teaching cooperating teachers, supervisors, and professors of Rider students in their student-teaching semester, and it suggests that in the real, in-service world of everyday teaching, Rider graduates continue to excel.
How do we make this happen?
We have created a diverse set of student-centered programs that address the needs of 21st century learners. We have created partnerships with local schools, businesses, and government and community agencies so that we can work collaboratively to develop high-quality programs for our students.
The strengths of the Rider University School of Education enable us to function successfully in today’s changing world. We have a strong faculty with diverse backgrounds and expertise. We value excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Our professors are devoted advisors and mentors who relate well to their students. Our programs are accredited by NCATE, CACREP, NASM and NASP. In fact, we are the first private institution in New Jersey to have the prestigious NCATE accreditation.
Our two departments, graduate and undergraduate, specialize in meeting the needs of learners in various stages of life. As you browse our site you will find the details of all of our programs, certificates, and endorsements.
Our Center for Reading and Writing, established in 1980, provides field experiences for graduate students earning a Master of Arts degree in Reading and Literacy. The facility is recognized locally, state- and nationwide, and internationally as a model program for literacy education.
Another successful initiative is Rider SELECT, a collaboration between Rider’s Departments of Science and our School of Education. SELECT is dedicated to the preparation and career-long professional development of grades K-12 teachers of science and mathematics.
Established in 2003, our CONNECT-ED (C-E) initiative is a consortium of 14 central New Jersey districts and independent schools, Rider and Princeton Universities, Raritan Valley Community College, and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. It is dedicated to providing a coherent, sustained system of professional development for K-12 teachers of science and mathematics that models the inquiry approach to teaching and learning. Rider serves as lead institution for the Consortium.
Our Summer Institute for 21st Century Educators provides cutting-edge workshops and courses that meet the needs of today’s teachers and leaders.
Grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and the New Jersey Education Association. enable us to offer summer programs for high school students interested in careers in science, technology, and mathematics teaching.
Recent grants from the Martinson Family Foundation and the Carnegie Foundation have enabled us to strengthen our STEM offerings. We now offer interactive online graduate level mathematics and science courses for teachers. Our Full Immersion Residency in STEM Teaching (FIRST) is currently recruiting our first cohort of STEM-strong elementary and middle school teachers.
The Shakesperience festival provides middle and high school students and their teachers the opportunity to engage with Rider University faculty from across our School of Education, the Department of Theatre and Dance, and Westminster College of the Arts.
Classroom teachers find our focus on implementing the common core standards an excellent way to refresh their content knowledge and positively impact student achievement in preschool through grade 12 schools. Career changers find Rider’s supportive culture and student-centered learning environment just what they need to grow and learn. Professional guidance, highly qualified professors, excellent field placements, and our connections to the field give graduates of Rider a competitive edge in landing the right job.
Successful graduates of our programs in organizational leadership, school and clinical mental health counseling, school psychology, reading, teachers of students with disabilities, business education, administration and supervision, and classroom teaching are having a positive impact around the globe.
Study with us and join us on campus, on-site in your school or district, or online. Ask about our custom-made programs and school-based cohorts that address the specific needs of your school or organization.
Rider is an exciting place to be, and I invite you to browse our site so that you experience the outstanding work of our faculty, staff, and students. Please visit our campus and stop by to say hello. I’d be delighted to speak with you.
Warm regards,
Sharon J. Sherman
Dean
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.
