The new program is designed for experienced, certified educators seeking advanced leadership skills.
Earlier this semester the School of Education and Human Development welcomed its first cohort of students to the new Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) Program. The program is designed for individuals who have already taken or seek to take on expanded roles and responsibilities in their grade-level teams, departments, schools, or districts. The three-year, hybrid, low residency program develops teacher leaders who are advocates for social justice and who take actions as leaders with and for students, families, communities, and organizations for transformative change.
Last month program director Stephanie Storms, EdD, associate dean and associate professor of multicultural education welcomed the program’s first cohort of students to campus for a special dinner and opportunity to meet each other face-to-face. Program faculty and senior leadership were also in attendance.
“When I met with students this semester for one-on-one check-ins about their experiences in the program, they all requested that we find a way to meet in person,” said Dr. Storms. “Two residencies are required for the program and we hoped to implement one of them in August before classes began. As an alternative, I decided to host a dinner for the students last month. Several students discussed the importance of the dinner during the event and others sent me a note afterward thanking me for organizing the evening. It was fun to take pictures together and to enjoy a nice meal while learning more about one another. I plan to organize another get-together next semester. Thank you to Dr. Walter Rankin for sponsoring the event!“
One student John Whaley, an English teacher at Fairfield Warde High School, shared his reason for joining the program and his impression so far.
“I consider myself a forerunner and someone who breaks boundaries, and the EdD program was calling my name in that regard,” said Whaley. “The emphasis on social justice also drew me in. Teaching is not just a vocation, it’s my life. Having someone like Milford Superintendent Anna Cutaia teach in the program and share her perspective as a high-level administrator is really wild. I also mentor Fairfield graduate students which is a great experience for me and the students.”
To learn more about the EdD program visit fairfield.edu/edd.
Last month program director Stephanie Storms, EdD, associate dean and associate professor of multicultural education welcomed the program’s first cohort of students to campus for a special dinner and opportunity to meet each other face-to-face. Program faculty and senior leadership were also in attendance.
“When I met with students this semester for one-on-one check-ins about their experiences in the program, they all requested that we find a way to meet in person,” said Dr. Storms. “Two residencies are required for the program and we hoped to implement one of them in August before classes began. As an alternative, I decided to host a dinner for the students last month. Several students discussed the importance of the dinner during the event and others sent me a note afterward thanking me for organizing the evening. It was fun to take pictures together and to enjoy a nice meal while learning more about one another. I plan to organize another get-together next semester. Thank you to Dr. Walter Rankin for sponsoring the event!“
One student John Whaley, an English teacher at Fairfield Warde High School, shared his reason for joining the program and his impression so far.
“I consider myself a forerunner and someone who breaks boundaries, and the EdD program was calling my name in that regard,” said Whaley. “The emphasis on social justice also drew me in. Teaching is not just a vocation, it’s my life. Having someone like Milford Superintendent Anna Cutaia teach in the program and share her perspective as a high-level administrator is really wild. I also mentor Fairfield graduate students which is a great experience for me and the students.”
To learn more about the EdD program visit fairfield.edu/edd.
