Carlow Education

08/10/2026

This week, during our annual summer EdD Institute, energy and joy filled every corner. Our doctoral students arrived with thoughtful, real world questions drawn from the challenges they are already navigating in their schools, agencies, and communities. Their conversations explored equity, organizational health, teacher retention, student belonging, and the evolving future of leadership across education and human services.

These leaders represent every one of our EdD strands:

Literacy
Curriculum and Learning
Educational Leadership
Early Childhood Leadership
Special Education
Art Education, Administration, and Leadership

Our students participated in engaging workshops with program faculty and guests, had opportunities for fellowship, presented research, and spent time community building.

To our EdD cohorts: thank you for your vulnerability, your rigor, and your unwavering belief that education can be more just, more human, and more hopeful.

Thank you to our EdD planning team Patricia L. McMahon, PhD, Maria Piantanida, Ph.D., Dr. Jennifer Stafford, Kristen Buonomo, PhD, BCBA, Ann Bisignani, and Lillian Naccarati.

And thank you to the incredible Education team of faculty and staff who support this work. David Price, Sarah Zeffiro, Val Piccini, Michelle Figlar, Ed.D., Dr. Kelly Noyes, Linda Zane, DaMarra King, MBA, Susan Polojac, MiIsha Reid, PhD, Sean Freeland, Tanya Baronti, MS, MEd, Jessica Neely, Pam Zimmerman, Timothy Steinhauer, Dr. Christopher Stone, Amanda McCaleb, Ph.D., Kelly Brooks Urbani, Ed.D., Sarah Sora, Theresa Kowcheck, Miguel Burn, Sarah Posti, Patrick Baker, Rob Buffone

To learn more about this special program, visit:
https://www.carlow.edu/academic-programs/education-teaching-degrees/doctorate-in-education-program/

07/24/2026

Scholarship Announcement!

New FALL 2026 and SPRING 2027 scholarship opportunities are available for admitted graduate and doctoral students in Education, with awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the program. This scholarship funding is made possible by generous foundation support.

Scholarships are currently available in the following areas:
Art Education
Curriculum and Learning (part of the EdD)
Dyslexia Certificate Program
Early Childhood Supervision
Early Childhood Education
Educational Leadership, including Principal Certification and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility
Reading Specialist
Secondary Education
Special Education

These opportunities are designed to support educators and school or community leaders ready to deepen their expertise, engage in a dynamic learning opportunities, and expand their leadership skills.

To learn more about academic graduate and doctorate programs in Education at Carlow University, please visit: https://www.carlow.edu/academic-programs/education-teaching-degrees/

Please note: students must be admitted in order to apply for one of these scholarships. Apply today at no-cost: https://www.carlow.edu/become-a-celtic/

For more information, please contact Ann Bisignani, Graduate Coordinator, at [email protected].

07/23/2026

Congratulations Dr. David Price on two presentations at the Office of Child Development and Early Learning's Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program Annual Grantee Meeting at the Blair County Convention Center.

His sessions, Supporting Educators to Thrive: Building Meaningful Professional Development Plans and Building Strong Partnerships with Higher Education to Sustain the Early Childhood Workforce, showcase his professional work and research.

Early Childhood and Elementary Education are long-standing and well respected programs at Carlow. For scholarship funding options, please contact Ann Bisignani or David Price.

Early Childhood and Elementary Initial Certification
Early Childhood Supervision
Early Childhood Policy and Leadership

07/22/2026

We are pleased to invite educators, aspiring leaders, school partners, and members of our professional learning community to join us for our upcoming Educational Symposium: Reset, Reflect, Renew: Leading with Rational Optimism in Education, held on Friday, August 7th at 8:30 a.m.

This special morning will begin with coffee and pastries, followed by a keynote from Suzanne Dailey, author, instructional coach, and host of the Teach Happier podcast. Her work invites us to consider how small, intentional shifts in our thoughts, language, and actions can strengthen our well-being, deepen our connections, and help us lead with greater purpose and optimism.

Following the keynote, a panel of educators: Dr. Christopher Stone, Felix Yerace, and Sarah Zeffiro, moderated by Suzanne Dailey will continue the conversation around what it means to lead, serve, and sustain joy in today’s educational landscape.

At a time when educators are asked to carry so much, this symposium offers space to reconnect with the heart of the profession: students, colleagues, purpose, and possibility.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful morning of reflection, renewal, and professional connection.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/education-symposium-tickets-1994108417958?aff=oddtdtcreator

07/10/2026

Our Education team recently hosted a screening of Counted Out, a powerful documentary that challenges us to rethink the role math plays in our schools, communities, and democracy.

The film reminds us that math is shaping the systems that govern our world—from artificial intelligence and elections to opportunity and public policy. Yet too many people feel shut out of math, making this not only an education issue, but a civic one.

Counted Out reframes math as a tool for participation, power, confidence, and opportunity. It invites us to ask what becomes possible when all learners are supported in building a relationship with math rooted in confidence, wonder, and possibility.

It was a powerful documentary and one I highly recommend for anyone interested in education, equity, democracy, workforce development, and the systemic barriers that shape opportunity.

Thank you to our Education team at Carlow University for creating space for such an important conversation. Special thank you to Tanya Baronti, MS, MEd for organizing this project.

06/18/2026

Carlow was one of only 22% of the Pennsylvania programs reviewed to earn an A or A+. Just as importantly, NCTQ identified zero instructional practices contrary to reading research within our program.

In its 2026 review of Pennsylvania teacher-preparation programs, the National Council on Teacher Quality recognized Carlow’s undergraduate program for strong preparation across all five essential components of scientifically based reading instruction:
phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

To read the report: https://lnkd.in/eSFtxtnD

04/22/2026

Student Highlight: Meet Emily Warren

Today, we are proud to feature Emily Warren, a graduate student in Carlow's Special Education program. As the middle school science teacher at The Campus Laboratory School right here on Carlow's campus, Emily perfectly represents the Carlow Scholar-Practitioner—applying her graduate research directly to her classroom in real-time.

Current Role: Middle School Science Teacher, The Campus Laboratory School at Carlow University

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

A Mission-Driven Choice
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Emily chose Carlow for its reputation in Special Education and its dedication to preparing educators who make a meaningful impact. For Emily, Carlow isn't just a university; it’s a community where passion meets practice.

The Carlow Commitment
Rooted in our Mercy values, our faculty are more than instructors—they are mentors. Emily has been moved by their dedication: "I love the depth of knowledge and experience the professors bring. I truly see their passion for the field and their commitment to making sure each student is successful both professionally and personally."

Impactful Experiences
A defining moment for Emily was attending the Dyslexia Conference this past October. She returned to her classroom energized, immediately applying what she learned about systematic, explicit instruction to support her science students.

Reflecting on the Journey
"Being part of Carlow’s Special Education Program has really strengthened my confidence as a teacher and deepened my commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment for all students."

🌟 Your Journey in Special Education Starts Here🌟
Whether you are beginning your career or looking to advance like Emily, Carlow offers flexible, fully online pathways to help you transform lives:

Undergraduate: Our B.A. in Special Education (Online or Onsite) provides a strong foundation in advocacy, learner variability and evidence-based instruction.

Graduate: Advance your practice with our Fully Online Graduate Certificate or M.Ed. in Special Education, designed for the working educator.

Visit: https://www.carlow.edu/education-social-work/

04/21/2026

Meet Julia Hager, a graduate student in our Special Education program. Julia is currently balancing her role as an educator with her graduate studies.

Current Role: Emotional Support Teacher (Grades 6–8), Bethlehem Area School District

Hometown: West Grove, PA

A Mission-Driven Choice
When Julia needed to transition her teaching certification from Virginia to Pennsylvania, she sought a program that offered academic excellence and practical convenience. Recommended by a colleague, Carlow’s fully remote format allowed her to continue her vital work in the classroom while pursuing her certification.

The Carlow Commitment
Rooted in our Mercy values, our faculty strive to be caring and knowledgeable mentors. Julia has experienced this firsthand: "I love how the professors truly go the extra mile," she shared. "The content is action-oriented and immediately applicable to the students I serve every day."

Building Community
Even in a digital space, Julia has found the connection that defines the Carlow experience. "Getting to know other classmates through Zoom and Teams has been so rewarding. Having a community of peers to collaborate with—even from miles away—makes this journey feel welcoming."

Reflecting on the Journey
"As a full-time teacher, I was nervous about graduate school. But I knew quickly that I was in the perfect place with people who understood my mission. I am forever grateful."

🌟 Your Journey in Special Education Starts Here🌟
Whether you are starting your career or looking to advance it, Carlow offers flexible, fully online pathways to help you make an impact:

Undergraduate: Our B.A. in Special Education (Online) is designed for those ready to enter the field with a strong foundation in special education.

Graduate: Advance your expertise with our Fully Online Graduate Certificate or M.Ed. in Special Education, perfect for working teachers like Julia.

Explore our programs: https://www.carlow.edu/academic-programs/med/masters-education-special-education/

Thank you, Julia, for your dedication! Follow her journey on Instagram:

04/15/2026

Student Spotlight: Advancing Practice Through Scholarship

Meet Darrah Rhinehart, a doctoral student in Carlow University’s Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Learning and a dedicated high school English teacher with nearly two decades of experience.

Darrah teaches senior level Honors and AP English at North Allegheny School District, where she helps students develop deep analysis of complex texts and strong, sophisticated writing. She also contributes to curriculum development and supports students through the college application process.

Darrah recently presented at the WPCTE Conference as part of a collaborative team, leading a session titled Building High School Reading Communities. This month, she and two colleagues will present at the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering authentic engagement with reading and creating classroom cultures where students see themselves as readers.

Her journey with Carlow began with teacher certification, and she returned for her doctorate because of the program’s rigor, reflection, and strong sense of community.

“The courses are thoughtfully designed, allowing space for reflection and growth alongside deep scholarly engagement. The work is challenging in the best way. It has strengthened me as a teacher and as a person.”

Darrah describes experiences like the Carlow Summer Institute and doctoral seminars as transformational, bringing together scholarship and meaningful connection with peers.

Currently, she is reading Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney, continuing her exploration of literary voices and the stories that shape our understanding of the canon.

At Carlow, we are proud to support educators like Darrah, professionals who bring experience, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to students into their doctoral work and back into their classrooms.

04/07/2026

The Atkins Center for Ethics is sponsoring a viewing of the film SHUFFLE on April 21, 2026, at 5:30 pm in the Gailliot Center followed by a panel discussion including the filmmaker.

The documentary offers an intimate and urgent look at addiction in America through filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty’s own recovery journey. The film follows three individuals navigating the treatment and recovery system and examines the insurance-driven cycle of treatment fraud and its devastating consequences. Given the role of healthcare professionals in prevention, treatment, advocacy, and systems-level change, the film has strong relevance across nursing, social work, allied health professions, and healthcare management. For context, the trailer is available here: https://youtu.be/ZNy0_Elm-Ts?si=aiR0p-UqW4OsfR1m

Individuals can register for the event using this link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=8dW1QIPCVkuxZE0CPEXFrp_nVS0dSrJOmr2GO93s-fFUOFJTNFQyOU81TDRQTVpVMThQUURaQUoyWi4u&route=shorturl

There is an option for virtual attendance as well.

Through the lens of his own recovery, a filmmaker’s character-driven look inside the billion dollar addiction treatment industry where clients are bought and...