Grad. Ed. Programs to Get Boost from New Dean
MADISON, NJ—Drew University announces the appointment of Dr. Ross Danis as associate dean of education in its Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. The 30-year veteran of New Jersey schools plans to expand the school’s existing Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and forge valuable partnerships with primary and secondary schools throughout the state. Danis comes to Drew from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, where he was responsible for awarding grant money to innovative educational programs.
“It is our goal to make Drew a model for how a small liberal arts institution can make dramatic contributions to public education,” said Caspersen School Dean Richard Greenwald. “Ross’ experience as a teacher and administrator makes him the perfect person to lead our effort to create innovative, effective educational programs.”
“I believe Drew has all the right ingredients to become a national leader in training K-12 educators,” said Danis. “By expanding the current MAT program, and developing high-quality certification programs, high-impact professional development initiatives, and focused K-12 partnerships, Drew will help prepare a generation of teachers for success in the 21st century.”
Prior to his last position, Danis was the assistant superintendent of schools in Randolph, New Jersey. In that position, he was responsible for curriculum and instruction in the six-school, 5,000 student district. He also represented the community’s school board in contract negotiations with Randolph’s 415-member teacher’s union. He is presently a faculty member at Seton Hall and William Paterson universities, where he teaches master’s- and doctoral-level courses on educational leadership. He has also served as principal of the Clinton Public School and as a teacher of social studies.
Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies is an intimate, student-centered institution that offers master’s and doctoral degrees. In 2008, the school’s one-year MAT program welcomed its first students. Individuals who pursue Drew’s MAT may choose to earn certification in biology, chemistry, English, math, Spanish or social studies. As Associate Dean, Danis hopes to encourage future teachers to “improve the schools we have while creating the schools we need.”
As Danis prepares to join the Drew community, he does so with an educational philosophy that matches the university’s liberal arts tradition. “Children need to be taught to think critically and creatively,” he said. “We need to educate the whole child in every child.”
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Posted: April 22, 2009
