School of Education
Preparing Community Leaders for Current Trends
The goal of the School of Education is to prepare competent teachers, specialists, administrators, and community leaders through professional programs that reflect current trends.
Personalized attention and individualized counseling for students, field orientation of programs, and successful placement of practicum students and graduates have characterized the program since its inception. All credentials are credited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
“NDNU prepared me in so many ways. The best thing that they did was give us real-life scenarios. Being able to experience helping children before you even got to the classroom was live changing.” - Sara-Maria, MA School Administration (MA SA)
The School of Education offers students the possibility of enrolling concurrently in some master’s and credential programs. The School has several integrated programs designed to support each student as they prepare to be a professional educator or a community leader. Integrated programs articulate some coursework between the credential and the graduate degree, significantly reducing the time and financial resources required to earn a degree. Faculty representing diverse academic and practical expertise teach the courses. Courses are available during both Summer sessions and the Fall and Spring semesters. We offer courses on afternoons/evenings and weekends to accommodate work commitments.
Welcome from the Dean, Dr. Kelly Vaughn
Welcome to the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University! As the Dean, I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant community of educators and learners. Our mission is to prepare compassionate, competent, and culturally responsive educators who are committed to fostering equitable learning environments.
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Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Competencies: We recognize the importance of nurturing the whole child. Our programs prioritize social emotional learning and cultural competencies, equipping future educators with the skills to support diverse student populations and create inclusive classrooms. This initiative is the foundation which predicates the other three.
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International and Regional Outreach: We believe in the power of collaboration and engagement beyond our campus. Our outreach initiatives aim to build strong partnerships both internationally and regionally, enhancing our educational practices while fostering global perspectives.
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Online Modalities: In response to the evolving landscape of education, we are committed to offering innovative online modalities. This flexibility allows us to reach a broader audience and provides our students with accessible, high-quality education that meets their diverse needs.
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Effective Use of AI in Teacher Education: We are embracing the advancements in technology by integrating artificial intelligence into our teacher education programs. Our goal is to prepare educators who are not only tech-savvy but also capable of leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
Education Specialist Credential and MA Special Education
Sharon T. O' Neil Ed.D.
Program Director
soneil@ndnu.edu
Single and Multiple Subject Credential Program's
Carolyn Piraino Ed.D.
Program Director
cpiraino@ndnu.edu
MA Educational Therapy (MA ED Therapy)
Polly Mayer M.A.
Program Director
pmayer@ndnu.edu
650-766-7415
MA School Administration and Administrative Services Credential Program
Susan Charles Ed.D.
Program Director
scharles@ndnu.edu
650-508-3473
MA Education
Susan Charles Ed.D.
Program Director
scharles@ndnu.edu
650-508-3473
Maria Patron
Executive Assistant
mpatron@ndnu.edu
650-508-3430