Department

Education

Students who seek a teaching degree at Assumption are provided the skills they will need to develop to excel in the classroom, and to inspire their students.

Contact Information

Cathleen Stutz, Ph.D., Chair, Education Department

cstutz@assumption.edu

Location

Kennedy Hall - Room 167

At Assumption University, we believe that teaching is more than just a job – it’s a way of life that requires commitment, devotion, and a specialized set of skills. When you study education at Assumption, you’ll not only acquire a deep understanding of the material you’ll be teaching, but you’ll also learn how to teach it effectively at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Grounded in the liberal arts, our state-approved program produces confident, professional teachers who, in keeping with the mission of Assumption, apply their knowledge in service to others.

Great teachers are always in demand. Teaching is a rewarding career and the Assumption faculty is dedicated to helping you chart your path to becoming an educator. When you major in education at Assumption, you will develop deep content knowledge and diverse pedagogical skills, as well gain valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. Graduates from our program earn a double major and a Massachusetts Initial Teaching License. Your coursework, fieldwork, and student teaching are designed to prepare you for success in your own classroom.

Education majors master two disciplines, teaching and their content area, helping them to stand out as a highly respected professional in the field of education, as well as an outstanding teacher in the classroom.

Benefits and Features of a Teaching Degree in Education

Benefit from dual-advising, with one advisor from the education faculty and another from your chosen area of study.
Gain 400 hours of practical experience in the classroom, starting in your first year that will culminate in full-time student teaching.
Study and live in an ideal location within easy reach of Worcester’s many public, private, urban and suburban schools.
Learn from faculty with extensive classroom and school leadership experience and strong networks among active teachers.
85% of Assumption’s 2016 education majors were employed, pursuing additional education or participating in post-graduate service opportunities within six months of graduation.
Earn your BA and your Master of Arts in Special Education in just five years.

Department Mission Statement

The Department of Education at Assumption University prepares its students to teach effectively in a safe classroom environment. The department also strives to educate its students to exemplify good character and integrity in their professional lives.

BA in Education/MA in Special Education Dual Degree Program

Undergraduate

Education

Undergraduate

Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Graduate

Special Education

Graduate

Special Education C.A.G.S.

Graduate

Transition Specialist C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Graduate

Department of Education Faculty

Jessica Audet de la Cruz, Ph.D. Department Chair, Education Associate Professor, Education

Kelly Benestad

Visiting Instructor of Education/Field Placement Coordinator

Thomas Brindisi

Adjunct Faculty- Education

Constance Cardillo-Backoff

Adjunct Faculty - Education

Lisa D'Souza, Ph.D. Professor of Education

Christopher Dodge

Adjunct Faculty Education

Dr. Karyn Ferdella

Adjunct Faculty/Education

Melissa Franchi

Adjunct Faculty- Education

Samantha Goldman, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Education

Casey Handfield Adjunct Faculty - Education

Eric M. Howe, Ph.D Adjunct Faculty- Education

Theresa Kirk

Adjunct Faculty- Education

Laraine Pincus

Adjunct Faculty - Education

Kathleen B. Scibelli

Assistant Professor of Practice, Education

Cathleen K. Stutz, Ed.D Assistant Professor of Education

Nanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D Associate Professor, Education Director of Special Education Director of Transition Specialist Program

Elizabeth Walsh Assistant Professor of Practice, Education

Department of Education Staff

Karen Weilbrenner

Licensure Program Coordinator

508-767-7552

Apr 15 Sat

Accept Assumption - Admitted Students Day

Join us for our Admitted Students day and discover what makes Assumption University so special! You'll have the opportunity to take an in-depth look at our academic programs and campus life with other prospective students. Currents students and alumni will be available to give you insight into clu ... Read more

Apr. 15, 2023

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Apr 17 Mon

Greyhound for a Day

Spend the day as a student at Assumption University! Prospective students will attend class with current Greyhounds and other prospective Greyhounds. Meet our professors, dine in Taylor Dining Hall, and take a personalized tour of campus. For accepted students only - space is limited daily.

Apr. 17, 2023

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Apr 18 Tue

Greyhound for a Day

Apr. 18, 2023

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Events

Apr 15 Sat

Accept Assumption - Admitted Students Day

Apr. 15, 2023

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Apr 17 Mon

Greyhound for a Day

Apr. 17, 2023

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

Apr 18 Tue

Greyhound for a Day

Apr. 18, 2023

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Assumption University Campus

About the Department

By the conclusion of their studies in the Education major, Assumption University students will demonstrate:
- conceptually sound lesson planning derived from research-based methods
- effective instructional strategies to meet the needs of all students
- competent subject matter knowledge
- the ability to improve practice based upon self-evaluation of teaching
- a commitment to professional obligations and responsibilities.

Education

Students who seek a teaching degree at Assumption are provided the skills they will need to develop to excel in the classroom, and to inspire their students.

Benefits and Features of a Teaching Degree in Education

Department Mission Statement

BA in Education/MA in Special Education Dual Degree Program

Education

Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Special Education

Special Education C.A.G.S.

Transition Specialist C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Department of Education Faculty

Department of Education Staff

Karen Weilbrenner

Events

About the Department

Light the way.

A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.