{"id":347,"date":"2019-07-17T18:18:12","date_gmt":"2019-07-17T18:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wcsu.wpengine.com\/news-archives\/eddgraduates\/"},"modified":"2019-07-17T18:18:12","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T18:18:12","slug":"eddgraduates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/news-archives\/eddgraduates\/","title":{"rendered":"2012 WCSU education doctoral graduates making the grade"},"content":{"rendered":"
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DANBURY, CONN. <\/strong>\u2014 A love for learning and a passion for teaching have helped earned WCSU<\/a> doctoral candidate Kristy Zaleta the title of Danbury\u2019s Teacher of the Year 2013.<\/p>\n

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A candidate in Western\u2019s Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership<\/a>, Zaleta has been a science teacher at Rogers Park Middle School since 2003. <\/p>\n

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\u201cIt’s a huge honor but still a bit surreal to be recognized as Teacher of the Year,\u201d Zaleta said. \u201cI love what I do and am inspired by the dedication and passion for teaching and learning that surrounds me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Zaleta said that the doctoral program at Western has enabled her to become a better teacher, leader and critical thinker, especial with regard to educational research. Her dissertation will focus on the effect of authentic learning on middle school students\u2019 science process skills and engagement in science.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI have gained a broader and more diverse understanding of education and am motivated and encouraged not only by the teachers and administrators in my cohort but also by the dedicated professors who share my passion for transforming our educational system,\u201d Zaleta said. \u201cThe overall experience has surpassed my expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n

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After earning a bachelor\u2019s degree from Montclair State University in New Jersey, Zaleta earned her master\u2019s degree in education\/instructional technology from Western in 2008. <\/p>\n

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Zaleta\u2019s success is complimented by the recent promotion and\/or appointment of five other graduates and candidates of Western\u2019s Ed.D. program. Dr. Patricia Cosentino, former principal of Bethel High School, is the Superintendent for Region 12; Dr. Raine Kor was recently appointed as assistant superintendent for instruction and human resources for the Irvington, N.Y., school district. Dr. Jake Greenwood was recently hired as assistant principal of Darien High School; Dr. Christopher Longo has accepted the position of assistant principal of New Milford High School; and Robert O\u2019Donnell, a current Ed.D. candidate in Zaleta\u2019s cohort, was recently offered the role as principal of Wilton High School where he has been serving as acting principal.<\/p>\n

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For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-3278.<\/p>\n

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Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England\u2019s best small private universities.<\/em><\/p>\n

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