School of Education Graduate Profoundly
Influenced by Professors
When he was a student in The School of
Education at the Staten Island campus of St. John’s, James
Eugenio (‘07Ed) was profoundly influenced by several of his
professors. As a middle school teacher at I.S. 228 in Gravesend,
Brooklyn, he incorporates their lessons every day. From the outset
of his St. John’s career James knew he wanted to teach.
Each professor gave James a unique, specific insight into the field
as he worked his way through the program. Richard
Scarpacci, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education, stressed
the importance of “having passion for what you teach,” he noted,
adding that students will take notice of an instructor who loves
what they teach. “They may not end up loving the subject, but they
will respect it because of that passion you bring.”
Initially, James had his heart set on teaching high school, but his
eyes were opened to another path by Maureen O’Brien, Adjunct
Associate Professor in the Department of
Curriculum and Instruction, and his student teaching
supervisor. “She showed me how much fun working in a middle school
can be. After observing me teach seventh graders for the first time
she told me this was where I belong. Her honesty meant a lot to
me.”
Regina
Mistretta, Ed.D., Associate Professor and Program Coordinator
in the School of Education, demonstrated to James the need for
teachers to stay abreast of trends in his chosen field. “She showed
me that teachers should strive to always learn new things about
their content area. Through her, I learned the importance of
technology in the classroom and what a valuable asset it is to
student enlightenment.”
The Staten Island Experience
James feels the intimate setting of the Staten Island campus made
his college experience run more smoothly. “I can’t think of another
campus where all the secretaries and office personnel know you by
name, and greet you with a smile every time you need something! On
the Staten Island campus everyone knew everyone, and it led to a
greater sense of community.”
James credits the preparation The School of Education gave, and
their emphasis on student teaching and field work, for making him
the teacher he is today.
“The ‘St. John’s approach’ really made a difference! Had I not
spent four years working nonstop in New York City public schools
observing other teachers and working with students, I don’t think I
would’ve survived that first year.”
By the time James began working full-time he had four years of real
world experience behind him. “It was truly invaluable and I felt
like I was ahead of the game as a result.”
Despite a busy schedule, James found time to work on the Staten
Island campus’ literary magazine, Proteus, and was one of the first
Writing Fellows at the Writing Center when
it opened in 2006.
As a student and a graduate, James was active in the Staten Island
chapter of
Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in Education.
“All of these experiences taught me responsibility and how to work
collaboratively. They also resulted in some great friendships that
made my time on the Staten Island campus more enjoyable.”
James stressed that the University’s Vincentian
Mission of helping those less fortunate directly influenced his
approach to teaching. “It showed me the importance of sacrifice,
and how that can make a difference in someone’s life.”
Witnessing his students’ growth throughout the year makes it all
worthwhile, he noted. “One of the best parts of my job is getting a
student interested in reading for the first time. I’ve seen
students go from never wanting to read a single word to not being
able to put a book down. It’s an amazing thing to witness, and
really rewarding to know that I helped spark that interest.
“Seeing a student accomplish new things is also a reward. Their
success is my success. When I see a student who is proud of
themselves and the work they have done, it makes me proud to be
their teacher.”