April 18, 2012
The St. John’s University’s School of Education held its
annual Dean’s Convocation at the Staten Island Hilton on Wednesday
April 18 honoring its students, faculty and members of the
community who facilitate the growth and development of tomorrow’s
teachers. Graduate and undergraduate students were recipients of
various academic excellence awards. Faculty members,
principals and cooperating teachers were recognized for their
contributions to our students’ success.
Keynoting the event was Evelyn Phair Finn founding Principal of
the John W. Lavelle Charter School on Staten Island, a school that
reflects the University’s direction of preparing educators for the
21st Century classroom in a variety of setting embracing
all types of children. As an educator for nearly forty years,
Principal Finn spoke about the uniqueness of Lavelle Prep, a school
that does not discriminate against students with mental illness as
it offers full integration in all classes and activities enabling
each student to develop the academic skills, emotional fluency and
confidence required to be successful. Her message to an audience of
largely pre-service teachers was: “Teaching is not for the faint of
heart! It is a tough job, but with huge personal
rewards. The tougher the challenge, the greater the
reward. Be tenacious, hang on and it will pay huge
rewards.
With over 250 in attendance the evening ended with a time for
all honorees and their families to chat and mingle over refreshment
outside the Hilton ballroom. Staten Island Academic
Vice-President and Dean of The School of Education Jerrold Ross
,who hosted the event, met with many of the students and parents
present.