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.