
Faculty Appreciation Week 2024
Celebrating our faculty who give so much to students, scholarship, and our community.
Dear TC Community,
We are pleased to celebrate our annual TC Faculty Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10. This offers a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for our faculty and to spotlight the dedication and mentorship that they offer our students, as well as their support of staff and administration on behalf of the College.
We also take this time to honor faculty members who are retiring this year, as well as those who have worked at TC for many years of service.
We hope that all of you in the TC community will take a few moments to identify and honor those faculty that have made an impact on you and the College. We invite members of the TC community to honor those faculty who have made an impact on you and the College by posting a comment below. We would love to hear from you about the TC faculty members who have made a difference in your work and your lives. We look forward to reading your stories and tributes about TC faculty members who have made a difference in your work and your lives—a reminder for our faculty of how valued and beloved they are.
With much gratitude,
Marie L. Miville, Ph.D.
Vice-Dean for Faculty Affairs
Professor of Psychology and Education
Celebrating Longest Serving Faculty & Faculty Retiring in 2024
Retirements
- John Black
- Sheridan Blau
- Bob Fecho
- Jeff Henig
- Michelle Knight-Manuel
- Hope Leichter
- Carmen Martínez-Roldán
- Helen Stevens
Longest-serving Tenure-track Faculty
- Hope Leichter, 62 years
- Hervé Varenne, 52 years
- James Borland, 48 years
- John Broughton, 48 years
- John Allegrante, 45 years
- Barry Farber, 45 years
Longest-serving Full-time Lecturers
- Maria Hartman, 31 years
- Lora Sporny, 31 years
- Roseanne Gotterbarn, 27 years
- Jeanne Goffi-Fynn, 28 years
- Howard Williams, 26 years
Community submitted notes from Faculty Appreciation Week 2024
Submit a comment for a faculty member you would like to honor
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to honor Dr. Ruth Vinz for her endless dedication to not just me but all her students. She consistently makes time for every student and gives such good feedback in the process of writing and the doctoral journey. Even in class, she takes the time to carefully craft everything with so many resources and things to read - I know it takes hours to build up her classrooms the way she does. It's awe-inspiring. She has shown time and time again her care/ dedication for her students well-being and growth as an academic. I am so glad that you are part of my doctoral journey to the end! Thank you for being an amazing professor!!!!!!!
From: Dagmar Spain
a year ago
Thank you, wonderful faculty members in the dance educational department. I honor and celebrate each one of you guiding me with your knowledge and wisdom through my doctoral journey. My advisor Dr. Matt Henley has demonstrated incredible sensitivity to my topic and allowed me to shine. Thank you also to Dr. Barbara Bashaw for her never ending dedication and passion as the program’s director. I feel so fortunate to have learnt from all of you.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to thank Dr. Hartman for all the guidance and hard work she dedicates to our program and her classes. Without your advice, I would be quite lost about where to improve in terms of both teaching and guiding students in the field. Thank you from all of us in the program and the community. Please continue to help us and the future cohorts strive to do better.
From: Jasmine McElroy
a year ago
Dr. Kiara Manosalvas has been such a pleasure to learn from and engage with in class! Not only does she keep classtime lively with discussions, videos, podcasts, and anecdotes, but she also is extremely thorough in providing all of the information we may need on Canvas. It is clear that she still remembers what it was like to be a student, so she shows a level of empathy and consideration that is truly heartwarming. I would be honored to take another class of hers any semester!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Professor Jonathan Collins has been SUCH an exciting addition to our EPSA family. His energy, authentic care for students, and obvious command in his field has been such an invigorating academic and personal presence I am so thankful for.
From: Jasmine McElroy
a year ago
Dr. Riddhi Sandil is such an amazing professor! I have taken two classes of hers and thoroughly enjoyed both. She maintains an excellent balance of sharing her in-depth experience/knowledge and being open to learning from her students/soliciting feedback. She keeps us engaged, while also reminding us that it is okay to be human. Her level of transparency and openness plus empathy are so impressive. I would recommend her classes to anyone who has the opportunity to take them. Her impact on students is unmatched.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to thank Dr. Maria Hartman for her support and dedication to our learning in the Deaf Ed department. You are an amazing professor, advisor, and program director and I feel so lucky to have you as my mentor. Thank you for all you do to encourage us to grow and become better, more compassionate, and thoughtful educators. I can only hope to one day be as wonderful as you!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to celebrate Art & Art Education's Dr. Judith Burton and her unwavering commitment to her students. Dr. Burton, you are a mentor, a role model, a visionary. Thank you for everything!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Professor Ansley Erickson is such a rock in both EPSA world as well as my TC experience. Her care for her craft, her students, and the world is so obvious in every action, comment, meeting, and topic she engages with. TC and, my experience here, would not be the same without her guidance, knowledge, and care.
From: NANCY WU
a year ago
Dr. Kiara Manosalvas is without question one of the best professors I've ever had. Not only does she go out of her way to adapt curricula to our live and changing needs throughout a semester, sit in on any one of her classes and it will be evident that she prioritizes our learning above anything else, which has helped me reconceptualize approaches to education. She has given so much helpful support and direction when I felt the most in despair, and has been the guiding light in my first year here. Having a professor like her gives me hope in the industry, and makes me aspire to more as a counselor and a student. Thank you for everything!
From: Jenny McCray
a year ago
Every single faculty member of SMBI is stellar. Their knowledge, compassion, kindness and encouragement are invaluable. As the tenth cohort we are honored to be a part of this program and learn from these amazing people. Thank you SMB faculty, thank you.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Dear Dr. Wasserman, Your straightforward instruction and patience have been a guiding light in my journey for the past two years. I am really grateful for you. Regards,
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to thank Dr. Olga Hubard – for your insights and practical wisdom in the classroom, and the behind-the-scenes work you do to keep the program running smoothly while helping it evolve. I value your dedication and vision.
From: Denise Keller
a year ago
Hi Dr. Yorks, I learned so many helpful methods and skills in your Strategy Development course; it truly built my confidence in how I approach strategic projects in L&D. Who knew I’d be leaving TC with an appreciation for political mapping! I also wanted to say thank you for walking the walk, and giving me permission to submit a creative presentation along with a reflective paper for my final project. That allowed me to work in my own, meaningful way - and I continue to refer back to it. What a wonderful learning experience…thank you! ~ Denise
From: Riley Perozo
a year ago
I wanted to give a huge shout out to one of my professors Dr. Maria Hartman. Firstly I want to thank you, not only for your incredible lecturing abilities but also for your guidance through a very confusing time for me. You have made me fall in love with this subject and I could not be more grateful. Thank you!
From: Edith Middleton
a year ago
I would like to honor Dr Ruth Vinz! Dr Vinz, you are an incredible light that guides many, and I am especially grateful for the support and love you provide in my doctoral journey! You are appreciated, thank you for the gift of you!
From: Ghosoun Ismail
a year ago
I am grateful to Professor Nicole Furlonge for showing me what a true mentor should be. I had the good fortune to work and grow at Klingenstein under the leadership of Prof. Furlonge with such an amazing cohorts. Even outside of the classroom and the school system as a whole, she gave an international student who was spending their first time away from home and family outstanding support. On all fronts—academic, personal, and professional—she proposed and offered guidance. Put differently, as a Middle Eastern student studying in the United States during a crucial period, she was able to give me a sense of belonging and inclusion. She is the embodiment of every value held by the Teachers' College. For this, Thank you.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Professor Karen Froud -- if I ever had a mother apart from my mom, it would be her. The way she has taken care of all of her students during the encampment. Priceless. Would come here for her and only for her all over again.
From: Wayne Glass
a year ago
I am beyond grateful for the fierce and fabulous faculty within the Mental Health Counseling program. Dr. Brewster, Dr. Reed, Dr. Sandil, and Dr. Safirstein have been particularly transformative throughout my time as a student in the program. Thank you SO MUCH for all you do.
From: Julia Schlesinger
a year ago
Michelle - we are so lucky to have gone through this process with such warm, steady guidance from you! Thank you for being so helpful and honest all year long.
From: Kigin Yang
a year ago
I would like to honor Dr. Olga Hubard in the Art and Art Education program. She is always very supportive even though she has tons of duties. She is always kind and thoughtful and really cares about her students. I could feel her authenticity and strong sense of responsibility for her students. I hope she continues to give this wonderful energy to her students at TC.
From: Cassady Grablauskas
a year ago
SHOUT OUT to Dr. Drew X Coles, Dr. Jeanne Goffi-Fynn, Dr. Charles Kim, and Dr. Katie Kresek from the Music and Music Education Department for guiding me through a transformational year. I will always be grateful for my experiences at TC!!! THANK YOU!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I would like to thank Dr. Bryan Cheng for his persistent efforts to support first generation graduate students in the clinical psychology program. Dr. Cheng goes above and beyond as a professor and lab director.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Professor Thomas James has been such a constant place of support, encouragement, and never ending source recommendations. His presence at TC has been such a valuable part of my experience here and I am so thankful for his time, insight, and care!
From: Kristine
a year ago
Dr. Williams, you are a wonderful professor and advisor. I am so thankful for your exceptional teaching and mentorship during my time at TC.
From: Kassandra Juarez
a year ago
Shoutout to Sara Hardman in our amazing philosophy & education program. Thank you for always being up for a chit-chat, for the snacks, and for being so supportive! Continue being you because it's appreciated and needed in this world! Celebrate you even more this week!!!
From: Edith Middleton
a year ago
I would like to honor Dr Limarys Caraballo! Dr Caraballo, I feel so lucky to have you as an adviser! You are an incredible light that guides many, and I am especially grateful for the support and insight you provide in my doctoral journey! You are appreciated, thank you for the gift of you!
From: Edith Middleton
a year ago
I would like to honor Dr Marcelle Mentor! Dr Mentor, although I have yet to be a formal student in a class with you, you inform my doctoral journey in many ways! You are an incredible light that guides many, and I am especially grateful for the love and encouragement you send my way! You are appreciated, thank you for the gift of you! ✨
From: Thomas Zarkos
a year ago
" A good teacher is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others." Mustafa Kemal Ataturk....Your candle shines brightest at TC. Thank you!
From: Sara Clough
a year ago
One of the very best things about working at Teachers College is being surrounded every day by our incredible faculty. I am consistently blown away by their scholarship, impact, dedication, and pride in their research, practice and students. Thank you for all you do for our community and beyond!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
This is a short thank you note to the Art & Art Education program director, Professor Olga Hubbard. Her grace, care, and attentiveness have helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Her expertise and guidance have advanced my research and I am so grateful for her light and wisdom. A teacher I will never forget and always have as a second voice in my mind. Thank you so so much for everything you are doing for us! --F.
From: Denise Keller
a year ago
Hi Prof Fleurimond, I am so glad I was able to take your Instructional Design class! Our group projects were so helpful, as I got to know my peers; and I was able to deepen my own expertise, seeing things in different ways. I also want to point out how well designed your program was! From the syllabus, to assignment instructions and course expectations - it was crystal clear! You model what you teach for sure! And outside the classroom, you also made yourself available to chat on real world issues. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated connecting with you! Thank you for bringing such a positive energy to every class…you’re a class act and wealth of knowledge! Fondly, Denise
From: Anonymous
a year ago
To dear Maria Paula, Thank you for helping and guiding me throughout the process of my dissertation study and more. Your unwavering support, insightful feedback, and constant encouragement have been instrumental in my academic journey. This accomplishment would not have been possible without your guidance.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Hi Dr. Faller, I can’t thank you enough for welcoming me into TC, and for your continued guidance throughout my journey here! I especially want to highlight how helpful you were with my Integrative Project. Anytime I had a question, you were always there. Thank you for being an amazing professor and advisor - and beyond academia, you truly care for your students. I hope you get some time off to relax this summer…it’s so well deserved!!! With much gratitude…Denise
From: Kefei Chang
a year ago
I want to take this moment to personally thank Prof. Mary Mendenhall for supporting me as my advisor. Your academic guidance has been an invaluable part of my journey at TC. Your smile and encouragement have also been the sources of my confidence. I’m so fortunate to have you in this important part of my life. I hope more students will continue being encouraged and inspired by you in the future!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to honor Dr. Limarys Caraballo. You are an absolute wonderful professor - and I am secretly admiring your ability to think so thoroughly in the work/ scholarship that you engage in and in the way in which you write. Most importantly, I am so inspired by the work as an adult ally with youth - and it has opened up a possibility of engagement with my youth in ways I never thought was possible in the way that these two worlds of mine can be bridged. Thank you for being that light of care and possibility. So glad you came to TC! :-)
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Thank you Dr. Celia Oyler for being my friend and mentor. Thank you for seeing the best in me and uplifting me all the time! Thank you for seeing the multilayered stress that I have been through and support me through ups and downs!
From: Hallie Pond
a year ago
I'm particularly thankful for Dr. Dilshad Dayani - for leading with her heart and cultivating a classroom of vibrant learning and engagement. Following her courses, I feel much more confident and equipped with tools to navigate complex conflicts and to support folks in the bridge-building process as they repair strained relationships.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Massive thank you to Haeny and Jackie for being unforgettable professors! I really appreciate your warmth, patience, and passion.
From: Alice Wang
a year ago
I would like to thank Dr. JoAnne Rock for her statistics class. It's not the first time that I take statistics class, but I have forgotten 99% of it. What was not forgotten, was how statistics used to make me feel--confused and coerced to memorize problem solving procedures. Dr. Rock really challenged me to understand the fundamental concepts, and I can never forget what she said: you gotta understand everything, and not leave any single bit of fuzziness in your head. That's what I strived to do, and it worked! For the first time, I actually thought Statistics was fun, clever, and engaging! Dr. Rock showed me that it is possible to push your understanding to the next level if you don't leave room for fuzziness. I wish you all the best in your future. I'm sure your energy, zest and humor will bring positive influence to everyone around you!
From: Jonthon Coulson
a year ago
Michelle Knight-Manuel makes a difference. As my advisor, she helped me cut through bureaucracies efficiently so I could think about how to make the most of my time at TC - and entrusted those choices to me. As an author, she has contributed to discussions of how documents and processes meant to protect can end up erasing folks, and called for a greater consideration of the role of culture in classrooms and our society more generally. As an editor, she pushed for inclusivity without sacrificing the importance of the ideas being brought to us and our community. Happy retirement, MKM!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Dr. Kuras, thank you for your efforts to support me and other students in truly deepening our engagement with the things that matter most in life. Your classes are more than lectures, they are invitations to take greater personal responsibility both as individuals and as prospective practitioners. I never thought responsibility could be so invigorating.
From: Ellin Kim
a year ago
Dear Dr. Blau, Even though I had the opportunity to take only one course with you, "Rhetoric and Teaching," the teaching methodologies I acquired have become integral to my own pedagogical practice. I often find myself wishing I had been able to enroll in more of your classes, especially the class in which you had students analyze Paradise Lost in depth--a course I regretfully had to bypass due to scheduling conflicts. It's quite astonishing to realize that we have yet to meet in person! However, I am filled with anticipation as we are scheduled to finally meet this coming May. The prospect of learning from someone who has not only contributed significantly to our field but has also maintained close ties with many renowned scholars in education is truly an honor. Your words of wisdom, encouragement, and the equitable attention you devote to your students have made a profound impact on me, making me feel valued and respected in your class. The environment you cultivate, where every student's voice is heard and appreciated, is something I aspire to emulate in my own teaching. As you approach retirement, I hope you carry forward the knowledge that you have profoundly touched the lives of your students, myself included. I look forward to keeping in touch in the years ahead, drawing on the invaluable lessons you've imparted. Please enjoy every moment of your well-earned retirement and remember that you have left an indelible mark on many of us, and I hope I continue to be a part of your extended academic family. With warmest regards and utmost gratitude....
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Since the day we met, Dr. Morin has been nothing more than supportive towards every step/process in earning this Doctorate of Nursing Education!! Her level of expertise and her caring demeanor is TOP TIER!!!!!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to thank Dr. Rock from the HUDM department. As a kid, I was always terrified of math and stats (still am!) but Dr. Rock was the first professor to show me compassion and empathy. She has been so supportive and I will never forget her for the kindness she chose to show me as I was learning. We need more professors like her in this world
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Dr. Ansley Erickson is a dedicated scholar and an incredibly effective communicator, inside and outside of the classroom. She cares so much about her community, but rarely seeks the praise she so richly deserves. A total gem on our faculty!
From: Andes Blitz-Torres
a year ago
I am eternally grateful for Dr. Iris Bildstein for how she has guided and supported my growth throughout my graduate program. Iris is a thoughtful and caring advisor, traits that show up in how she builds relationships with her individual students, and the approaches she takes in her lessons. Her process for assigning schools for student teaching is a perfect example of her thoughtfulness - she takes into consideration where we live, our specific backgrounds in art, and the types of experiences we want to have. Iris has uplifted me time and time again, has helped me plan my next steps when I'm feeling overwhelmed, and has been a role model on what kind of teacher I want to be. Thank you, Iris, for inspiring me, motivating me, and helping me feel grounded throughout my graduate school experience.
From: Radha Anand
a year ago
My sincere thanks to Dr.Laudan Jahromi. Right from the day I reached out to her to understand more about a suitable Masters program in the Health and Behaviour Sciences department 2 years ago, to this day when I am getting ready to submit my integrative project, she has been absolutely supportive, understanding and patient. Even through an online mode of learning my learning experience I believe has been as rich as that of learning in the campus be it through her reading clubs, or the rich content and many more. I am so grateful that I got an opportunity to be part of her class and the program.
From: Anna Urrea
a year ago
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to my Program Director, Prof. Olga Hubard. Olga, you are kind, caring, dedicated, hardworking and overall the most amazing person. I admire how you make space and time for everyone in our program, how you thoughtfully and respectfully listen and advocate for all of us, and support us fully. I am so grateful for you. Thank you a million!!!
From: Denise Keller
a year ago
Hi Dr. Chen, You are literally the reason I get to walk across the stage next week!!!!!! You jumped in at the last minute, and not only kept the class afloat, you slayed it! My appreciation can not be overstated! You were committed - and carefully selected guest speakers and curated relevant content that prepared me (and all of us) for our research projects. And you also helped me get through some doubts and rough patches…I so appreciate your patience and guidance! From my first class to my last semester, you’ve been a wonderful presence, and I wanted to send a huge THANK YOU to you! With much appreciation, Denise
From: Anonymous
a year ago
A special thanks to María Paula, an incredible scholar, an amazing professor, and the best advisor.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Flint for her considerate and kind approach. I greatly appreciated how, at the end of each class, she always sought our feedback on what could be improved. Thank you, Dr. Flint, for your dedication and attentiveness!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
For every “ok” to acknowledge my email. For every email that started with “Never” to chastise me when I goofed. For every “Congratulations” to celebrate my little successes. For every “Don’t worry” to assure me when I got the “not-so-good” news I see the love, I sense it, and I can never ignore it. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Professor Felicia Moore Mensah in the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Technology for her relentless efforts in shaping me to be a better version of myself academically. I believe you genuinely want my work to shine and I am grateful for that.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
There are two professors I’d like to acknowledge and thank…Professor Alex Bowers and Professor Manuel Cardoso who have both shared so much of their knowledge and had a tremendous amount of patience with me while learning. They really do believe in their students and have a plethora of knowledge on their subjects. I’ve been fortunate to have had the privilege to learn from them. Thank you!!!
From: Kassandra Juarez
a year ago
I would like to take this time to shout out and give thanks to my program director in the philosophy and education program. Megan, Thank you for being the best program director I've ever known! Your sincerity, appreciation, kindness, understanding, and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated. I absolutely enjoy coming to work every day since I know I am valued by you and because we work so well together. Thank you for making a difference in my life. This week, we toast you. With gratitude, Kassandra
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to honor Dr. Sealey-Ruiz - you are the embodiment of light, love, and care in the English Edu program. Thank you so much for your guidance throughout the doctoral journey. I would not be in this program without you, so I want to take the time to honor you, your hard work and dedication to your students and scholarship. You have been a constant example of the kind of educator and professor I want to be.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Hi Dr. Murdoch, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to take two of your classes; and interview you for a class AND work project!. You bring such a unique combination of theory and real-world experience, and your students absolutely notice it! I gained so much through the hands-on approach you use, and by how you run your classes, focusing on positive feedback. The discussion board always felt so inviting. And I can’t say enough about how you extended yourself beyond the virtual classroom walls. You are such a radiant light at TC, and I am grateful I had the chance to learn from you! I’m sure we’ll talk again! : ) ~ Denise
From: Joan Rhee
a year ago
I am thankful for Dr. Daniela Romero Amaya and the ways she teaches with passion on human rights and different dimensions of peace. I have learned so much from taking courses with her and am incredibly blessed by her insight and experience in the field of education (especially related to peace and human rights) in post conflict countries. Thank you for teaching with such passion and inspiring your students to continue to engage in difficult, yet constructive conversations about peace and human rights, Daniela!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Hi Dr. Van Rossum, The TC community is fortunate to have you! You bring such passion and energy to your classes, and your “mindfulness starts” always helped me let go of stress and connect to the important things in life. I also wanted to express my gratitude for how you designed the LSD course. Week after week, I learned more about coaching and how I could use the new skills in my professional role. Thanks for the memorable learning experience…and letting me create a comic for a bonus assignment! Warmly, Denise
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to sincerely thank Dr. Ruohao Chen for his dedication to all of his students. He tirelessly led an incredible class on research methods that I found invaluable and instrumental in my ability to successfully conduct and write my IP. He's incredibly contemplative and dedicated to creating such a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment in each class. The resources, articles, and videos he compiles for each module are superb and really pushed my own thinking and understanding. Thank you Dr. Chen for all you do!
From: Anna Urrea
a year ago
I want to give a huge shoutout to all of the faculty in the Art & Art Education Program. You are all absolute rockstars. Each and every one of you fill our Zoom screens, studios, classrooms and the Macy Art Gallery with so much joy and it's such a treasure to see your dedication and passion towards your teaching, students, and the Program. I'm so, so grateful to work and know each and every one of you. THANK YOU!!!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
From a 2016 graduate -- My sincere thanks to the faculty in the Program in Nutrition. Dr. Lora Sporny's MNT class allowed me to alert a dear relative's care team of a serious medical condition that would have likely gone undiagnosed until major damage had been done. Dr. Pam Koch's Community Nutrition class inspired and strengthen my advocacy for promoting nutrition security. Dr. Isobel Contento's FNB class taught me to critically synthesize large bodies of written evidence. Dr. Joan Gussow's Nutritional Ecology class rocked my world and let me know how our choices and policies make a big difference on climate. Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Randi Wolf Nutr Epi and Analysis classes were models demonstrating everything a class should be at TC - incredibly warm, super organized, makes you think about the world and society beyond our walls, & allows you to develop critical skills (that I use frequently -- even now). Thanks to you all! Much love!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to express my deepest appreciation to Professor Wasserman for the exceptional level of instruction he provided. His varied teaching approaches and the clarity of each thought process have greatly enriched my understanding. Even in subjects I had previously explored, I consistently discovered new insights. His rigorous attention to the precision of language in teaching highlighted its importance, imparting a valuable lesson to me. Additionally, I was captivated by how effectively secondary education and analysis were integrated, fostering a deeper, foundational understanding that prepares secondary students for advanced learning. Thank you so much, Professor Wasserman!
From: Lynn Dao
a year ago
Dr. Michelle Odlum has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. My deepest gratitude for her guidance, support, and mentorship through unforeseen circumstances. Your unwavering commitment to my growth, success, and personal life has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you, Dr. Odlum, for being more than an advisor – for being a source of light, a guiding star, and a lifelong mentor. I am truly blessed and have prayed so long for an advisor and mentor like you.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to honor Dr. Lena Verdeli for the work that she does. I have been incredibly fortunate to be a part of her lab and witness the transformative work that we all do under her vision. I must admit that her vision allows me to see the kind of differences that each of us can make and how we can all make an impact. I am grateful for the differences that she made for others, and she is the scientist and practitioner that I aspire to be. Thank you
From: Ally Porzio
a year ago
I would like to thank my phenomenal professors in the HPSE program, specifically Dr. Katie Conway, Dr. Noah Drezner, Dr. Anna Neumann, Dr. Tom Rock, Dr. Monica Christensen, and Dr. Leslie Williams! My two years in this program have been filled with joy, meaningful conversation, and a bolstered commitment to bettering the lives of students. You all have inspired me in countless ways, big and small, and words will never be enough to say thank you! I deeply appreciate your willingness to *know* your students, and your commitment to each of us never goes unnoticed. You all make Teachers College a better place, and I will miss you so very much!
From: Allyson Montana
a year ago
Dr. Olga Hubard in the Art & Art Education program is a tribute to the power of really listening. She is not only a phenomenal teacher but a mentor who channels powerful listening vs. simply advising. She hears the true question you are asking within your concern and empowers you to find the answer yourself. It is a wonderful gift to be listened to in this way. Thank you, Dr. Hubard for your continued guidance and contributions to the Art & Art Education program. You do so much for us individually and for the program as a whole!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Dear Dr. Kuwata, Thank you so much for your invaluable guidance! Your constructive feedback and words of encouragement have always been a source of huge support.
From: Ellin Kim
a year ago
Dear Dr. Williams, As you approach the moment of your well-deserved retirement, I feel compelled to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the unparalleled role you've played in my academic journey. Your personability, extensive knowledge, and life experiences have profoundly impacted me, distinguishing you as the most remarkable professor I've ever had the honor of learning from. The close relationship we've developed transcends the conventional bounds of student and educator. You've taught me invaluable lessons about life, far beyond the academic syllabus. Your classes, especially Phonetics, Phonology, Text, and Textuality, have not only enriched my knowledge but also significantly influenced how I teach my own students today. Your ability to remember and integrate such a vast array of knowledge into real-world applications is something I deeply admire and strive to emulate. Your openness and dedication to students of all backgrounds are truly inspiring. Your extra efforts to ensure that those from different countries or states felt included, especially through your hiking excursions, have created a warm and inclusive community. It's something I've not only benefited from but also hope to continue. As I near the completion of my own doctoral journey, I look forward to carrying on the tradition of weekend hiking excursions with you, deepening our connection beyond the academic realm. As you step into retirement, please do so knowing the immense impact you've had on countless students. You've been more than a professor; you've been a lifelong mentor and friend. Your legacy of mentorship and dedication will forever be remembered and appreciated. I hope you enjoy every moment of your retirement, always remembering that there are so many of us who deeply appreciate and respect you. With the utmost respect and gratitude...
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I want to honor Dr. Bryan Cheng for his mentorship. His mentorship is life-changing. For someone who just started the journey of exploring what is out there in the field, having a mentor who truly reflects the essence of beneficence through his teaching and guidance helps lay the groundwork for years to follow. I am beyond grateful for what he does for me, and I am sure other students have benefited from his guidance.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Thank you, Dr. Riccio, for all your help in making the world of education more accessible to me and the students I aim to teach. Your guidance has shown me that every student has the potential to understand science and learn, no matter how challenging the subject may seem at first. I also appreciate your witty teaching style, especially your clever analogy of cooked chicken versus raw chicken, explaining how to make science digestible for diverse learners. Your insights have been invaluable, and I am grateful for your positive impact on my learning journey. Thank you again!
From: Ellin Kim
a year ago
Dear Dr. Fecho, Reflecting on my journey at TC, particularly within the English Education program, I realize how instrumental your influence has been in shaping my path. My gratitude toward you goes beyond words, as you have significantly impacted my academic and professional growth. Our first meeting during your office hours was a turning point for me. At a time when I was part of another program at TC, your guidance provided me with clarity and a renewed sense of direction toward this field of study. That moment of certainty has stayed with me, and I owe a great deal of my progress to your insightful advice. The courses I've taken with you have deeply enriched my educational experience, especially classes like Research, Foundational Text, and The Artist of Self. Through these classes, I discovered my passion for learning and my identities as an educator. Your mentorship has guided me through my journey, helping me overcome challenges and find my purpose. Your dedication to your students is especially evident as you plan to remain involved post-retirement to ensure we successfully navigate our doctoral studies. This commitment is incredibly generous and speaks to the extraordinary advisor and person you are. As you move into retirement, I want you to know that your impact reaches far beyond the classroom. I hope we can keep in touch in the years ahead, as I continue to learn from your wisdom. I wish you a retirement filled with health, joy, and relaxation, confident in the knowledge that your legacy will inspire many more students like me. With deepest respect and gratitude....
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Lori Custodero's unwavering dedication, innovative research, and invaluable support as an early childhood music professor at Teachers College. The passion for her work is truly inspiring, and her commitment to shaping the future of music education is evident in everything she does. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to enrich the lives of students and educators alike.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Dr. George Gushue - I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed learning how to be a counseling psychologist and a writer from you. You are a soft place to land. Thank you for your exceptional provision of warmth and safety during the vulnerable process of writing and rewriting.
From: Kassandra Juarez
a year ago
I want to thank my faculty member, David Hansen. David, Cheers, David! Thank you for being such a nice, grateful, and humble individual to work with. I enjoy our conversations about our walks, the weather, our travels, and other events in our lives. You are a joy to work with, and I understand why people stop in the hallway to say hello to you! You always treat everyone fairly, and that is admirable. I'm so thrilled we're on the same team. Here's to many more years. All the best, Kassandra
From: Riley Perozo
a year ago
I wanted to give a shout out to Dr. Elaine Smolen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only have you dealt with my constant questions when I come to your office 10 times a day, but you have also given me some priceless advice that has really helped me see what path is best for me. Thank you for everything.
From: Anonymous
a year ago
Dr. Victoria Marsick brings a rich history of scholarship and on-the-ground experience, combined with her deep caring for her students to all of her interactions at TC. We at ALL are so grateful to her for designing and leading such an incredible program!
From: Anonymous
a year ago
I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Judy for consistently offering her students extraordinary opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Her class is not merely theoretical but also practical, fostering a highly dynamic learning environment. Her genuine passion for making the world a better place is contagious, and it's evident that she truly aspires to effect meaningful change!!
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