Caldwell University
November 29, 2022
CU School of Education Alumni: Inspiring Their Students and Colleagues
Caldwell University’s School of Education graduates serve students in classrooms and administration in New Jersey and around the country. We are delighted to share stories of alumni who are outstanding educators, administrators and leaders inspiring their students and colleagues in grades K-12 and in higher education.
Megan Fisher: All the wonderful experiences at Caldwell prepared me
Megan Fisher’s days as a school principal consist of “being everywhere and doing everything”—back to school night, a parents meeting, substitute teaching, going to church, supporting new faculty, attending a volleyball game, outside events like a ceremony honoring a student for saving his brother from drowning. As the new principal at the Academy of St. Paul in Ramsey, New Jersey, Fisher wants to be visible and available so families and parents know how invested she is in the school—so people know “that this is a community and a home.”
Dennis Martin: Centering Everything Around the Kids
“I wanted to become a teacher because I valued what teachers did,” said Dennis Martin ’21. Today, as a special education kindergarten teacher at Kipp Spark Academy in the Central Ward of Newark, the Caldwell alumnus strives to take the values he learned in the University’s education program to his students, providing structure, consistency and love, essential elements in classroom management for 4- and 5-year-olds.
Molly Heller: If I stay a special education resource teacher, I will be the happiest girl in the world.
Molly Heller ’21 knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was in fifth grade. “I had this amazing teacher, and I told myself I wanted to be a teacher just like her one day.” Fast forward 10 years later and she found herself as a Caldwell University undergraduate doing her student teaching with that same teacher, in the same elementary school, in the same classroom. Learning from her mentor for a full year reinforced why Heller wanted to be an educator.
Lisa Paradiso: Passionate About Teaching Students Life Skills
Making sure students know you “are in their corner” is one of the most important tasks a teacher has, said Lisa Paradiso ‘14. She knows this as a fifth-grade special education teacher and as a bachelor’s in education alumna and current master’s student at Caldwell. “We are all on the same team here, and I’m willing to do whatever it is that you need to help you be successful” is the sentiment she communicates to her students at Riverview Elementary School in Denville, New Jersey.
Caldwell University undergraduates graduate with two majors, a content major and an education major.
Caldwell University’s graduate School of Education offers doctoral, master’s, combined degrees and certificates to suit students’ teaching or educational leadership goals. Weekend, evening, and online classes offer flexibility and convenience.