Education Students Attend Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference

GMercyU Education students Alexis Ditri ’27 Emma Larsson ’26, and Toni Robinson ’27 attended the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) PaTTAN Conference along with Assistant Professor & Field Placement Coordinator Dr. Cheryl Malfi in early February.

The group was joined by representatives of Lindley Academy Charter School (LACS), located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to present on the existing collaboration between GMercyU and LACS.

Through the collaboration, Alexis, Emma, and Toni have gained professional development through a series of site visits to LACS. Alongside Dr. Malfi, the students engaged in special education classroom observations and professional development focused on the writing of IEPs, SMART goals, and measurable goals. Additionally, the group completed a book study by the woman responsible for the implementation of 504 accommodation plans, another about ADHD, and a third children’s book focused people’s unique differences.

At the PDE PATTAN Conference, the students presented on their invaluable experience observing classrooms and digging deep into special education, led by LACS Special Education Director Elaine Latimer, LACS CEO Margery Covello, and LACS Special Education teacher Samantha Dugan.

Also in conjunction with the LACS team, Dr. Malfi and GMercyU Professor Mary Jo Pierantozzi co-authored a book entitled Boundary Spanning in School University Partnerships. It is available in the Keiss Library to rent.

About the PA PaTTAN Conference

The PA PaTTAN Conference offers attendees from across the state to engage with presenters and colleagues to highlight effective instructional strategies and interventions designed to make an educational difference for students. Additionally, the conference highlights strategies, techniques, and interventions for students with special needs.