Ed.D. Alum Earns Fullbright Award and MAKES A DIFFERENCE

In Uganda

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Bermudez (M.A. Ed Tech and Ed.D., Cohort 3). He earned a 2022-23 Fulbright Award to Uganda. In Uganda he is working with children and adults with disabilities and teaching educator and healthcare professionals on topics such as universal design, assistive technology, educational technology and occupational therapies.

Dr. Bermudez is an Assistant Professor at the University of Scranton. The purpose of the Fullbright Award is to increase mutual understanding between people of the US and people of other nations. As a Fullbrighter Dr. Bermudez joins the ranks of ambassadors, heads of state, college presidents, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners. (Michael Bermudez pictured above.)

Dr. Katy Blatnick-Gagne to Lead

International Education Organization

Congratulations to Dr. Katy Blatnick-Gagne (Ed.D., Cohort 2). She is the President Elect of the organization Leading, Engaging, Advocating, Developing Family and Consumer Science (LEADFCS), an international organization with the goal of empower individuals and families across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society through Career & Technical Education (CTE). (Dr. Katy Blatnick-Gagne pictured below.)

M.A. Alum Leading A. HARRY MOORE SCHOOL

In September 2020 Jason Jusino (M.A. Ed Tech) took over as Principal of A. Harry Moore School, the NJCU Laboratory School for students with severe and multiple disabilities. Jason has overseen the renovations of the school, an increase in its enrollment, and the integration of educational technology into instruction to increase academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. He has also added new emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE). Jason elaborates that “our students are out in the community and on campus at NJCU for ‘Real World’ experiences through our C.B.I. Program (Community Based Instruction). We have made many new partnerships with various community leaders and businesses to foster a mindset of independence for our students. The educators of A. Harry Moore continue to evolve their approaches in instruction.”

Jason took over during a troubling time, not only during the Covid Pandemic but the school building was closed due to safety concerns. It is now a success story in New Jersey and US education. Congratulations to Jason, the staff, students, and parents of A. Harry Moore for the amazing work. (Jason Jusino pictured above.)

Ed Tech M.A. Alum Gerald Lyons PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF EDUCATION

In January 2022 Ed Tech M.A. Alum Gerald Lyons was elected as the President of the Jersey City Board of Education. Gerald has been a educator and advocate for four decades in Hudson County. He’s a passionate champion for the children of Jersey City.

Gerald is the first openly-gay member of the board and made national news in 2020 when he defended LBGTQ community and inclusive curriculum during hours of attack at a board meeting. (Gerald Lyons pictured below.)

Ed.D. Alum Leading in School District AND IN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Amy Arsiwala (Ed.D., Cohort 1) is the new Instruction Technology Supervisor of Franklin Township Public Schools. She will be leading the instructional technology of approximately 1,000 staff members, 8,000 plus students, and 10 schools.

Dr. Ariswala has also joined the Board of Directors of NJCART (New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive & Rehabilitation Technology). NJCART is one of the leading advocacy and training organizations in the region for assistive and adaptive technologies.

NJCU Ed Tech is extremely proud of the work we do with assistive technologies and the impact that our alum have statewide and nationally. Dr. Arsiwala joins M.A. and Ed.D. ALums Dr. Wendy Thompson, President of NJCART and Dr. Patricia Holzman, Vice President of NJCART. (Amy Ariswala pictured above.)