MARY JEAN MCCARTHY

CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

EDUCATION, RUTH S. AMMON SCHOOL OF

HARVEY HALL
ROOM 5

p - 516-237-8505

f - 516-877-4097

e - MCCARTHY2@ADELPHI.EDU

Diplomas/Degrees

Master of Education, University of Virginia (1985)
B.S. Upper Elementary Education, University of Virginia (1984)

Recent Courses

Childhood Special Education And Clinical Seminar I
Master'S Seminar: Inquiry In Teaching And Learning
Practicum/Childhood Special Ed For Teachers Certified In Other Areas
Reflective Practice Seminar In Childhood Education
Student Teaching In Childhood Education: Pre-Certification
Student Teaching/Special Ed In Inclusive Settings- Dual Certification
Teaching And Learning Science- Childhood

Personal Statement

We learn by doing. As active participants engaged in worthwhile hands-on, minds-on experiences, we construct our own meaningful understandings. At all developmental levels, in order to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, and socially, students need a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. Students benefit from working together in a respectful, kind, democratic learning community asking and answering questions and thinking critically to solve problems. It is my privilege and responsibility to nurture rapport and a relationship with each student so she can meet her fullest potential. I need to meet each student where he is and together we can build from there. I need to affirm students’ efforts, progress, and thought processes. It is my responsibility to help students better understand themselves and others and progress towards more sophisticated understandings and advanced skills. Students need to be effective thinkers and lifelong learners. I am committed to fueling a love of learning.

Research Interests

Science Inquiry

Grants/Sponsored Research

Co-writer with Dr. Diana Feige
iPad Initiative Grant
November 2010, Adelphi University Technology Grant $2200

Co Principal Investigator with Drs. Tara Concannon-Gibney and Emily Kang
Fostering Reading Comprehension through Science in Middle and Upper Elementary Classrooms: A Pilot Professional Development Program Spring 2010, Adelphi Faculty Development Grant $3,500

Adelphi Summer Institute for Mathematics and Science Education, Grades 5-8.
PI, Dante Tawfeeq. Co-PI Elizabeth deFreitas, MaryJean McCarthy
May, 2008-Oct. 2008; New York State Education Department $300,000

Refereed Articles

Concannon-Gibney, T & McCarthy, M.J (2012), The Explicit Teaching of Reading Comprehension in Science Class: A Pilot Professional Development Program. Improving Schools, (15)1.

Conference Presentations/Papers

Craven, J., Nevárez-La Torre, A., Manocchi-Verrino, C. Kang, E., McCarthy, M.J. & Hogan, T.M. (2011). Reading and Writing for Learning in Science: Practical Classroom Strategies to Engage Young Learners. In . Celebration of Teaching and Learning. New York, New York.

Hogan, T.M. & McCarthy, M.J. (2011). Problem representation in science: How experience matters. In The Fourth International Conference to Review Research on Science, Technology and Mathematics Education.. Mumbai, India.

Concannon-Gibney, T., Kang, E. & McCarthy, MJ (2010). Fostering Reading Comprehension through Science in Middle and upper Elementary Classrooms: A Pilot Professional Development Program. In National Reading Conference. Fort Worth, Texas.

Honors and Accomplishments

Recipient of Adelphi University Adjunct Professor Teaching Excellence Award, 2007

Professional Activities

Member of Phi Delta Kappa International
National Science Teachers Association
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Community and Corporate Leadership

Chair, Board Member, Educator Starflower Experiences Interpretation and Environmental Education, Jericho, New York, 1992-present, part-time
Presenter “Save The Trashasaurus,” an interactive puppet show for 1st-03rd graders and “Here Comes The Water Patrol”, to help 3rd and 4th graders better understand the water cycle and encourage them to practice responsible behaviors.Guardian for “Earthkeepers,” a dynamic three day program to help 4th and 5th graders appreciate that all living things are connected and that individual actions make a difference
Currently serve as Chair and Member of Board.

Chair, Co-Chair, Member, University of Virginia Long Island Jefferson Scholarship Committee, 1990-present
Commit to select two Long Island high school candidates who best exemplify leadership, scholarship and citizenship

Member, Our Lady of Mercy Academy Middle State Planning Committee, Syosset, New York, Spring 2007- 2009