(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)March 6, 2017

MAHWAH, N.J. — Ramapo College students in the Teacher Education program got a glimpse of young minds at work recently when they served as judges for a STEAM Expo at Corpus Christi Elementary School in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

Amanda Khoudary and Fred Weinberg judged projects in the fifth and sixth grade categories.

“I was pleased that some of my students were able to be judges at the STEAM Expo.  I know they were very impressed with the students’ projects,” said Eva Ogens, Associate Professor, Teacher Education (Math and Science) at Ramapo College. “I believe that any time Ramapo students can interact with ‘real’ elementary and middle school students, it helps them realize that we should set our expectations high and that young students are capable of doing some amazing things!  It also provides an opportunity for our students to make connections with the community. I welcome other experiences like this for my students.”

Weinberg, a post-baccalaureate student studying for certification in K-6 and middle school mathematics and social studies, said he found the staff and student body at Corpus Christi to be quite impressive, “embodying a true dedication to learning.”

“This competition was a perfect example of how learning can be made to be both fun and meaningful,” said Weinberg. “The students showed great pride and enthusiasm in their work, and when presenting their projects to me, I could tell that it was not just to win the competition. They were proud of what they had accomplished and truly wanted to share it with me.”

Ramapo alumna Amanda Sambucini ’15, who teaches sixth grade at the school, said, “As their teacher, I was proud to see my students’ exhilarated faces and enthusiasm as they explained their amazing projects and experiments to the judges.” Sambucini, who also is in Ramapo’s Master in Special Education program, credits the Ramapo faculty and staff for her success as an educator.

“Their guidance and community atmosphere was a significant reason for me to continue my academic career as a graduate student,” she said. “The teacher education certification program gave me opportunities to develop into the teacher I am today.”

Gina Deppert, who organized the STEAM Expo at Corpus Christi, said she was thrilled to have Ramapo students participate.

“Getting a first-hand look at what our students are capable of was important for Amanda and Fred as they continue their studies,” said Deppert. “It was important for us, too, and I am grateful for Ramapo’s willingness to send their students to be part of this special event.”

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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