Office of the Dean

Welcome to the College of Education. 

Whether you are exploring teaching, counseling, educational leadership, or another profession dedicated to serving others, I am delighted that you are considering joining our community. The College of Education has a long tradition of preparing outstanding educators, counselors, school leaders, and advocates who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, schools, and communities throughout New Jersey and beyond. 

At William Paterson, we believe that education transforms lives. Our mission is rooted in excellence, innovation, equity, and service. We are committed to preparing professionals who are not only knowledgeable in their fields, but who also lead with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for every learner. 

One of the things I value most about our college is that it is a place where students can see the possibility of themselves. Whether you are the first in your family to attend college, changing careers, or pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming an educator or counselor, we want you to see that your goals are within reach. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping you recognize your potential, develop your strengths, and become the leader your community needs. 

Our students come from many different backgrounds and experiences, and that belonging is one of our greatest strengths. We are proud to support first-generation college students, multilingual learners, career changers, and students from communities across our region. Together, we are building a strong educator workforce that reflects the students and communities we serve. 

Preparing Future Leaders 

The College offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs designed to meet students wherever they are in their professional journey. Whether you are pursuing your first teaching certificate, advancing your career through graduate study, or preparing for leadership in schools or higher education, our programs provide rigorous academic preparation combined with meaningful clinical and field experiences. 

Our educator preparation programs are nationally accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and our counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). These accreditations reflect our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality while continually responding to the evolving needs of schools, students, and communities. 

Across our programs, students have opportunities to prepare for careers in early childhood, elementary, secondary, special education, bilingual and ESL education, counseling, educational leadership, reading, school library media, learning disabilities, autism education, school nursing, supervision, STEM, and higher education administration. We continue to expand innovative pathways into the profession, including teacher apprenticeships, alternate route programs, dual enrollment opportunities, online graduate offerings, and other flexible pathways that increase access while maintaining excellence. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

One of the defining strengths of the College of Education is the close partnership we maintain with schools and community organizations throughout New Jersey. Through our nationally recognized Professional Development School Network and our growing School-University Partnerships, our faculty and students work alongside practicing educators to strengthen teaching, improve student learning, and address the challenges facing today's schools. 

These partnerships create authentic learning experiences that allow our students to connect theory with practice while making a positive impact in classrooms from the very beginning of their preparation. 

Our commitment to the community also extends through initiatives such as the Reading Clinic and the Center for Math Success, where faculty and graduate students provide high-quality services to local children while gaining valuable supervised clinical experience. These programs reflect our belief that universities and communities grow stronger when they learn and lead together. 

Looking Ahead 

Education continues to evolve, and so does the College of Education. We are committed to embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, expanding access to the profession, and preparing graduates who are ready to lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our goal is not simply to prepare educators for today's classrooms, but to prepare leaders who will shape the future of education. 

My hope is that during your time at William Paterson, you will discover more than a career path - you will discover your voice, your purpose, and your capacity to make a lasting difference. I hope this is a place where you continue to see the possibility of yourself, and where that possibility becomes reality through the support of a community that believes in your success. 

Thank you for considering William Paterson University. I invite you to explore our programs, meet our exceptional faculty and staff, and discover the many opportunities available within the College of Education. 

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us. I also welcome you to reach out to me directly at hilld@wpunj.edu 

I look forward to welcoming you to the William Paterson University College of Education and wish you every success as you begin, or continue, your educational journey. 

Djanna Hill, Interim Dean