Marta K. Albert

Associate Professor

TEL: (315) 267-4881

I have been a member of the Literacy Program faculty since 2007, and have an academic background in literacy education, English, and women's studies. My work with B-12 students ranges from teaching and reading support roles in pre-school and 1st grade, to teaching, advocacy, and leadership in school support/dropout-prevention programs serving 7th-12th graders. I've developed curriculum and led programs for young rural women exploring trades and STEM career paths, as well as support networks for under-represented college students in engineering and trades studies.

Helping to build strong learning communities and literacy opportunities for youth who pursue career and technical studies is my passion as an educator. I am eager to work with youth who thrive when learning experiences are project-based, offer authentic connections to their communities and interests, and engage thinking and action that is multi-dimensional and critical. While schools represent one site of youth development, I am also interested in the worksites, hobbies, recreation, arts, and community resources that contribute to youth identities and learning. A particularly joyful part of my teaching involves collaborative work with teachers in school and community settings. Some examples of this work include reading and writing exchanges that link college students with younger learners, digital storytelling projects, and studies of food systems/food cultures.

Degrees
B.A., English and Individual Studies; Women's Studies Certificate, University of Maryland College Park
M.A., American Studies with Women's Studies concentration, SUNY Buffalo
M.S. & C.A.S., Reading, SUNY Albany
Ph.D., Reading, SUNY Albany

Selected Publications
Albert, M., Ciarilli, C. & Pitman, N. (2019). Collaboration in Career and Technical education to support all learners: Reflections and practices from the field. Unpublished manuscript (accepted) for Conrad, D. & Abodeeb-Gentile, T., Eds., Intersections of diversity, literacy, and learner difficulties: Conversations between teacher, students, and researchers. Springer Press.

Albert, M. (2012). New learning, new youth? Policy, literacy, and the subjects of reform in risk society. In S. Bialostok, W. Bradley, & R. Whitman. Education and the risk society: Theories, discourse, and risk identities in education contexts (249-264). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

Raider-Roth, M., Albert, M., Bircann-Barkey, I., Gidseg, E., & Murray, T. (2012). Resisting boys, resisting teachers. Thymos: Journal of Boyhood Studies, 6(1+2), 34-54.

Selected Presentations
Shen, M. & Albert, M. Boosting writing motivation for struggling learners through authentic writing and self-regulating practices. Virginia State Reading Association 53rd Annual Conference, Roanoke, VA, March 26-28, 2020 (changed to virtual format due to COVID).

Stone, C. & Albert, M. "How do they do it?" Lessons from an education travel course in Finland and Sweden. SUNY Potsdam Disciplined Inquiry in Education Speaker Series, March 9, 2019

Albert, M. Literacy mentors and Career-Technical Education students: Collaborating to share knowledge, build relationships, and develop curriculum. Paper Presentation. Association for Literacy Educators and Researchers 62nd Annual Conference, Louisville, KY, November 8-11, 2018.

Albert, M. Project-based learning, literacy, and pre-service secondary education: Farming in Satterlee Hall. Professional Development workshop for teachers attending the Cornell Cooperative Extension/WISER Center training on K-12 Tower Garden Curriculum Integration. August 22, 2018.

Albert, M. Using a multigenre approach to support critical, interdisciplinary thinking and writing. Professional Development workshop for teachers attending the Sheard Literacy Center / Community Performance Series 'Page to Stage' daylong workshop related to staging of The Great Gatsby. February 12, 2018.

Albert, M. "It all meshes here": Literacy and civic development through Career and Technical Education. Paper presentation. SUNY Potsdam Disciplined Inquiry in Education Speaker Series, February 24, 2016.

Albert, M. Critical literacy, class awareness, and ordinary teaching in work-oriented contexts: Cases of rural youth development. Paper presentation. "Contemporary Youth, Contemporary Risks," Journal of Youth Studies Conference, March 30-April 1, 2015, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Hutchins, J. & Albert, M. The use of multi-genre writing to enhance module content. Session presentation. "Literacy within the Disciplines: Seamless Integration of Literacy & Content," the 2014 Conference of the New York State Reading Association, November 9-11, 2014, Liverpool, NY.

Albert, M., Pinard, M., & Scales, S. Poets, painters, and other possibilities: Unbinding teachers' professional identities. Paper presentation. "The Social Construction of Boundaries: Creating, Maintaining, Transcending, and Reconstituting Boundaries," the 31st Annual Qualitative Analysis Conference, June 25-27, 2014, London, Ontario, Canada.

Albert, M. & Leger, M. Authentic digital citizenship: Creating student leaders through literacy and technology. Roundtable presentation. "Reading: The Teachable Moment," the 59th Annual Meeting of the International Reading Association, May 10-12, 2014, New Orleans, LA.

Arpit * Bawa

Assistant Professor

TEL: (315) 267-2621

Tony K Betrus

Professor and Program Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction

TEL: (315) 267-2670

In both my roles as a Professor and Assistant Chair I am fortunate enough to be in a position where curiosity and creativity are rewarded. And to be fair, the world is changing rapidly, and if we are going to ask our students to be flexible and adapt to change, then we should be willing to do so as well. My primary research area is the application of simulations and games to teaching and training environments, and I do my best to integrate simulations and games liberally in my classes. I have created a number of games, including a card game for teachers called Teaching Bad Apples, along with two expansion packs. It has turned out to be somewhat popular and is currently being used in a number of teacher professional development settings. I also made another game, "The Many Hats of an Instructional Designer," intended for people new to the field of instructional design or learning design. Both are available at "The Game Crafter" website.

More recently, I took a deep dive into Esports, and I currently serve as the advisor to the team here at SUNY Potsdam. To help kickstart this process, I gave a TEDx presentation "Esports is Real Sports" in April 2019 (available on YouTube). Along with my teaching and research responsibilities, I also serve SUNY Potsdam Athletics as the Chair of the Intercollegiate Athletic Board (IAB), an academic advisor for the Men's Soccer team, and the Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA. Finally, I have an ongoing consulting relationship with the National Education Foundation, where I help to introduce STEM learning into underprivileged schools across the country.

In the end, I try to use my position here to help empower young people with opportunities to engage in profound and "wicked problems", with the ultimate message that it is OK to sometimes fall short in our efforts, as long as we reflect, learn, and move forward together.

Degree:
BA, Math and Education, 1993, SUNY Potsdam
MSEd, Instructional Technology and Media Management, 1994, SUNY Potsdam
Ph.D., Instructional Systems Technology, 2000, Indiana University

Publications: Martin, F., and Betrus, A. (2019) Digital Media for Learning: Theories, Processes, & Solutions. Springer. 2019

Canning, S. and Betrus, A.(2017) The Culture of Deep Learning in eSports: An Insiders Perspective. Educational Technology, March-April, 2017.

Schneider, E., and Betrus, A. (2016) User delinquency and instructional conditions: Undesirable behavior in open virtual worlds. Journal of Gaming & Virtual Worlds, September, Volume 8, Number 3, pp. 265-278.

Turcotte, N and Betrus, A. (2016) Teaching Bad Apples: A Fun Way to Tackle Difficult Teaching Situations. TechTrends, July 2016, Volume 60, Issue 4, pp 398-401.

Betrus, A. (2012) Historical Evolution of Instructional Technology in Teacher Education: A Ten-Year Update. TechTrends. Sep/Oct. Vol 56, issue 5, pp 42-45.

Awards
2023 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
2022 SUNY Potsdam Presidential Award for Teaching
2021 Thomas L. and Jane D. Russell SUNY Potsdam Distance Education Faculty Excellence Award
2020 AECT Division of Distance Learning Book Award
2020 Potsdam Pride Appreciation: Improving Community. SUNY Potsdam Esports

Patrick H Brady

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Karen E Caldwell

Assistant Professor

TEL: (315) 267-2521

I'm a curious risk-taker and lifelong learner with an itchy brain. My professional and academic lives are anchored in human performance, training and development in higher education as well as the community and workplace. I apply brain and cognitive science to all aspects of my work, and incorporate digital media, including virtual reality, to meet the learning needs of 21st century learners and upskilling opportunities of today's workers. Equally, systems theory and design thinking frame my approach to wicked problems as the basis of my pedagogy and training at all levels.

My work with undergraduate and graduate learners applies human-centric approaches to instructional design, leadership, organization development, policy and ethics, human capital development, research techniques, and human resource management. As an Online Faculty Fellow and Academic Coach, I also support faculty in their journey into digital and remote teaching.

My research interests include cognitive load theory, neuro-education, dual coding, and digital media literacy and authorship. Currently, I'm part of an interdisciplinary team from public health, the library, and applied learning on the role of digital literacy in learning, research, and student support. The team reflects librarian, student, administrative, and faculty perspectives and is funded by the Lougheed Applied Learning Grant program.

Multiple perspectives based on diversity and inclusion are at the core of what I do. Since the mid-1990s, my work and study opportunities have taken me all around the world including the Far East, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In my teaching at SUNY Potsdam, I weave global and North American perspectives, as well as social justice movements and themes, into classroom learning.

Overseas, I've designed and developed country-wide professional development programs, led outreach programs across multiple continents, and represented Canada as a Trade Commissioner of Education & Training in the Arabian Gulf. More locally, my collaboration and consulting with local employment agencies has focused on the use of virtual reality and other technologies to support workplace exploration and upskilling.

Degrees:

BA, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, 1994, McGill University, Montreal, PQ
Diploma in Education, 1995, McGill University, Montreal, PQ
Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults, 2000, Cambridge University, UK
MA, Curriculum, Teaching, & Learning, 2002, University of Toronto, ON
EdD, Johns Hopkins
Graduate Certificate, Instructional Design, 2011, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Doctor of Education, Mind, Brain, & Teaching, 2018, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Laura A. Carbone

Director, Watertown Extension Site and Program Coordinator, Educational Leadership

TEL: (315) 267-2643

Joann Chambers

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Pamela K Charleson

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-3705

Janet M Cline

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Joanna E Cross

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Rebecca L Donnelly

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Bridget A Dutcher

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Ryan L Fuller

Lynn A. Hall

Associate Professor and Dept. Chair

TEL: (315) 267-2540

Jennifer S Hannah-Albon

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Kathryn M. Jeror

Clinical Faculty, Educational Leadership (CAS) Program Co-Coordinator

TEL: (315) 267-2160

Jennifer A Morrill

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Amara A Pascuito

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Tina Russo

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Sarah L Sachs

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Sheryl D Scales

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Literacy

TEL: (315) 267-2025

Mei Shen

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Mei Shen completed her doctoral degree in Special Education at Michigan State University, with a graduate specialization in language and literacy education. Dr. Shen teaches a variety of special education courses, including literacy assessment and instruction for students with disabilities, positive behavior support, universal design for learning, instructional and assistive technology, etc. Her research focuses on literacy assessment and instruction for struggling learners, particularly those with learning disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders. She is particularly interested in evidence-based instructional practices to help improve reading and/or writing performance for these struggling students. Dr. Shen has been actively involved in research activities, which have led to publications at peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and state level conferences. She also has been making consistent efforts to ensure that her teaching is well informed by research.

Degrees:
BE, Computer Science and Technology, East China Normal University
MEd, Special Education, East China Normal University
Ph.D., Special Education, Michigan State University

Publications:Troia, G. A., Shen, M., & Brandon, D. (2019). Multidimensional levels of language writing measures in grades four to six. Written Communication.

Shen, M. & Troia, G. A. (2018). Teaching children with language learning disabilities to plan and revise compare-contrast texts. Learning Disability Quarterly, 41(1), 44-61.

Shen, M. & Troia, G. A. (2018). Evidence-based practices to improve expository writing performance of students with learning disabilities: Strategy instruction vs. genre study. International Dyslexia Associations Perspectives on Language and Literacy, 44(2), 10-16.

Shen, M. & Troia, G. A. (2017). Relationship between reading motivation, reading activity, oral language, and reading achievement in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. International Journal of Special Education, 32(1), 134-179.

Shen, M. & Troia, G. A. (2016). Teaching struggling writers to be strategic: How to write good compare-contrast essays. IL ASCD, 62(2), 40-50.

Selected Conferences:

Shen, M. (2019, October). Writing nonfiction texts: The role of self-regulation strategies in effective writing instruction. Session presentation given at the 2019 Journey into Literacy (JIL) conference, State University of New York at Potsdam, Potsdam, NY.

Truckenmiller, A. & Shen, M. (2019, February). Relations between expressive written language and writing performance in middle school. Poster presentation given at the 27th Annual Pacific Coast Research Conference (PCRC), San Diego, CA.

Shen, M. (2018, July). Improving expository writing performance for students with language-learning disabilities: Strategy instruction vs. genre Study. Session presentation given at the 2018 International Literacy Association (ILA) Annual Convention, Austin, TX.

Shen, M. (2018, March). Evidence-based writing practices for students with language impairment. Session presentation given at the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) 78th Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI.

Shen, M., & Troia, G. A. (2017, July). Empowering students with language impairment with effective planning and revising strategies for expository writing. Session presentation given at the 2017 International Literacy Association (ILA) Annual Convention, Orlando, FL.

Tracy L Sitko-Farney

Adjunct Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Carolyn S. Stone

Instructor

TEL: (315) 267-3479

As a clinical faculty member of the Department of Advanced Studies in Education, I teach literacy courses in the MSEd Literacy Program, the Ch/EC Undergraduate Program, and the MST Childhood Program. Additionally, I supervise MSEd Literacy Practicum and Internship candidates in their field placements each semester. My interests and passions focus around literature based literacy instruction, motivation for lifelong reading and writing, and developing short term education travel courses to allow our students to broaden their horizons and experience education in diverse contexts.

Degrees:
BA, UAlbany
MST, SUNY Potsdam

Publications: Session: How Do They Do It?: Lessons From an Education Travel Course in Finland and Sweden

Conrad, D. & Stone, C. (2017). Preparing Today to Empower Future Leaders: Pre-service teachers experiences selecting & evaluating childrens literature for quality and use in PreK-6th grade integrated literacy/science instruction. The Language and Literacy Spectrum (NYSRA Journal).

NYSRA Conference Presenter, November 2016, Session: Collaboration: Research and Practice in an Integrated Literacy Course

Disciplined Inquiry Faculty Seminar Presenter, April 2016, Session: Reflections on a Ten-Year Self-Study of Research and Practice in an Integrated Literacy Course

Conrad, D. & Stone, C. (2015). Connecting the Dots in Preservice Teacher Education: Focusing on Literacy Instructional Strategies to Prepare Teacher Candidates for Curriculum and Certification Challenges. The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators, 81(4), 41-47.

NYSRA Conference Presenter, October 2013, Poster Session: Choosing the Best Texts to Reach All Students

NYSRA Conference Presenter, October 2012, Session: Ready! Set! Teach! Making Sense of the Common Core in Preservice Education

NYSRA Conference Presenter, April 2011, Workshop: Pay It Forward- A Budget Conscious Way to Support Host Schools

ILA Annual Convention Presenter, May 2009, Workshop: Talking About Texts: Evaluating Childrens Literature to Engage Scientific Inquiry in the Elementary Classroom

NYSRA Conference Presenter, March 2009, Workshop: Jumping In: Exploring Childrens Literature to Teach Scientific Inquiry

Samantha K Wallin

Visiting Assistant Professor

TEL: (315) 267-2535

Cindy K Wells

Lecturer

TEL: (315) 267-2542

I am currently working as the Program Director for the Rebecca V. Sheard Literacy Center, overseeing the programs offered by the Center to support the education of our SUNY Potsdam students along with students and teachers from area schools. These programs include: Federal Work Study for the Center, America Reads, BEARS Club, The Write Spot, PSI Jr., Pirate Math, Thomas O'Shaughnessy Assistive Technology Center, From Page to Stage, the Annual Early Childhood Spring Fling and the Math and Science Center.

Coursework includes literacy, education and special education courses for both undergraduate and graduate level students.

Degree:
BA, SUNY Geneseo
MST, SUNY Geneseo

Publications: Wells, Cindy. (2013). A summer camp for young readers: SUNY Potsdam makes It happen. Reading Today 30(5),12.

Presentation: Making vocabulary meaningful and memorable. International Reading Association Conference, 2015.

Presentation: Fostering literacy leadership. New York State Reading Association Leadership Conference, 2017.

Communications Chair, New York State Reading Association

New York State Reading Scene Editor

President of the North Country Reading Council

Donald W Wheeler

Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Special Education

TEL: (315) 267-3161