Faculty

Katherine Sinsabaugh, Ph.D., Chairperson

Katherine Sinsabaugh attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Psychology/Special Education and an MA in Education. She earned her Ph.D. in Education from Capella University. Her dissertation utilized quantitative research methodology to explore the personality styles of pre-service teachers. Katherine holds New York State Teaching Certification in both General and Special Education for grades 1-6.

As an early childhood and public school teacher, Katherine particularly enjoyed literacy instruction and as a result, embraces the Reading and Writing Workshop models. She believes in the importance of manipulative-based and hands-on math and science instruction.

Katherine has been teaching at SUNY Orange since August 2008. She strives to incorporate actual classroom materials into her instruction, and enjoys sharing real-life “teaching stories” and experiences with her students. She believes in connecting theory to practice and encourages her students to ask questions, take academic risks, and hold spirited discussions.

At the college, Katherine has served on the Assessment Advisory and Emerging Educational Initiatives committees. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE), the American Psychological Association (APA), the Associate Degree Early Childhood Teacher Educators (ACCESS), and is a Policy Board member at the Middletown Teacher Center (MTC).

Her unique interests in the field of education are developmentally appropriate practice, play in early childhood, and multiple intelligence theory.

Elizabeth Tarvin, Field Placement Coordinator

Elizabeth Tarvin attended Colgate University where she graduated cum laude with a BS in Philosophy and NYS Certification in Elementary Education.  Her Master’s Degree was obtained at the University of Rochester in Teaching and Curriculum.  In her studies, she was particularly interested in gender differences in education as well as inclusive education.

Elizabeth taught fifth and sixth grade at Chester Elementary school for 9 years, where she team-taught in a multi-age inclusion program which she helped to design.  Her years at Chester were extremely rewarding and she draws on her experiences in her college classroom regularly.  Her experiences made her an advocate for inclusion done well and interdisciplinary thematic teaching.

A professor at SUNY Orange since January 2003, Elizabeth has taught numerous education classes and served as chairperson of the department for eight years.  She finds it very fulfilling to share her love of the field of education with her students.  The 3- and 4-year-olds never cease to bring a smile to her face when visiting area childcare centers to observe field students.  Being in the field also reminds her what an important job the college has in preparing and inspiring teachers.

Elizabeth is also the Field Placement Coordinator for the department and serves as the faculty advisor for Future Teachers Association, a club on campus for anyone interesting in teaching. Additionally, Elizabeth teaches the following NYS Certification trainings for the Continuing and Professional Education Office: Dignity for All Students Act, Schools Against Violence in Education, and Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse.

Elizabeth is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and her special interests in the field of education include equity in education, reflective teaching, and the importance of play in early childhood.

Marigrace Walker, EdD, Field Placement Coordinator

Marigrace Walker earned her Master's degreee in Early Chidhood Special Education from Bank Street College of Education and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Connecticut Sate University.  Her doctoral research examined play based learning within a landscape of increasing academic rigor through the lens of developmentally appropriate pracitce and practitioner perspectives on school readiness.

As an early childhood educator, Marigrace has taught in preschool, kindergarten and first grade classrooms and has also served as a school principal.  She brings a deep commitment to developmentally appropriate practice, play based learning and supporting the social, emotional and academic growth of young children.

Marigrace values connecting theory to practice and preparing future teachers through meaningful hands on learning experiences.  She believes in helping students develop as reflective practitioners and thoughtful educators.

Marigrace is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the New England Educational Research Organization and he Northeastern Educational Research Organization.  Her special interests in the field include play in early childhood, language and literacy development, inclusive education, Universal Design for Learning and practitioner based research.

Adjunct Instructors

Rebecca Quackenbush, B.A. English, Mount St. Mary College; M.S. Literacy, Mount St. Mary College

Heather Decker, B.S. Early Childhood/Elementary Education Dual Certification, Marywood University

Staff

Noreen Stevenson, Secretary, B.A. Communications, University of Scranton

 

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In Memoriam: Jennifer Mirecki, Field Student Coordinator

Jennifer taught in the Education Department at SUNY Orange beginning in January 2009. During her time at the college, she taught numerous education classes and also supervised students as the Field Student Supervisor. 

She excelled in her role preparing SUNY Orange students for fulfilling and rewarding careers in education.  Jennifer was a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE), the Associate Degree Early Childhood Teacher Educators (ACCESS), and the Washingtonville Teacher Center Policy Board.

She also served for many years as an Advisor to the Future Teachers Association student club.  Her special interests in the field of education included diversity, early literacy and developmentally appropriate practice. 

Jennifer made an everlasting impact on the education department, our students, and the whole community.