Paula L. Collins, English Education, Social Studies Education, Special Education, and TESOL

Published in ConnectED Newsletter - Volume 8 - Issue 3 - May 2025

Paula L. Collins has supervised student teachers in the English Education, Social Studies Education, Special Education, and TESOL programs since 2003. Dr. Collins holds a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Theater from Wiley College (1968), an M.A. in Education from New York University (1970), a Certificate in Administration and Supervision from City College (1993), and an Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University (2002).

Throughout her career as an educator, Dr. Collins taught multiple grades and subjects, worked with adults in a GED program, and served as assistant principal at Choir Academy of Harlem. What makes teaching meaningful to her is seeing the value of each of the people in her care and using strategies to help them find meaning. “Everyone will not be a scholar, but we want to help all students find something in themselves that will allow them to thrive,” she says.

In her work as mentor to pre-service teachers, Dr. Collins emphasizes the importance of knowing the subject matter and strategies to accomplish goals, developing the ability to relate to the varied human beings in their classrooms, and acknowledging that “mistakes” are opportunities for growth. When her students have questions about classroom management, she shares that the key is to provide student-centered lessons that resonate with different learning modalities. Also, she values engaging in conversations on collaboration. She points out that many student teachers are full of ideas they would like to implement, but they need to know and understand they are part of a team. “Being a part of the team is, ideally, like being a part of a family in which different factions support each other,” she argues. “The profession is definitely political. Successful teachers must communicate effectively with students, co-workers, the administration, parents, and perhaps a community-based organization. No one will survive as a lone wolf. The pre-service teachers are in my care, and I want them to succeed, thrive, and enjoy the journey!”

All her life, Dr. Collins has studied a variety of things. Professionally, at this time, she is interested in learning to use new technologies to complement tactile and kinesthetic learning. In her view, if technology is the sole learning tool, some people become depressed from isolation. “Interacting with people is meaningful to me,” she affirms. She is also participating in an in-person jewelry design course called Lost Wax Carving. Other things that she enjoys include taking cooking classes, attending wine seminars, and traveling internationally. As she says, “the planet has many landscapes and cultures to appreciate. I enjoy being a life-long learner!”