Debra Zinicola , Ed.D.
Chair, Associate Professor
Department of Educational Studies
(973) 275-2741
Email
Jubilee Hall
Room 415
Debra Zinicola, Ed.D.
Chair, Associate Professor
Department of Educational Studies
Debra Zinicola specializes in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a concentration in Elementary Science Education. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses relating to science teaching where she helps students develop and teach science lessons in their field experience classrooms. She also collaborates with faculty and advises students who are completing a second major in Environmental Studies. She works with her colleagues to continuously improve teacher preparation courses and programs. Debra teaches courses related to child development and curriculum for undergraduate teacher candidates. Her research is grounded in science learning through collaborative problem solving. In addition to her work in Educational Studies, she remains active on Core Curriculum Committees having taught Journey of Transformation for many years.
Education
- Ed.D., Rutgers, The State University of NJ, 2003
- M.A., Kean University, 1985
- B.A., Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1974
Scholarship
- "Teaching science through digital storytelling", Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education [SITE] 20th International Conference, Charleston, South Carolina, March 2009
- "Herding cats in the internet corral", Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education [SITE] 20th International Conference, Charleston, South Carolina, March 2009
- "Investigating science collaboratively: A case study of group learning", Journal of Ethnographic and Qualitative Research, 3, 128-138, February 2008
- "Learning to Teach Elementary Science", Teaching and Learning: The Journal of Natural Inquiry and Reflective Practice, 18(1), 16-23, November 2003
- "Seniors, science, and videotapes: Examining the teaching of elementary science", Journal of Professional Studies, 8(2), 36- 49, February 2001
Accomplishments
Awards, grants and fellowships
- Linda Ward Gupta's Teaching Excellence Award, SHU, 2002
- Most Outstanding Dissertation Award Graduate School of Education, Rutgers, 2003
- 2011 President’s Award for Student Service, Seton Hall University
- 2011 CASE Professor of the Year, Seton Hall University
- 2012 Henry Schreitmueller Award (teaching, leadership, mentorship)
- 2012 Faculty Service Award