Jessica Clarke of Parsippany, N.J., Earns Doctorate in Educational Leadership at College of Saint Elizabeth

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Jessica Clarke

MORRISTOWN, NJ (04/21/2014)(readMedia)--  Jessica Clarke of Parsippany, N.J., has successfully defended her dissertation at the College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), 2 Convent Road, Morristown, N.J., to earn her doctorate in educational leadership. Clarke's dissertation is entitled, "21st Century Teaching and Learning: What Do Teachers Know and What Motivates Them to Change?" Her dissertation explores result-driven methods and techniques for helping actively form and engage educators.

"The doctoral program in educational leadership helped me to grow both professionally and personally," said Clarke. "The dedicated and experienced professors at CSE opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and provided consistent support every step of the way. This journey, though arduous, has better prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

Clarke, who has been an educator for more than 15 years, holds four teaching certifications and has taught Spanish, French, and English as a Second Language to students from grades two-12 in both public and private schools. In her most recent role, she served as a high school supervisor of instruction for the World Language, Art, Music and Family and Consumer Science departments.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa., in both French and Spanish, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from CSE.

The doctoral program at CSE, which is dedicated to preparing leaders who are committed to social justice and ethical practice, began in August 2007. "Integrated into all course work and learning activities are the central values and beliefs necessary for school leaders to function as morally purposeful stewards for their school communities," states Dr. John Crews, CSE educational leadership program chair. "This philosophy of servant leadership represents a major shift from the traditional paradigm of school leaders as managers of resources, which is so prevalent in today's practices."

Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey, the College of Saint Elizabeth enrolls more than 1,500 full- and part-time students in more than 25 undergraduate, 10 graduate and two doctoral degree programs; an Ed.D.in educational leadership and a Psy.D. in counseling psychology. For information on other activities or programs, visit the College of Saint Elizabeth web site at www.cse.edu.