School of Education

« Our Schools

Explore Your Options to Build a Fulfilling Career

It takes a special person to be an educator. You're committed to learning and you want to make a difference.

Point Park University's School of Education offers a variety of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and certificate programs, including many fully online. We are the only Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-recognized institution in Pennsylvania that offers an American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) program. We offer a residency program and other paraprofessional paths to teaching certification, as well as a Career and Technical Teaching in Practice (CTTP) certification program. Plus, we offer two fast-track bachelor's to master's programs with the Conservatory of Performing Arts.

The School of Education faculty members bring decades of classroom experience into these programs, equipping you with the skills you need to succeed in the field and leave an impact on your students.

Resources for Students Resources for Co-Operating Teachers Resources for Teachers Study/Student Teach Abroad

About the School of Education

Meet Our Faculty

Shari Payne, Ed.D., dean of the School of Education

Dr. Payne brings a diverse array of professional teaching and leadership experience in higher education, working in the areas of enrollment, academic operations, financial aid and student support.

Faculty Bio

Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning

"I am passionate about teaching and learning. I look forward to teaching each and every course and getting to know my students."

Faculty Bio

Darlene Marnich, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Leadership and Administration

"Education excellence is much more than teaching content. It is about connections, relationships and trust."

Faculty Bio

Meet Our School of Education Faculty & Staff

Learn more about the talented educators who lead our degree programs.

Faculty & Staff

Matt's Maker Space Labs at Point Park

Education majors at Point Park have access to two Matt's Maker Space Lab classrooms on campus, allowing them to explore a variety of teaching methods related to STEM and maker education.

Learn more about our Matt's Maker Space Labs.

Located in Academic Hall 716 and 718, Point Park's maker space classrooms are vibrant workshops designed to facilitate hands-on, collaborative learning experiences, featuring a variety of high-tech and low-tech tools.

Matt's Maker Space Labs at Point Park — 8 images

View All

Matt's Maker Space Labs at Point Park — 8 images Located in Academic Hall 716 and 718, Point Park's maker space classrooms are vibrant workshops designed to facilitate hands-on, collaborative learning experiences, featuring a variety of high-tech and low-tech tools.

Pictured are students working on a project in the Matt's Maker Space Lab. Photo by Natalie Caine.

Pictured are students working on a project in the Matt's Maker Space Lab. Photo courtesy of Paskill Agency.

Pictured are professors Kamryn York, Mark Marnich and Virginia Chambers in the Matt's Maker Space Lab. Photo by Natalie Caine.

Pictured students and Professor Virginia Chambers working together in the Matt's Maker Space Lab. Photo by Madi Fisher.

Pictured are Point Park University President Dr. Chris Brussalis, Kamryn York, Noelle Conover and Virginia Chambers.

Pictured are professors Kamryn York and Matt Pascal teaching a class in the Matt's Maker Space Lab.

Student & Alumni Success

Get Career-Ready with: Kairi Stallsmith '24, Secondary Education Social Studies Major

"Point Park has made me career-ready by encouraging me to try new activities and learn from my mistakes. As a student teacher, I have success with lesson plans, but I also experience failures. In both instances, I improve my skills as a teacher."

School of Education Alumna Katlyn Proof ‘23 ‘24 Selected for Inaugural Matt’s Maker Space Fellowship in Ireland

Katlyn Proof is the first Point Park alumna accepted for the inaugural Matt's Maker Space Fellowship Program, an expenses-paid experiential learning opportunity abroad for graduates to immerse themselves in maker education at SEK International Dublin School.

Elementary Education Major and Working Mom Cydney Haines Touts Flexibility of Point Park's School of Education

"It's a different kind of learning here. I'm in class with 15 other students at the most, and I am able to build relationships with all of them. At Point Park, I'm not just here. I am involved, and I know the person sitting three seats away from me. I love it."

Leadership and Administration Alumnus Tyler Cook '20 is a Published Author and Elementary School Principal

"Point Park finds the perfect balance of theory, application and real-world experience. The Ed.D. program is scaffolded in a way that develops your understanding of leadership theory and then empowers you to apply it to your everyday life in a practical and impactful way."

School of Education Alumna Mai Hassan '23 Reflects on the Value of Point Park's ABCTE Program

"The ABCTE program supported my professional development and growth by offering an essential curriculum that covered fundamental concepts and delved into advanced topics."

History Alumnus Levi Donaldson Brown Returns to Point Park University for ABCTE Propel Teacher Residency Program

"Point Park's ABCTE program uses a hands-on approach focused on real classroom experience and prepares future teachers for their first year of teaching by familiarizing them with tools and skills they will use and incorporate into their classes."

Leadership and Administration Alumna Aspen Mock '18 Nominated for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year

"I would recommend Point Park University's Leadership and Administration program because it is an opportunity to empower lifelong learners along their leadership journeys, shaping their paths so they can make profound contributions in their fields."

Leadership and Administration Alumna Sherlyn Harrison, Ed.D., is the Managing Director of Programs & Operations at Pittsburgh Scholar House

"At Point Park, you do not have to sacrifice your life and work to complete a degree because Point Park promotes academic excellence while focusing on student needs."

Creative Writing, Secondary Education M.Ed. Alumnus Josh McCann ’18 ’23 is an English Teacher and Published Writer

"Point Park is known for having a culturally rich and diverse creative community. I knew deep down that this was the place for me. The location in the city is inspiring, the professors are amazing and the atmosphere is really cool."

Get Career-Ready with: Sophie Jebose '23, Elementary Education Major

"What I love the most about Point Park's elementary education program is the Matt's Maker Space Lab. I have most of my classes in the maker space, and the setup is great for hands-on learning."

Get Career-Ready with: Ava Cook '24, Elementary Education Major

"When you attend Point Park, your professors make an effort to know your name, get to know you on a personal level and you will take courses with many of the same classmates throughout your educational career, allowing you to form close bonds with people in your major."