Please Email me @ Schoen@Lasalle.edu

Personal Information

I have been at La Salle University since 1985, when the department consisted of 6 people (as I recall).  The next year evidenced the initiation of the combined elementary/special education (ESE) program.  There has been so much positive growth and change in the education department since then!  My obvious support of the program is revealed by my "only child's" graduation from the ESE program in May, 2002.

My hire was most likely based upon the combination of experiences and education that I have had in regular and special education.  After earning a B.A. from Holy Family College, I was employed by the Pennsauken School District in New Jersey for 5 years,  During that time, I taught first, second, third, fifth and sixth grades.

My pursuit of an M.A. plus 15 credits in learning disabilities at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) was prompted by my interest in further studies as well as a fellowship offer.  My program at Glassboro involved an internship at the Bancroft School (Haddonfield) as well as an educational assessment position for Project Child Find.  The former of these two responsibilities convinced me that I needed additional education and experiences in order to work effectively with diverse populations of students with mental retardation, emotional and behavioral disorders, autism, significant learning disabilities and speech and hearing impairments.

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA became the locus of continuing formal education and practical experience.  Grant and fellowship support was again awarded.  Earning an Ed.D. from the special education program, I extended my teaching and research skills, particularly with individuals with autism and mental retardation.  Instructional and management strategies became the focus of much of my early professional writing.  Many presentations and publications resulted from my 6 years in the program, for which faculty encouragement was greatly appreciated.

Upon graduation from Lehigh, I accepted the faculty position at La Salle University.  I've assumed many roles in the department, including coordinator of field placements, co-director of ESE, and director of ESE (twice).  My most valued role, however will always be teaching!  The student/teacher interactions are so inspirational!  For a listing of my current courses see the homepage.

During the 2002-2003 academic year, I was asked to spearhead the development
of a new junior level course (EDC 308) in the elementary/special education
program. The course will closely examine the special needs and individualized
instruction of various populations. The team-taught course is scheduled to
begin in Fall, 2003.