The Speakers

Dr. Sam Fecich is a professor of education, author, and podcast host. She believes that teaching doesn’t begin when you walk across the stage at graduation, instead it begins your first college class 8:00 AM Monday morning. Dr. Fecich works to support, empower, and encourage future teachers through their journey of an education major – from freshman year to student teaching to getting your first teaching job. She provides many keynote talks, host the EduMagic podcast, provide workshops and webinars to educational organizations, clubs and groups, and write about tips for preservice and new teachers.

Dr. Santori earned her BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, her Reading Specialist certification and MS in Education from St. Joseph's University, and her Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania's Reading, Writing and Literacy program. She began her college teaching career as an adjunct at West Chester in 1997. Dr. Santori is the Chair of the Literacy Department. In addition to her higher-education teaching experience, Dr. Santori brings background as an elementary classroom teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and as a literacy consultant. She has a number of publications and presentations to her credit. Dr. Santori's current research interests include dialogic discussions and co-teaching.

Laurie Gutmann Kahn, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Education Department at Moravian University. She is a special education researcher and educator focusing on disability issues in education. She holds a doctorate in Special Education at the University of Oregon with an emphasis in secondary special education and transition. Before pursuing her doctoral degree, Dr. Kahn was a special education high school teacher in the Bronx, New York, where she focused on career development education for students with disabilities. Her research and practice interests include the intersection of identity, culture and disability in educational research, the use of disability studies in special education practices, and the education of teachers working with students with disabilities. She is also the faculty advisor for the Moravian University Chapter of KDP.

Sean Shields is a recent graduate (2020) of West Chester University, an educator, a mental health first aid trained certified professional, mental health advocate, and a mentor. On his down time, he enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jacqueline Pizzico is a fourth grade teacher who works for the Spring-Ford Area School District at Spring City Elementary. Jacqueline has gone through the job search and interviewing process for the last two years, since graduating in 2020. She started off at a private school her first year and is now working for a top PA school district in her second year. Jacqueline has had success in many interviews, being offered multiple jobs. She can help you understand the ins and outs of interviews and job searching. Jacqueline has her PA certifications in K-12 Family Consumer Science and PK-4 Education. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from West Chester University. While attending WCU, she was an active member of Kappa Delta Pi's Education Honor Society.

Mrs. Sue Choi has served in public education for almost 20 years. Mrs. Choi started her profession in education as a 3^rd grade classroom teacher where she loved fostering a positive and inclusive classroom family. She also served as a math instructional coach, supporting research based practices in math instruction and developing professional development opportunities for teachers and staff. Currently, Mrs. Sue Choi serves as the principal of Spring City Elementary Hybrid Learning School as well as the Federal Programs Title I Coordinator for the Spring-Ford Area School District.

Mrs. Choi earned a B.S. in early, elementary, and special education from Temple University and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Pennsylvania State University. Through her leadership roles, Mrs. Choi has designed and provided professional growth opportunities to promote high quality instruction and the use of technology to increase student engagement in teaching and learning. She has conducted professional development in the district and local math organizations on growth mindset, number sense, technology integration, and differentiation. She is active and involved in local and national education professional networks.

Dr. Tiffany Bennett obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies at the University of Florida, focusing on health science. However, after months of volunteering at local Title 1 schools, she made an early career change into education, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6. Dr. Bennett spent four years working in the inner-city schools in Gainesville, Florida before moving overseas to teach primary ESL students in the United Arabic Emirates and in Czech Republic. While working on her doctorate, she served as a professional development coordinator, where she provided academic/behavior training to inservice teachers in Abu Dhabi. In 2021, Dr. Bennett received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership specializing in Instructional Leadership at Northcentral University. She is also an active member of the Alpha Delta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi. Her research interests focus on professional development, teacher self-efficacy, student engagement, and English Language Learners. Dr. Bennett joined West Chester University as a Fredrick Douglas Scholar, where she currently works in the College of Education and Social Work. In her free time, she loves to travel, go to the beach and read romantic novels.