The Educational Portfolio of Donna M. Egan, Ph.D.
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Who Am I
A resilient educator with expertise in Literacy, Special Education, Educational Technology, and Artificial Intelligence in Education. Committed to shaping the ethical and innovative integration of AI into teaching and learning, I aim to prepare educators and students to thrive in an evolving technological landscape. With over a decade of IT experience and a current leadership role in AI-focused professional development and curriculum design, I strive to ensure AI serves as a tool for equity, creativity, and public good in education.
AI LEADERSHIP & INTEGRATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Field Test Facilitator for an innovative national BranchEd initiative, Pedagogy Meets Possibility: Purposeful Practice through Generative AI (Fall 2026). This first-of-its-kind project explored how Generative AI–driven simulations enhance practice-based teacher preparation by supporting instructional decision-making, confidence, and reflective expertise.
Creator and Lead of the AI in Action Initiative (Fall 2025): A campus-wide digital space at SUNY Old Westbury designed to support AI literacy, ethical use, and collaborative knowledge sharing across faculty, staff, and students.
Faculty Innovator in the Google/NASH Certification Grant: Charged with piloting and integrating the Google AI Essentials Microcredential into education coursework to build foundational AI knowledge for faculty and future educators.
Presenter of AI-Focused Professional Development, including
AI in the Classroom: Practical Integration for Teaching and Learning
(SUNY OW Summer Institute, 2025, 2026)
AI-Powered Education: Transforming Tasks and Teaching (CEC Campus Chapter, 2025; SOE Faculty PD, 2024–25)
Curriculum Integration: Actively embedding AI tools and ethics into undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy and special education; mentoring faculty in effective use of AI for instruction and assessment.
Ongoing Professional Learning: Regular participant in webinars, SUNY and national PD, and hands-on experimentation with emerging AI tools for planning, feedback, and instructional design.
Academic Achievements
Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy for Learners At Risk, 2019
St. John’s University, The School of Education Queens, New York
Master of Science in Literacy for Learners At Risk, 2014
St. John’s University, the School of Education Queens, New York
Graduate Assistantship (2013-2014) research assistant for the Special Education Program
Master of Science in Education; English and Special Education, 2012
Molloy College Rockville Centre, New York
Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts (Journalism and Film), 1986
College of Mount St. Vincent Riverdale, New York
Teaching Credentials
Science of Reading Microcredential, SUNY New Paltz
AI Prompting Essentials Microcredential, Google Coursera
AI Essentials Microcredential, Google Coursera
Online Teaching Certification, St. John’s University, Queens, New York
NYS Teaching Certification: Literacy, St. John’s University, Queens, New York, Grades 5 through 12
Orton Gillingham Academy training for associate-level, St. John’s University, Queens, New York. Coursework completed; fieldwork in progress.
NYS Teaching Certification: Education / Special Education, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York
NYS Teaching Certification: Education / English, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York
Scholarship
Professional Presentations
SUNY Old Westbury, School of Education, Summer Institute, Old Westbury, NY.
Invited Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2026, June). Unlocking AI for Educators:
Practical Solutions for Real Classrooms.
NYSATE/NYACTE Virtual Brown Bag Lunch Professional Learning, NY
Invited Presenters: Egan, D.M., Gilic, L. (2026, March). AI-Ready Educators: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Teaching and Learning for Diverse Learners
NYSATE/NYACTE Annual Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY
Presenters: Egan, D.M., Gilic, L. (2025, October). AI-Ready Educators: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Teaching and Learning for Diverse Learners
NYSATE/NYACTE Annual Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY
Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2025, October). Empowered Classrooms: Engaging Diverse Learners Through Technology
Molloy University’s Inaugural Literacy Conference, Rockville Centre, NY
Invited Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2025, October). Story chain reaction: engaging strategies for story writing.
SUNY Old Westbury, School of Education, Summer Institute, Old Westbury, NY. Invited Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2025, May). AI in the classroom: practical integration for teaching and learning.
SUNY Old Westbury, CEC Campus Chapter, Old Westbury, NY.
Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2025, April). AI-Powered education: transforming tasks and teaching
SUNY Old Westbury, School of Education’s Professional Development Day, Old Westbury, NY. Invited Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2024, November; 2025, March). Tech up your teaching: Interactive strategies for a modern classroom.
SUNY Old Westbury, School of Education Faculty Meeting, Old Westbury, NY. Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2024, December). AI-Powered education: transforming tasks and teaching
SUNY Old Westbury, CEC Campus Chapter, Old Westbury, NY.
Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2023, December; 2020, May). Digital literacy through a special education lens.
Molloy University’s Parent Workshops, Winter/Spring 2019. Plaza School; Baldwin, N.Y. Invited Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2019, March 23). Ten easy ways to use the technology you have at hand to help your child improve their literacy.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Regional Conference; Syracuse, N.Y. Presenter: Egan, D.M., Kiely, M.T., O’Meara, S., Patterson, K. & Sachs, L. (2014, October 31). Secondary content area teachers’ supports for students with disabilities in inclusion classes.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Experience
Assistant Professor 2024 - Present
SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, N.Y.
Exceptional Education &Learning
SUNY Old Westbury | Long Island, N.Y. College
Integrated AI tools and discussions of ethical AI use into teacher preparation and special education courses
Modeled instructional strategies using AI for lesson planning, assessment, and differentiated instruction.
Collaborated with faculty to redesign assignments and modules incorporating AI literacy.
Piloted AI-enhanced learning tasks in graduate and undergraduate education courses.
Led student inquiry into responsible use of generative AI tools in instructional settings.
Courses Taught:
Final Practicum / Research Seminar
Student Teaching Exceptional Education / Practicum
Interventions in Reading and Writing / Learning Disabilities
Trends and Issues for Students with High Incidence Disabilities
Methods of Instruction for Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities
Literacy for Diverse Learners
Foundations of Literacy
Adjunct Instructor, 2019 – 2024
SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, N.Y.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education Program
SUNY Old Westbury | Long Island, N.Y. College
· Create, distribute, and review the course syllabus.
· Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to engage students, including cooperative and experiential learning
Clinical Instructor 2016 - 2023
St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y.
Observe Special Education pre-service teachers during their practicum teaching assignments. Evaluate student performance promptly and accurately based on a departmental rubric.
Communicate with pre-service teachers outside of class to provide supplementary instruction, when necessary.
Meet with pre-service teachers, providing them with the opportunity to reflect on their teaching pedagogy.
Adjunct Instructor, 2015 -2023
St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education Program
Turn Passion into Purpose | St. John's University (stjohns.edu)
· Create, distribute, and review the course syllabus.
· Utilize a variety of instructional strategies to engage students, including cooperative and experiential learning
Courses Taught:
Research Methods in Collaborative Partnerships for General, Special, and Inclusive Educational Settings, K-12
Education and Accommodating the Needs of Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12
Curriculum and Instruction Design for Individuals with Exceptionalities: Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
Curriculum and Instruction Design in Teaching Literacy for Individuals with Exceptionalities, K-12
Curriculum Adaptations and Modifications Planning K-12
Digital Literacy and Learning K-12
Private Tutor 2014 - Present
DME Tutor, Suffolk County, New York
- Work effectively with exceptional learners of various ages and learning levels (one-on-one and in small groups) to develop reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
- Assist students in preparation for high-stakes tests (SAT, ACT)
- Communicate with parents and teachers regarding the student’s progress.
- Differentiate instruction for each student based on individual learning styles.
- Coordinate multiple schedules to provide services to many students.
TEACHER, 2016 - 2018
United Church Nursery School Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Prepared children for kindergarten by introducing concepts they will explore further in kindergarten and elementary school.
Worked with children in groups or one-on-one, depending on the needs of the children and the subject matter.
Planned and executed a curriculum that targeted different areas of child development, such as language, motor, and social skills.
Organized activities so children could learn about the world, explore interests, and develop talents.
Developed schedules and routines to ensure children have enough physical activity, rest, and playtime.
Watched for signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and brought issues to the attention of parents.
Maintained records of the students’ progress, routines, and interests, and kept parents informed about their child’s development.
Substitute Teacher, 2013 - 2014
St. John’s University, Queens, New York
St. John’s Professional Development Program (TIE) offered classes in Nassau and Queens, allowing classroom teachers to attend professional development seminars.
Student Teacher, 2011 - 2012
Molloy College Rockville Centre, New York
South Side High School, Rockville Centre, New York
Used a variety of teaching techniques, encouraging students' critical thinking and discussion in 7th /10th-grade English Literature courses.
Oceanside Middle and High School, Oceanside, New York
Member of an inclusion team providing differentiated instruction to students with special needs
Service, Professional Development, and Professional Affiliations
Service
INSTITUTIONAL AND CAMPUS SERVICE, , 2024 – PRESENT
SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, New York
Actively engage in academic service within the School of Education and the broader campus community. Participate in institutional events, including Convocation, Honors Convocation, and Commencement. Serve on the AI4EI Advisory Council, Operational Excellence Presidential Committee, Curriculum and Academic Planning Committee, and Teaching and Learning Resources Committee. Support recruitment and outreach by working on campus-wide Open Houses. Played an integral role in planning and executing the School of Education’s inaugural Women’s History Month celebration, Trailblazing Women in Education. Attend and contribute to the School of Education Advisory Board meetings to support program development and community engagement.
LITERACY DIAGNOSTICIAN, 2013 - 2014
St. John’s University, Queens, New York
Administered Literacy assessments to adult students at the School Sisters of Notre Dame Education Center for Women in Woodhaven, Queens
MENTOR, 2010 – 2012
Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Hicksville, New York
Met once a cycle with nine students who were graduates of The De La Salle School in Freeport, NY: two freshmen, two sophomores, and five juniors.
Assisted with achieving essential academic requirements. Helped mentees envision and take steps toward desired careers. Acted as a role model, offering insights and advice. Served as a coach, helping to learn new skills and practice new behaviors.
Advocated and provided support, listening with a sympathetic ear, explaining unwritten rules, acknowledging disappointments, and triumphs.
Professional Development in AI and Educational Technology
Google Coursera Microcredentials:
· AI Prompting Essentials (Summer 2025)
· Google Coursera AI Essentials Certification (Spring 2025)
SUNY CPD: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education (2023–2024)
· Introduction to AI in Higher Education (Mar–Apr 2024)
· Using AI Effectively in Teaching and Learning (May–June 2024)
ISTE & NEA: AI in Education Four-Part Webinar Series (Spring 2024)
· An Introduction to AI in Education: Big Picture (Feb 1)
· AI in the Classroom: Strategies and Activities (Feb 28)
· AI and Teaching: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment (Mar 27)
· AI for Good: Exploring Ethics, Equity, and Digital Citizenship (Apr 24)
BranchED Fall Learning Summit: Empower to Advance, Charleston, SC (Oct 2024): Focus: Emerging technologies and teacher prep transformation
Professional Affiliations
American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2014 – PRESENT
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education
Honorary President 2014 – PRESENT
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2011 – PRESENT
International Literacy Association (ILA) 2011 – PRESENT
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) 2011 – PRESENT
About Me!
I grew up in Bayside, Queens, with three brothers and a few dogs! I attended high school at The Mary Louis Academy. I received my BA in Communication Arts, concentrations in Journalism and Film, from the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, New York. After college, I worked as a systems analyst for 12+ years at A&E Television Networks before staying home to raise my family.
Working with my children through their individual educational experiences fostered my desire to learn and do more in Special Education. When my three exceptional children became more independent, I returned to school and received my MS in Education: Special Education & English from Molloy University in Rockville Centre, NY. After Molloy, I joined the St. John's University family and received my MS and Ph.D. in Literacy.
I love teaching, working with students, and pre-service and in-service educators! I have taught in various educational settings: traditional, hybrid, and online, as well as Pre-K to Graduate.
I recently adopted a new puppy, Princess Leia, in January 2023. She turned one on 1/8/24. I'm pretty crazy about her.
In the summer months, I can usually be found on a beach with my paddleboard, and in the winter months, playing in the snow with skis on my feet! I love teaching, reading, cooking, meeting new people, exploring new places, and traveling.
"Be the Change You Want to See in the World."