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
AI in Higher Education Certification, 2024
SUNY Old Westbury, New York
Online Teaching Certification, 2019
St. John’s University Queens, New York
NYS Teaching Certification: Literacy, 2013
St. John’s University Queens, New York
Orton Gillingham Academy Training for Associate-level,
2013 - Present: Coursework is completed; fieldwork is in progress.
St. John’s University Queens, New York
NYS Teaching Certification: Education / Special Education, 2012
Molloy College Rockville Centre, New York
NYS Teaching Certification: Education / English, 2011
Molloy College Rockville Centre, New York
Scholarship
Professional Conference Presentations
SUNY Old Westbury, CEC Campus Chapter, December 2023,
Old Westbury, NY. Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2023, December).
Digital Literacy through a Special Education Lens.
SUNY Old Westbury, CEC Campus Chapter, May 2020, Old Westbury, NY. Presenter: Egan, D.M. (2020, May).
Digital Literacy through a Special Education Lens.
Molloy College’s Parent Workshops, Winter/Spring 2019. Plaza School; Baldwin, N.Y. 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’ support for students with disabilities in inclusion classes.
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Egan, D. and Gilic, L. (2021) Using Technological Applications as an Independent Learning Strategy to Support Vocabulary Acquisition for Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities. Open Journal of Modern Linguistics, 11, 529-538. doi: 10.4236/ojml.2021.114040.
Egan, Donna M., (2019) Using Technology as an Independent Learning Strategy to Support Vocabulary Acquisition for Secondary Students with Learning Disabilities. Theses and Dissertations. 8.
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/8
Peer-Reviewed Publications (In REVIEW)
Egan, D. (2024). Enhancing Vocabulary Instruction for Students with Exceptionalities: The Role of Vocabulary Apps. Submitted for review to The Journal of Special Education Technology.
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Instructor 2019 - Present
SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, N.Y.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education Program
SUNY Old Westbury | Long Island, N.Y. College
Courses Taught:
Final Practicum / Research Seminar
Student Teaching Exceptional Education / Practicum
Interventions in Reading and Writing / Learning Disabilities
High Incidence Disabilities
Language in Childhood Education
Adjunct Instructor 2015 - Present
St. John's University Queens, N.Y.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education Program
Turn Passion into Purpose | St. John's University (stjohns.edu)
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
DME Tutor - Tutor, Academic Support
Work effectively with exceptional learners of various ages at different learning levels (one-on-one and 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 student progress. Differentiate instruction for each student based on individual learning styles. Coordinate multiple schedules to provide services to many students.
Professional Development
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) & National Education Association (NEA) Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Four-Part Webinar Series
An Introduction to AI in Education: Big Picture, 2/1/24
AI in the Classroom: Strategies and Activities, 2/28/24
AI and Teaching: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment, 3/27/24
AI for Good: Ethics, Equity, and Digital Citizenship, 4/24/24
SUNY Center for Professional Development:
Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to AI in Higher Education, 3/19 - 4/29/24
Using AI Effectively in Teaching and Learning, 5/14 - 6/24/24
Professional Affiliations
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education
Honorary President 2014 – present
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
International Literacy Association (ILA)
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
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."