The Blue Ribbon Project

Welcome to CITE's Blue Ribbon Project Podcast! This very special episode features Christine Thomas, an educator with over 20 years of experience. Christine shared her journey through education, including the unique experience of being one of just two fully remote students in the Saint Peter's doctoral program. If you're a teacher thinking about moving into leadership, Christine's advice is clear:...

The Transformative Power of Education: A Panel Discussion with Dr. Lester Young Education is more than just classrooms and curriculum—it’s a powerful force for change, shaping the future of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Educators play a pivotal role in fostering critical thinking, inspiring innovation, and creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Tune in for an i...

Welcome to today’s episode of CITE’s Blue Ribbon Project series. I’m beyond thrilled to have Dr. Josephine Yeboah Van-Ess, a true powerhouse in education. On today’s episode, we’ll be getting into what it truly means to follow your purpose. Join us as Dr. Van-Ess shares her inspiring journey—from her beginnings as an English teacher to her impactful roles as Assistant Principal, Principal, Deputy...

This episode features a very special guest, Deepak Marwah a CITE SBL alum and newly appointed Principal of Laguardia High School. This episode is pretty special since Principal Marwah attended Laguardia High School as a student. Listen as we discuss what it’s like going from student to administrator of your former high school. We also get into what it’s like transitioning from teacher to administr...

Today’s episode features a very special guest, Kristina Persaud, a NYCDOE educator who’s been in the field for over 5 years.  Tune in and learn as Kristina discusses how working as a teacher in the Bronx helped shape her transition into administration today. There are a lot of teachers who may be apprehensive when it comes to making the switch from teacher to administrator, listen as Kristina prov...

On this very special episode we’re talking to “Minecraft” creators Sean Arnold (NYCDOE - Director of School Pathways) and Anthony Casanovas (Ed Tech Program Manager & Teacher Team Leader | Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT). Join as they take us through the inspiration behind this innovative, advanced, and surreal experience they call “Minecraft Education!” Special “Thank...

On today’s episode, we get to speak to Georges Leconte, Chief Executive Officer of Harlem Hospital (NYC Health and Hospitals). It’s no secret that the field of Public Administration isn’t easy but one thing we can all agree on is that it’s a rewarding field. Learn all you need to know about working as a CEO in a New York City hospital during the most challenging of times. During this episode, Geor...

On this very special episode, we get to chat with Theresa DeMatteo, the New Professional Development Coordinator at Nassau BOCES! Tune in as Theresa discusses how she balanced her work and home life while still being in our administration program! Theresa also touches on tips and skills future students should consider! For more information on our Administration program please email Diane@citeoprog...

CITE/Russell Sage College Grads, Dr. Dorcely and Dr. Hansford discuss their latest business venture "StrategiesMatters" a blog set out to inform and support various projects throughout education with a unique team of bloggers that are seasoned educators and administrators.  For more information on CITE please follow us: www.instagram.com/citeprograms www.twitter.com/citeprograms https://www.facebo...

This very special episode features Charlotte Beckman, the current Administrative Dean Of Students at Walt Whitman High School — South Huntington Union Free School District.  Tune in and find out why Charlotte chose Administration and to join our program. Charlotte knows what it takes to be a good Administrator and shares some essential tips within this episode.  Be sure to share this special episo...

In this very special episode, Dr. Donald James is back with the Blue Ribbon Project! This episode focuses on Dr. James discussing the Teacher Education & Leadership shortage. Tune in as he examines the reasons behind being in this current state as well as what we can do to impact a positive change for the near future.

CITE is the Center for Integrated Training and Education. For over 25 years, CITE has trained: TEACHERS: General and Special Ed Masters (Early Childhood or Childhood) , Adolescent Special Ed / Professional Certification Masters, TESOL Masters ,  Special Ed license extension courses, Bilingual license extension courses ,  TESOL license extension courses,  Early Childhood license extension courses C...

In this special episode we get the chance to talk to Eva, one of our amazing TESOL Master’s in Education graduates. Although Eva has successfully obtained her Master’s Degree in TESOL and can work in a classroom she chose to work in EdTech! We want to let this episode serve as a reminder that you can be impactful in education in and outside of the classroom with the same Master’s Degree in Educati...

Obtain your Doctorate of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement through Concordia University Wisconsin! This cohort is for non-CSA members and will begin in February 2023! For more info visit http://www.citecuw.com Or e-mail JENNIFER@CITEPROGRAMS.COM

This episode features one of our amazing Admin CITE grads Davina Ruiz! Listen as Davina takes us through all the various positions she's held throughout the field of Education.

In this episode Dr. Donald James (CITE's Executive Director) talks to Dr. Chris Zublionis the Superintendent of North Shore Schools! Dr. Christopher Zublionis has been the assistant superintendent for instruction for North Shore Schools since 2019. Don and Chris talk about his new promotion as Superintendent as well as what it's like to be a leader in this position.

Today’s episode features a very very special guest, Peter Dellegrazie. Peter completed our Admin program and is a proud CITE grad! Listen to Peter talk about what it’s like to work in administration in the high school that he once attended. Peter also discusses the importance of networking and believing in yourself.

This episode is a two-parter, we’ll be hearing from Hannabelle Mendez and Catherine Nunez who have both experienced our Teacher Ed program. Listen and learn as they both share the passion behind their purpose and what keeps them motivated as it pertains to working in education… First off we have Hannabelle, you could just start off by introducing yourself and letting us know how you heard about ou...

Jason’s currently the Director Of Technology/CIO/Digital Privacy Officer at Irvington Union Free School District. Listen to Jason break down what it’s like transitioning from a teaching role into an administrative one as well as everything you need to know about our SBL program with the College of Saint Rose! For more information on the SBL program, visit www.stroseapply.com CITE’s mission is to s...

Cite Executive Director Dr. Donald James speaks with Dr. Meisha Porter about her decision to take on the role of NYC Schools Chancellor in a difficult time, the opportunity we have to reinvent the systems in our schools, and what the pandemic taught us about the classroom and about leadership in moments of crisis. Dr. Porter is a graduate of our College of St. Rose School District Leadership progr...

Today’s episode features two very special guests — Dr. Jacqueline Baer and Joseph Toles who both have been instructors for CITE's Alfred University Counseling program!   Tune into this very informative episode as Dr. Jackie sheds light  on the ins and outs of opening her own private practice with Joseph  right by her side. In this episode Joesph talks about coming out of  retirement and the import...

CITE’s mission is to serve those who typically aren’t served well by institutions of higher learning — we make training accessible, affordable, and meaningful and we work to get good people into the system. We believe that access and opportunity are key drivers in changing the face of education, and we’re proud to work towards that goal. Find out more about CITE Programs in teaching, administratio...

David Wicks is a CITE grad and is currently the District Superintendent of the Eastern Suffolk BOCES. David works directly with his board and directly with the State Education Department as well.  Tune in as David and Donald discuss life as a Superintendent and how David juggles it all. CITE’s mission is to serve those who typically aren’t served well by institutions of higher learning — we make t...

This episode features a very very special CITE Grad, Andrea Mancuso! Andrea completed her Advanced Certification in Mental Health Counseling through our Master’s Degree Program with Alfred University and continues to break barriers. Listen as Andrea discusses how she bridged the gap between being a school psychologist and stepping into the possibility of owning her own practice while being the fou...

Toby Elmore is a graduate of the CITE / St. Rose SBL Program, where teachers learn about school leadership and earn their certification. He wears many hats for the Commack School District. He's the Director for Student Affairs, Business, Library, and the Director of Summer Programs for the district. Toby speaks about how teachers can use Black History Month in their classrooms, and how to think ab...