Dr. Pennisi holds an Ed. D. in Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, with Masters degrees in both Art Education and Curriculum and Teaching, specializing in early adolescence. Her teaching and professional experience include teaching middle and high school in the New York Public Schools, as well as co-founding New Design High School, located on the Lower East Side of NYC. Dr. Pennisi's professional interests include curriculum design, specifically concept-centered, inter-disciplinary models, and co-creation of curriculum as a process for re-engagement of adolescents. Other interests include how teacher research can be a vigorous form of professional development, particularly in terms of dilemmas in urban education and incorporating democratic practices in the classroom. Dr. Pennisi is a regular presenter at the national and local level.MEET THE FACULTY