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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportDr. Keely Baroak serves as Dean for the College of Education and Social Work and Professor of Education at Carlow University. In working closely with colleagues, she secured the largest grant ever received by Carlow University in support of the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program. She currently serves as Primary Investigator (PI) on this grant and four others, including projects to support teacher diversification, dyslexia training and preparation, and teacher leadership. At Carlow, she has overseen or authored the development of seven new academic programs in Education including a new Education doctorate degree program. She oversees The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center at Carlow University.
She earned a doctorate in Education from West Virginia University, an MS in Special Education from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA), and a BA in Education from Bethany College (WV). Prior to joining Carlow University, she served as Dean for the College of Education at West Liberty University and Director of Teacher Education at Bethany College. She was a teacher in West Virginia and Virginia. She is devoted to transformational leadership and equity in access for degree completion.
“At Carlow, we live the mission and imbue discipline-specific coursework with social justice curricula.” – Keely Baronak
Education
EdD, Special Education and Educational Leadership, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va.
MS, Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va.
BA, Education, Bethany College, Bethany, W.Va.
Selected Publications
Baronak, K. (2023 accepted manuscript). Honoring the Power of Place: Rural Educator Development in Early Childhood and Elementary Education Using a Childcare Apprenticeship Model. Journal of Thresholds in Education – Special Issue to be published summer 2023.
Baronak, K, Baronak, W., DeNova, J. (2023). Reimagining Partnerships in Higher Education to
Advance Innovative Educational Practices. Remake Learning Playbook.
Hirsh, R. & Baronak, K. (2020). Empowering Pre-Service Teachers With Technology Fluency. Creative Education. Scientific Research, December.
Chaud, S., Baronak, K. et al. (2018). Remaking PA Teacher Education: Analysis of Report by Learning Policy Institute. PAC-TE State Conference round table discussion.
Selected Presentations
Piccini, V., Baronak, K, & Sora, S. (2023). Comprehension Supports in Structured Literacy Programs. PA Higher Education Summit.
Baronak, K. & Baronak, W. (2022). State Policies, Politics, and Profit in Teacher Preparation for Literacy Instruction presented to the American Reading Forum National Conference.
Piccini, V. & Baronak, K. (2019). With or Without a Label: How ALL Kids Learn to Read. Title I Improving School Performance State Conference.
Baronak, K. (2019). Para2Teacher Pipeline Project Proposal. Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Selected Grants
Baronak, K, Beaumont, P. & Hirsh, R. (2022). An Apprenticeship Model in Early Childhood Education. Anonymous Foundation. ($12,000,000). PI
Baronak, K. (2022). Sister Mary Hickey Educator Project. Shea Foundation ($94,000). PI
Baronak, K, Sora, S., and Piccini, V. (2021). The Peirce Dyslexia Program at Carlow University. ($109,000).
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.