As Lead Supervisor of Special Education at Intermediate Unit 1—an educational agency providing services to public schools in Western Pennsylvania—Stephanie Paolucci has long understood the power of education to transform lives. Now, as a student in Carlow University’s inaugural Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership program, she’s gaining the tools, confidence, and scholarly grounding to expand that impact even further.
Designed for experienced professionals seeking to lead with clarity and conscience, Carlow’s EdD program offers a flexible, practitioner-focused pathway for those committed to driving meaningful change in their schools and communities. From day one, students are immersed in dissertation research, encouraged to explore questions that arise from their lived experience and professional practice. For Stephanie, that meant tackling one of the most sensitive and urgent challenges in education today—how schools respond to students with disabilities who have experienced trauma.
In her own words, Stephanie reflects on what it means to be part of a leadership community rooted in ethical stewardship, compassion, and innovation:
Why did you choose Carlow for your EdD?
“I selected Carlow University’s inaugural EdD program because of its exceptional reputation and its deeply rooted commitment to educational innovation. From the very beginning, the program stood out to me for its focus on developing scholar-practitioners: leaders who not only think critically but also apply their learning in meaningful, transformative ways.”
How has the program shaped your thinking as a leader?
“Each class, I find myself applying what I’ve learned directly to my role as an educational leader. The program’s structure—immersive, collaborative, and grounded in ethical stewardship—supports my growth in both scholarship and leadership. I truly feel like part of a cooperative leadership community that values diversity of thinking, compassion, and the re-imagination of educational systems.”
What surprised you about the dissertation process?
“Coming into the program, I expected the dissertation to feel overwhelming and intimidating. But to my surprise, I found myself genuinely excited about it. The way Carlow embeds dissertation work from the beginning and allows us to explore a topic that’s meaningful to us has helped me embrace the process rather than fear it.”
What is the focus of your dissertation—and why does it matter?
“My dissertation focuses on the use of restraints with students with disabilities—a topic that is both complex and critically important. In today’s schools, many students come with histories of trauma, and it’s essential that we create environments where they feel physically and emotionally safe. Students need to feel secure themselves but also need to see that their peers are being treated with dignity and care. Carlow’s program has given me the tools and the courage to explore this topic in depth.”
How has learning alongside peers influenced your journey?
“One of the most rewarding aspects has been learning alongside a cohort of passionate, insightful peers. The diverse perspectives and rich dialogue have deepened my thinking and helped me grow both professionally and personally. Leadership isn’t a solo journey—it’s built on shared knowledge, respect, and a collective drive to reimagine what education can be.”
How does Carlow make a doctoral degree more attainable?
“Carlow offers an incredibly valuable balance—providing a rigorous, high-quality doctoral education at an affordable cost. I’ve never felt like I had to compromise on the depth or quality of my learning, and that matters when you’re juggling a career, a family, and school.”