Ed.D. Student Emphasizes Importance of Higher Education in Paterson Charter School

Olcay Yavuz, GSE Ed.D. candidate for the Rutgers Teacher Leadership Program and counselor at the Paterson Charter School has made significant contributions in encouraging students to attend college. Yavuz has met with families to discuss the importance of higher education, led the school's juniors and seniors in registering for the SATs, organized free SAT prep courses which resulted in a raise in test scores and even invited college representatives to interview applicants. His efforts greatly increased the number of students moving on to higher education following their high school graduation, some of which have been awarded full scholarships.

As a student at the GSE, Yavuz notes, "I can honestly say that the Rutgers Teacher Leadership Ed. D program has completely changed my life. Before this program, I did not think that there was a possibility of for me to manage and lead an institutionalized school reform which will be published in a newspaper."

The Ed.D. program is designed to help develop the knowledge and skills for current and future  leaders to become change agents in improving the lives of students, their families, and their communities. To learn more about all the Ed.D. programs click here.

Read more about Yavuz's contributions featured in The Record by Leslie Brody published on May 26, 2012.