Sean Keane

Sean Keane is one of the first candidates to become certified in Dowling's new Early Childhood Education Program. Under the direction of Dr. Sandra Loughran, this program prepares teachers to instruct our youngest students.

Sean has been a student teacher at the Stony Brook University Child Care Services. Here the children of university and hospital personnel receive some of the finest day care available. Sean is learning from trained personnel like Danielle Swigelle, his cooperating teacher and Madeline Nelson, his field supervisor.

Already certified in elementary K-6, technology and art education, Sean wanted experience with the pre-K population and gain an extra certification.

Formerly a graphic designer and a web programmer, Sean finds education a challenging field. He had this to say about his experiences: "After feeling unfulfilled in many corporate environments, a great summer as a camp counselor, and dismal job market conditions post 9/11, I enrolled in the Dowling Elementary Masters program. In discussions with Dr. Catelli, my Introduction to Teaching professor, I shared my interest in technology in education and she guided me to early childhood education, indicating true change had to come from the bottom up. I made sure my first student teaching experience was in Kindergarten and have been drawn to working with the younger children ever since. The Combined Early Childhood program became an obvious choice, leading me to my current fieldwork in the infant and toddler room."

Dowling College prides itself on providing an education tailored to the needs of its students. Sean Keane is another example of someone who is taking advantage of Dowling's programs.