Dana Gathers

Assistant Professor of Education

Bio

Dana A. Gathers, PhD's teaching, scholarship, and community service are anchored in the inspiring words of scholar-activist Paulo Freire – "Whoever teaches learns in the act of teaching, and whoever learns teaches in the act of learning." It was in the community of Brownsville, Brooklyn where she learned to love teaching.  In a community of often marginalized Black and Brown families, she learned that it is the intricate work of educators’ mindset and methods that supports the achievement of Black and Brown students.  More specifically the achievement of Black and Brown students labeled with a disability.  

Dr. Gathers integrates both facets of the teaching and learning paradigm by developing an asset-based mindset of teacher candidates toward minoritized student groups and unearthing the instructional methods for supporting the academic achievement of minoritized student groups. Her work within the classroom extends to her research endeavors and interests that include developing teacher candidates' culturally responsive/sustaining teacher dispositions, growing teacher candidates' culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy beliefs, and integrating community-based learning experiences as an integral fieldwork component of courses.  

Dr. Gathers values the brilliance that is present, and often-times overlooked within minorized communities and is an advocate for college and community partnerships.  She has thriving community collaborations with ÃÛÔÂÖ±²¥ Liberty Partnerships Program and Poughkeepsie Public Library District, within both community-based learning experiences teacher candidates serve as tutors and mentors to K-12 students within the City of Poughkeepsie.  Dr. Gathers situates mindset, methods, and community as the cornerstone of her educational beliefs and practices.
 


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Contact Information

Academic School

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Office

Dyson 3058

Email

dana.gathers@Marist.edu

Phone

(845) 575-3000 ext. 2140