Daniel Purcell ’22
English Teacher, Onondaga Central School District
As a kid, Daniel Purcell admired his parents who were teachers and coaches. This first-hand experience in the classroom and on the sports field influenced his career interests at an early age. Fisher’s inclusive adolescence education program allowed Purcell to receive dual certification in general education and special education.
Today, Purcell is a ninth-grade English teacher at Onondaga Central School District. He also coaches the varsity football and baseball teams. He attributes his effectiveness in these roles to the skills he developed while at Fisher. “Differentiation, equitability, adaptability, and forward-thinking are only a few of the essential concepts that I was taught, and I implement them in my ninth-grade English class every day.”
Purcell appreciated Fisher’s student-centered approach to academics. “I took several rigorous courses, but the small class sizes really helped me build rapport with my professors,” he explained. “I graduated summa cum laude because I was surrounded by a great group of faculty and advisors that created a welcoming environment.”
At Fisher, Purcell found the confidence he needed to succeed. He recommends this program to anyone who loves to learn while empowering others to learn too. “Our world is constantly changing. Teachers need to be curious, excited, and fearless learners ready to experiment, fail, and innovate all the time. Our goal as educators is to cultivate lifelong learners, so we must model that learning ourselves.”
Katie McCabe, Ph.D. ’10
Assistant Professor at Buffalo State
Katie McCabe always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Then, during her work in elementary special education after graduating from Fisher, she decided that she wanted to influence the teachers of the future toward a more inclusive approach.
“Inclusion was a part of the social justice framework that was taught in each one of my education classes at Fisher.” After teaching for six years from this equity-centered foundation, she wanted to instill this framework in others. “I felt like I could have a greater impact at the University level.”
She believes the Service Scholars Program instilled within her the importance of community-based partnerships. “Because of this program, I continue to pursue opportunities to serve the communities in which I live and work.”
McCabe attributes her sense of leadership and advocacy to her experience in the education program at Fisher. “I felt very prepared when I graduated and for all my future educational pursuits. The people, early experiences in local schools, and focus on social justice are all critical factors in preparing teachers for what our field needs!”
Emma Paradise ’22
Academic Intervention Support Teacher
Tagging along with her mother to her classrooms when she was younger, Emma Paradise always loved playing school with her brother and sister. “I always knew growing up that I wanted to be a teacher.”
Now, working as an academic intervention support teacher, Paradise puts her childhood passion to practice as she supports students in first through fifth grade in literacy and math. Through field experiences, practice teaching sessions, and courses at Fisher, Paradise feels as though she was able to gain confidence in her placement and profession. Through the University’s Teacher Immersion Program, she substituted for local school districts to gain experience in several grades.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education prepared Paradise for her path to success. “All of the professors are so knowledgeable and truly want the best for you. Fisher’s education programs are inclusive, so I'm certified in both childhood education and special education. Being dually certified allows me to feel confident to work with students of all abilities.”
For anyone considering a career in teaching, Paradise believes Fisher is the place to start. “The education professors prepared us for the real world and made us the confident first-year teachers we are today. Fisher was truly my home away from home.”