Dr. Gail Duffy (EdD 2018) started her career the way many educators do—in the classroom, working with special education students in the Bronx and White Plains. As a young educator, she quickly took on leadership roles, such as becoming a third-grade leader, and realized her passion for guiding others. Although she always had a desire to pursue a doctorate, various life events delayed her plans. Dr. Duffy’s decision to embark on her doctoral journey was fueled by both personal growth and the opportunity to further develop herself as a leader in education.
The Manhattanville EdD program profoundly shaped Dr. Gail Duffy’s approach to both education and leadership. She explained that the program taught her to value research and to ask critical questions, which she now uses to guide teams in problem-solving and continuous improvement. The collaborative environment and focus on real-world challenges helped her develop as a leader who drives change and innovation. As a result, Dr. Duffy feels empowered to use research-based strategies to enhance student learning and professional practice, and she continues to model these skills in her current leadership role as the Superintendent of Haldane Central School District.
Dr. Duffy’s dissertation, “Elementary School Technology and College and Career Readiness: An Analysis of Practice,” focused on the role of instructional technology in elementary education, specifically examining its impact on college and career readiness. She believes that technology continues to play a critical role in preparing students for future success, and her research highlighted the importance of equipping students with the skills and characteristics needed in a rapidly changing world. This research not only deepened her understanding of educational technology but also reinforced the value of research-driven decision-making in leadership. She applies these insights in her roles as an educational leader, using research and collaborative problem-solving to enhance student learning and drive innovation within her schools.
Gail described the Manhattanville doctoral program as “thought-provoking,” “accessible,” and “supportive.” She explained that the program encouraged her to engage in deep and reflective thinking about her research topic and the broader impact of research on the field of education. The accessibility of the program was evident in how it accommodated her prior coursework and made it feasible for her to complete her doctorate while balancing work and family responsibilities. Finally, she emphasized the supportive nature of the Manhattanville community, highlighting how professors and peers were always willing to help and guide her through challenges, ensuring that everyone had the support needed to cross the finish line.
The impact of the Manhattanville program was transformative for both Dr. Duffy’s career and her approach to educational leadership. She shares, “For me, the impact of this program has taught me the value of research, the importance of asking those essential questions. The value of using the team to not have all the answers, but as a team, look at a problem, learn from it, grow from it, conduct research, and then bring that back to enhance student learning experience, and improve the profession.” Her story is a crystal clear testament to the value and benefits of the Manhattanville doctoral program in educational leadership.
Gail Duffy, with Paul Forbes, at A.P. Institute (Oct 2023)
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Donations to the Doctoral Program EmpowerEdD Leadership Fund support our students and their research
The “EmpowerEdD Leadership Fund” Fund was established in 2015 to pay it forward to the Manhattanville University Doctoral Program. We thank you for your generosity and support of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership!
Take Your Career to the Next Level
Elevate your leadership skills, deepen your understanding of critical and contemporary education issues, and learn to help solve the current challenges in P-20 education.
Learn to Inspire Change
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville, offered in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, utilizes a forward-thinking approach to educational leadership that is ideal for practicing and aspiring leaders in any educational context. It is designed to support the goals of educational professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills for career advancement or current job enhancement.
