Perry A. Castelli, Ph. D.
Professor, School of Education
"Helping students to think critically about our educational system, the world around them, and their relationship to both is a common objective across all of my courses. As a teacher I aim to create a pedagogical environment that includes teacher education content, an atmosphere that is also open to discussion, deliberation and reflection. Therein, my philosophy is underpinned by my belief that education can serve as a vehicle for social change and good citizenship!"
Dr. Perry Castelli holds the Hollis Endowed Chair of Eduation at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He earned a Ph.D. in Policy, Planning and Administration of Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. He is a verteran classroom teacher with nearly twenty years of inner city teaching experience in Cleveland, Ohio, and Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, Dr. Castelli served for ten years as the coordinator of Secondary Education in the Troy State University System in Troy, Alabama; and three years as the Dean of the School of Education at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. He has had the privilege of teaching and lecturing throughtout the United States as well as abroad.
In collaboration with his wife Vivian, also a veteran classroom teacher, the Castelli's have co-authoried three textbooks; the 3rd edition of "Social Foundations of American Education" -- "Chalking It Up To Experience" 2nd edition: -- and "Exploring the Foundations of American Education." Dr. Castelli presents staff development workshops throughout the southeast for preservice and inservice teachers on Stress and Time Management; Suicide Prevention; Teaching Tolerance; School Law; Classroom Management; and Improving Home-School Relations. In addition, the Castelli's have been published and cited in Education, Music and Medical journals. They have three daughters; Juliann Castelli-Smith, an attorney and practicing kindergarten teacher for the last eight years; Roxann Castelli-Cook, a medical doctor; and Rebecca Castelli, a professional actress, teacher and vocal instructor.
Courses Taught
Theories & Practices of Teaching ESOL; Applied Linguistics
Education
Ph. D., Philosophy, University of Maryland
M. Ed., Kent State University
B.S., Music Education, Speech, Kent State University
Honors and Awards
Who's Who Among American Teachers - 2005 -- 2010
Teacher Educator of the Year - 1996
Sigma Alpha Iota, Honorary Membership, professional music association - 1995
Recent Publications
Co-authored the textbook "Social Foundations of American Education", 3rd Edition, due Fall 2012.
Co-authored the Textbook "Exploring the Foundations of American Education", 2007
Co-authored the Textbook "Chalking It Up to Experience: A Handbook for Teaching", 2007