Gratz College names Adina Goldstein as director of education programs

Gratz College has selected scholar and educator Adina Goldstein, Ed.D., as director of education programs and professor in its department of education, effective Aug. 17.

In the position, Goldstein will oversee the college's online education degree programs, including the Doctor of Education in Leadership, Master of Education, Master of Teaching Practice, and Master of Special Education, as well as certificates, endorsements and microcredentials. She will provide academic and administrative leadership for the department, guiding program innovation, curriculum development, faculty engagement, student success initiatives and strategic growth.

Leslie Klein, Ph.D., dean and chief academic officer, said: "From our very first conversations, it was clear that Goldstein is an innovative leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine passion for educational excellence. Her creative ideas for growing our programs, combined with her strong relationships across Philadelphia's public schools and educational community, will open exciting new opportunities for collaboration and impact. We are delighted to welcome her to Gratz College and look forward to working together to better serve educators, schools and communities throughout the region and beyond."

Goldstein is a former teacher and student in the School District of Philadelphia, where she taught seventh-grade social studies and English language arts. Her research and professional work focus on teacher education, particularly the preparation and support of teachers of color, social studies educators and ethnic studies teachers. She has worked to strengthen pathways into teaching and support educators in building sustainable careers, with scholarship exploring how teacher preparation programs can equip educators with knowledge, skills and cultural responsiveness for diverse classrooms.

"Education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities," Goldstein said. "I am honored to join Gratz College at a time of growth and innovation. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, alumni and educational partners to expand opportunities for educators and to develop programs that address the evolving needs of schools and learners."

Goldstein holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education from Harvard University and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.