Veronica McDermott, Ph.D

Since 1970, Veronica McDermott, Ph.D., has been involved in public education. In 2005, Dr. McDermott retired from the position of Superintendent of Schools in the Patchogue-Medford School District, Long Island, New York. Over the years Dr. McDermott has held many positions in education. She began her career as a secondary school English teacher in the Smithtown Central School District, also on Long Island. Before leaving Smithtown she gained experience teaching at the middle and high school levels, as well as in an alternative high school program. Recently, she also spent one year in the role of Dean of Discipline at Smithtown High School East.

In 1985, Dr. McDermott was hired by the Patchogue-Medford School District to fill a newly created position of K - 12 Director of English and Reading. While with the Patchogue-Medford Schools, she also supervised the ESL, second language and federally funded programs. Dr. McDermott also served in the capacities of principal of the Canaan Elementary School, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and finally, as Superintendent of Schools.

Throughout all of these experiences, one question has dominated her thinking: What can teachers do to help improve learning for students? In her search for answers, Dr. McDermott has worked with teachers and administrators on various initiatives and projects, most notably in the areas of technology, special education and literacy. She is a firm believer in the need for on-going, high quality, research-based staff development for educational professionals. In addition to her public school teaching experiences, Dr. McDermott has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in higher education. She has presented at national and international conferences, facilitated at a variety of workshops, and has published her work in several professional journals.

Dr. McDermott received both her BA and MA in English from SUNY Stony Brook. She earned a Professional Diploma in Administration from Long Island University and completed her doctoral work at New York University.

Veronica McDermott, Ph. D
veronica.mcdermott@sympatico.ca