A New Dean: Brooklyn College School of Education

Any area is only as good as its educational institutions. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with the changes and developments happening educationally in our area.

In a recent announcement, María Scharrón-del Río has been appointed as the new dean of the School of Education at Brooklyn College. Scharrón-del Río, who uses the pronoun they, is a professor in the School Psychology, Counseling, and Leadership Department and previously served as the interim dean of the School of Education.

A part of the Brooklyn College community since 2006, Scharrón-del Río contributed to the original accreditation of the school counseling graduate program. In 2019, they were appointed associate dean, playing a key role in the school’s transition to a new accrediting body, the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.

Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs April Bedford emphasized Scharrón-del Río’s deep knowledge of the school’s history and accomplishments, as well as their commitment to the success of students, staff, and faculty. Bedford expressed confidence in Scharrón-del Río’s ability to unite the community and create a shared vision for the school’s future.

Scharrón-del Río, a queer, genderqueer, Puerto Rican counselor, and educator, has long been committed to diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of marginalized communities. They aim to foster systemic and cultural change at the School of Education from their leadership position as dean. Scharrón-del Río advocates for a holistic, epistemological, and intersectional approach to education, enabling students to develop essential inquiry and empathy skills. They hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, and completed a clinical internship at Harvard Medical School. Scharrón-del Río has been recognized with the 2017 Claire Tow Distinguished Teacher Award and is an active leader in GLARE (GLBTQ Advocacy in Research and Education).

Brooklyn College’s School of Education offers one of the most comprehensive teacher preparation programs in New York City, engaging in innovative partnerships throughout the metropolitan area and with national organizations.