Dr. Michael Alfano has been promoted to executive director of teacher preparation programs in the Neag School of Education at UConn to take over for Dr. Wendy Glenn who is returning to a teaching role within the Neag School. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the Office of Teacher Education, along with directing the Integrated Bachelor/Master’s Teacher Preparation Program and  Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG).  In his prior position at the Neag School, Dr. Alfano was an associate professor-in-residence and director of the TCPCG program where he has served since 2004.

“We’re thrilled that Dr. Alfano has accepted the new role,” said Dr. Tom DeFranco, dean of the Neag School of Education. “He has done an exceptional job with the TCPCG program and has had a successful career at the Neag School that will help elevate the Teacher Education Unit.”

“I am incredibly excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to work so closely with such a talented and committed group of students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Alfano. “I am looking forward to helping to continue the Neag School of Education’s long-standing tradition of excellence in preparing highly effective professional educators.”

Dr. Alfano first joined UConn in 1998 as a learning specialist at the University Program for College Students with Learning Disabilities. He went on to conduct research in learning disabilities and was a graduate assistant in the Office of Special Education while he was earning a Ph.D. in special education from the Neag School. He later joined the Neag School of Education as project co-director GEAR-UP and then was promoted to an assistant professor-in-residence in educational psychology. In addition to his Ph.D., Dr. Alfano earned a M.Ed. in reading and learning disabilities from DePaul and a B.S. in history and social science from Southern Connecticut State University.

His areas of expertise include learning disabilities, special education, reading education and teacher education. Dr. Alfano has had funding with the National Science Foundation and been published in numerous journals, along with active involvement in the reading and special education communities. Dr. Alfano has also been an assistant professor in special education and reading at Southern Connecticut State University and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.