Benjamin Dotger

Benjamin Dotger is a Professor in the Teaching and Leadership Department at Syracuse University's School of Education and serves as Director of the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice. His pioneering work bridges medical simulation techniques with educator preparation through a strategic partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University, focusing on clinical simulations across Arts, English, Literacy, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Studies Education disciplines.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina State University (2006)
• M.A. in English Education from the University of North Carolina (2002)
• B.A. in English Education from Elon University (1998)

Dotger's research revolutionizes educator preparation through clinical simulations that examine identity formation, discipline-specific practices, and physiological responses in novice teachers and school leaders. His 43 distinct simulation scenarios create authentic experiential learning environments where candidates develop professional skills through direct interactions with standardized individuals, ensuring knowledge transfer from pre-service training to classroom practice. This methodology adapts medical education techniques to address critical challenges in teacher readiness and school leadership.

His publication trends reveal a consistent focus on simulation efficacy across educational contexts, with award-winning work demonstrating how clinical simulations assess teacher readiness for family-school partnerships and expose inclusive ideology gaps in special education settings. These studies establish clinical simulations as vital tools for developing context-specific professional competencies.

His scientific recognition includes:

• AACTE 2012 Outstanding Journal of Teacher Education Article Award
• CEC 2011 Outstanding Teacher Education & Special Education Article Award

Dotger has secured substantial research funding through strategic grant acquisition:

• National Science Foundation ($449,563)
• Institute of Education Sciences ($498,849)
• Arthur Vining Davis Foundations ($199,650)
• Spencer Foundation ($31,000)
• Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation ($18,000)

Leading the Center for Experiential Pedagogy and Practice, Dotger directs a multidisciplinary team that implements simulation-based training across Syracuse University's educator preparation programs. His collaboration with SUNY Upstate Medical University's Clinical Skills Center has established a nationally recognized model for cross-institutional simulation design, with 43 scenarios addressing critical interactions including parent conferences, student disciplinary situations, and inclusive classroom management.