Mary Jean McCarthy

Mary Jean McCarthy is a Clinical Associate Professor at Adelphi University's Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, where she has been teaching for 31 years. She is affiliated with the School of Education and focuses on science education and teacher preparation. Her work emphasizes experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and professional development for educators.

Her educational background includes:

• Master of Education from the University of Virginia (1985)
• B.S. in Upper Elementary Education from the University of Virginia (1984)
• New York State Department of Education Permanent Public School Teacher Certificate for Nursery, Kindergarten, Grades 1-6 and General Science 7-9

Dr. McCarthy's research focuses on science education, teacher preparation, and environmental stewardship. She develops interdisciplinary coastal science curricula and examines how teachers implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Her work emphasizes experiential learning approaches that connect classroom instruction with real-world environmental issues. She has co-created and teaches the Faculty Led Study Abroad program "Northern Lights: Illuminating Culture, Environment and School," which has been offered during Spring Break in 2019, 2023, and 2025.

Her scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on improving science teacher education through professional development, examining how teachers implement NGSS, and exploring the integration of environmental education. Her research spans classroom-based studies, international collaborations, and community engagement projects that bridge theory and practice in teacher education.

Dr. McCarthy has received numerous awards for her teaching excellence:

• Science Teachers Association of New York State Excellence in Teaching Award-College Level (2023)
• Adelphi University Excellence in Teaching for a Tenure-track, Lecturer or Clinical Faculty (2022-2023)
• Adelphi University Club Advisor of The Year (2015-2016)
• Adelphi University Student Government Association Professor of The Year (2013-2014)
• Adelphi University Student Government Association and the Center for Student Involvement Outstanding Woman Leadership Faculty Award (2013-2014)
• Adelphi University Adjunct Professor Teaching Excellence Award (2007)

Dr. McCarthy has served as a professional development provider for multiple large-scale grants, including the Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Grant partnerships with Freeport Public Schools ($804,000) and Uniondale School District ($799,250), funded by NYS Race To The Top. She has also secured several Adelphi University grants for projects related to video reflection protocols, creative diagramming in mathematics, and reading comprehension in science education. As a clinical supervisor, she works closely with teacher candidates during their residency and student teaching experiences, helping them develop reflective practice and integrate theory with classroom realities.

Outside the classroom, Dr. McCarthy is actively involved with the Nassau Land Trust (serving as Board Chair since 2023), Crossroads Farm as a volunteer educator, and Operation SPLASH (Stop Polluting Littering and Save Harbors) as Second Vice President of Education. She integrates her commitment to environmental stewardship into her teaching through outdoor learning experiences and projects like the Greentree Breeding Bird Survey and Geology Field Trips.