Education:
· B.A. in English, German, and History from Orel State University, Russia; MA in Russian Studies, and Ph.D. in History from University at Albany, SUNY

Courses Taught:
· Her course offerings include World Civilizations, Western Civilization, Survey of American History, and History of Russia. She also taught Introduction to African American History and Elementary Russian.

Experience:
· Prior to joining FM’s faculty, she had taught all levels of Russian and Russian Literature at Union College for six years, taught Russian for seven summers at Upward Bound at University of Maine at Farmington, and various history courses at the University at Albany and Schenectady County Community College.
· Her publications include her dissertation, Sacrifice in the Name of Sacred Duty: The Representations of the Decembrist Wives in Russian Culture, 1825-Present, the article “Nikolai Nekrasov’s Representation of the Decembrist Wives” published in the peer-reviewed journal Australian Slavonic and East European Studies, and a book review of Pamela A. Jordan’s Stalin’s Singing Spy (2016) published by the Coordinating Council for Women in History.
· She is a member of several professional organizations, including the New York State Association of European Historians, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies, the Coordinating Council for Women in History, the American Association of University Women, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Women’s Consortium, and the Association of Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Advisors. She is also a board member of the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association.

Other information:
· Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2023.
· Besides teaching history, one of her most fulfilling roles on campus has been that of a co-advisor of the Alpha Alpha Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a national Honor Society for community college students. She has served in this capacity since 2015 and truly enjoyed seeing students from all walks of life grow as student leaders, getting involved in campus and community projects, connecting with peers at regional and international conferences, moving closer to realizing their academic and professional goals, and achieving recognition for their hard work. During her tenure as a PTK advisor, she received the Paragon Advisor Award, the Distinguished PTK Advisor Award, and the Five Star Advisor Award. Reach out to her if you want to learn more about PTK.

Education Transfer Path- General Studies AA

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• Program Insight  
• Meet the Faculty  

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Career Pathways

Some of Our Regional Employers

• 

  Amsterdam School District

• 

  Broadalbin-Perth Central School District

• 

  Fort Plain Central School

• 

  Johnstown School District

Transfer Opportunities

• 

  SUNY Buffalo

  Majors: French Education BS, Spanish Education BS

• 

  SUNY Cortland

  Majors: Early Childhood and Childhood Education BS, Adolescence Education: Biology BS, Adolescence Education: Mathematics BS, Adolescence Education: English BS, and more!

• 

  SUNY Oswego

  Majors: Adolescence Education BS, Art Education BS, Career & Technical Education BS

More Information

• Fact 1

  62 Credits

  for Education Transfer Path- General Studies AA

• Fact 2

  100% OF PROGRAM

  can be completed fully online, fully on-campus, or a combination of the classroom modalities

• Fact 3

  11,000+

  expected teaching jobs in the region .

Program Insight

Learning Outcomes

• Basic Communication: Produce coherent texts with common college-level forms, demonstrate the ability to revise and improve such texts, research a topic, develop an argument and organize supporting details.

• Mathematics: Demonstrate the use of numerical data in a variety of mathematical applications to solve practical problems and interpret information in a day-to-day setting.

• Humanities: Knowledge of the conventions and methods of at least one of the humanities in addition to those encompassed by other knowledge areas required by the General Education program.

• Natural Science: Understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical analysis; and application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural sciences.

• Social Science: Understanding the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical and interpretive analysis in at least one discipline of the social sciences.

Program Features

Microcredentials

More Info at Credly

Course Highlights

Program Course Layout

• PSY 210 Childhood Psychology

  A study of the person, from conception to adolescence, including the cognitive, physical, emotional, moral, and social phases of development.

• PSY 220 Adolescent Psychology

  Focus is on the physical, cognitive, social, and moral developments of adolescents and contemporary adolescent problems and issues.

• SCI 139 Introductory Biology: Animals and Plants

  A phylogenetic approach to plant and animal groups, both living and extinct, using representative fossils and live specimens, when available. An understanding of the inter-relationships between and among plant and animal species is complemented by topics from comparative anatomy and physiology. The course integrates observation, interpretation, and library research, by means of written laboratory reports and investigation into scientific literature.

• ENG 132 Speech

  This course aims to enrich the student’s ability to communicate. Students are introduced to the forms of public speaking and afforded the opportunity to practice both the formal and informal deliveries of speech while maintaining individual expression and creativity.

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Erica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz. She also holds two Master of Science degrees, one in Literacy (Birth-6th grade) and another in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, both from the University at Albany. Erica has a Permanent Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education (Nursery-6th grade) and a Literacy Specialist Professional Certificate (Birth-6th grade).

Experience:

Erica, an experienced educator with a strong commitment to community service and professional development, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our faculty. Her journey in the field of education is characterized by a passion for empowering students and a dedication to supporting her fellow educators.

Prior to joining FMCC, Erica started her career in education by teaching preschool in 1990. She then spent 24 years as an educator in the City School District of Albany. Her roles included serving as a classroom teacher and a reading specialist. During her tenure in Albany, she took on the role of mentoring and supervising student teachers from Hudson Valley Community College and the College of Saint Rose.

Erica's educational journey continued with her training at the Child Research and Study Center at SUNY Albany, where she honed her skills as a Teacher Leader. During this time, she provided valuable staff training in the Interactive Strategies Approach.

As a Wilson Reading Teacher, Erica has been instrumental in instructing students with learning differences, both in clinical and group settings. Her commitment to inclusive education and her ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning needs have made a lasting impact on her students.

Erica's involvement in the community extends beyond the classroom. Her dedication to community service projects, one of which was highlighted in The Leader Herald, exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact outside of her professional role. Her work in the community demonstrates her belief in the value of education beyond the traditional classroom.

Erica is an active member of several professional associations, including:
· Associate Degree Early Childhood Teacher Educators
· National Association for the Education of Young Children
· New York Association of Early Childhood Teacher Education
· New York Association for the Education of Young Children

Erica's passion for education is reflected in her diverse course offerings.
 Her areas of expertise include:
· Introduction to Early Childhood/Childhood Education
· Foundations of Education
· Safety, Health, and Nutrition
· Early Childhood Curriculum
· Infant and Toddler Care and Education
· Children's Literature, Language and Literacy
· Creative Arts for Early Childhood
· Exceptional Learners
· Child Psychology

Dr. Flor Trespalacios received her Ph.D. in Health Sciences and specialized as an International Health Practitioner and Educator. Dr. Trespalacios has a Master of Health Sciences from TUI University, Post-Baccalaureate in Biology from the Harvard Univesrity's Extension School, Bachelor of Arts in Biology & Community Health from Brown University, and certifications in Advanced Life Support (ALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), CPR-Adult/Pediatric, and is an Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Technician. Dr. Trespalacios trained as an Emergency Medical Technician – Cardiac specialist and became a part of the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team (RI-1 DMAT), a full-scale non-military medical unit trained to handle mass gatherings and disasters. Dr. Trespalacios has been published in several journals including Academic Emergency Medicine, Journal of Biomedical Optics, Journal of Rheumatology, Chest, and recently the doctoral dissertation of ‘Association Between Low Serum Amylase and Type 2 Diabetes in Adult US Hospital Patients.’

James is a first-generation college graduate who spent his first 18 years in North Dakota. After graduating from high school, he served 3 years in the Army while stationed in Italy. Upon his discharge from the Army, he attended Moorhead State University (MN) where he earned a B.A. in Sociology/Criminal Justice. James won a full scholarship from the University of Washington where he earned an M.A. degree in Sociology and then was admitted to the doctoral program. However, he left the program once he decided a focus on research was not for him and, instead, decided to pursue a teaching focus in a community college setting.

Professor Gyldenvand has been employed at FMCC since 1992. He remains as enthusiastic as ever about introducing students to sociology and psychology. His courses have included Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Diversity in America, and Sociology of the Family.

Throughout his tenure at FM, James has served on several college committees, and is currently participating in FMCC’s re-accreditation self-study.

James loves outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, and motorcycling. Listening to vinyl records on his vintage turntable is a favorite pastime, as well as cooking food (especially pizza) for family and friends in his outdoor masonry oven.

Julie Risley graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from the State University of New York College at Brockport and graduated in 2005 with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology from Ithaca College in New York. She also received her certification and medical board license as a Sports Medicine Athletic Trainer in 2004. She started her career as a Certified Athletic Trainer for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as the Head Athletic Trainer at Point Park University.

Julie began teaching as an Adjunct Professor in 2006 at Utica University and SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College. She has taught courses in Anatomy and Physiology I and II lecture and laboratory, Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, Weight Management, Nutrition, and Prevention of Athletic Injuries for 17 years and is now a full-time faculty member at SUNY FMCC teaching courses in Anatomy and Physiology and Health Science. She also designs and currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology online. She contracted by Mohawk Valley Orthopedics as the Head Certified Athletic Trainer for SUNY FMCC athletics. Julie has been actively involved on campus as an ATI TEAS workshop leader, academic success coach, STEM workshop leader, and laboratory prep coordinator.

Julie was a three-sport college athlete on the tennis and indoor and outdoor track and field teams continuing to train semiprofessionally in tennis post graduate school. Julie is a proud mother of three children, two boys and one girl, who are all very active both academically and athletically. She is also an Odyssey of the Mind coach for Johnstown schools.

Julie holds dearly the importance of making a positive difference in her students’ lives. She truly wants her students to learn, succeed, and most of all, enjoy the process!

Prior to coming to FM, Lena Andersson taught at the University of Denver, Delgado Community College (New Orleans) and Xavier University of Louisiana (also in New Orleans) before evacuating from Hurricane Katrina to Houston. There, she taught at the University of Houston, Houston Community College, and Galveston College.

Lena belongs to the National Council of Teachers of English, Teaching in the Two-Year College Association, and College Composition and Communication. She has judged entries in the storySouth Million Writers Award Competition, reviewed Writing (About) Stories by National Book Finalist Andre Dubus, and published short stories, including “The Silent Treatment” and “The Lovesick Sun.” Each year she participates in the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, the New York State Ornithology Association’s Waterfowl Count, the National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey, and the North American Butterfly Association butterfly count.

Mr. Fagan, Assistant Professor of English, teaches English I and II, Professional and Technical Writing, Speech, and Creative Writing.

He won the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018. He wrote two novels, New Boots and Angelo, and has published short stories in a variety of literary magazines, as well.

An alumnus of FM, Mr. Fagan went on to earn a B.S. in English from SUNY Oneonta, graduating magna cum laude with Honors in English; a M.A. in English from SUNY New Paltz; and a M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Goddard College.

He is a member of National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and New York College Learning Skills Association (NYCLSA).

Michael S. Youngs is a professor and writer with over twenty years of experience in academia and creative writing. With a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hartwick College and a Master of Fine Arts from Emerson College, his extensive teaching career, which includes positions at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College and the State University of New York at Cobleskill, reflects his inventive approach to education and curriculum development.

Michael has continued to champion innovative teaching methods, earning accolades such as the Spirit of Innovation Award for his pioneering use of Open Educational Resources. He strives to combine his passion for literature and writing with his dedication to fostering student success. In addition to his academic endeavors, Michael is a locally touring musician who perf

Paula has been in a classroom either as a student or as a Professor since she was five years old, and there's no place she'd rather be, except maybe hiking a mountain. While in high school, Paula took her first Psychology class and fell in love with the subject and the idea of helping others as a career. As a first-generation college student, Paula appreciated the guidance and encouragement her Professors showed her and she in turn tries to be that mentor and supporter her students need. Her favorite style of teaching is story telling, and if you take classes with her, in addition to learning about "what makes you tick", you will learn all about her two daughters, her love of the Red Sox and her passion for hiking, especially the high peaks.

Paula enjoys getting to know her students both in and out of the classroom. She's known to invite students to her house for dinner and take them hiking. You can often find her on the sidelines cheering on FMCC's student athletes, in the audience of drama productions or celebrating with her students as they are inducted into PTK, receiving an award or graduating!

Paula received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2011 and she looks forward to being a part of your educational journey and helping you achieve your dreams!

Ruth Scott enjoys working with students and all things mathematical. She has taught mathematics at the middle school, high school, and college level. She is the mother of two boys and enjoys being outside, running, spending time with her family, and reading.

Steve has worked at SUNY FMCC since 2007, teaching courses in English, Philosophy, Humanities, and Art. Prior to working at SUNY FMCC, he taught at SUNY Albany, SUNY Adirondack, and the University of South Florida, and he currently serves as the campus governance chair. Steve earned his PhD in English at UAlbany and his MA and BA in Communication at the University of South Florda, and he is close to earning a MA in Philosophy from UAlbany.

Steve has presented his work on teaching, literature, and philosophy at numerous national and regional conferences over the years. Lastly, he is a professional performing musician who plays more than 100 shows per year, and he has opened up for national acts such as Chicago, REO Speedwagon, and The Orleans.

Teaching Assistant Certificate

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• Program Insight  
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Career Pathways

Some of Our Regional Employers

• 

  Broadalbin-Perth

• 

  Fonda-Fultonville

• 

  HFM BOCES

• 

  Mayfield School District

• Fact 1

  28 Credits

  for Teaching Assistant Certificate

• Fact 2

  1 Year or Less

  to complete your Teaching Assistant Certificate

• Fact 3

  8,000+

  expected teaching assistant jobs in the region.

Program Insight

Learning Outcomes

Program Features

Course Highlights

Program Course Layout

• EDU 175 Foundations of Education

  This course is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the historical, sociological, and philosophical foundations of education. Students examine the social purposes of education in historical and contemporary contexts; explore the study of education through the academic disciplines of sociology, history, and philosophy; examine the significance of social differences (class, culture, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion) for education; develop and express a personal philosophy of education; and more!

• EDU 201 Introduction to Teaching

  This course will include the following topics: professionalism, observation techniques, behavior management, time management, placement preparation, a code of ethics, portfolio preparation, and career exploration. It is anticipated that students will achieve the Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting certification requirement, while in this class.

• PSY 210 Childhood Psychology

  A study of the person, from conception to adolescence, including the cognitive, physical, emotional, moral, and social phases of development.

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Meet the Faculty

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The University at Albany and Fulton-Montgomery Community College today, March 26, 2024, signed a dual admission partnership.