Early Childhood Education (MAT)
"A teacher effects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Brooks Adams
"A teacher effects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Brooks Adams
Madonna University’s Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare you for the distinctive aspects of teaching and learning targeted for children ages 0-8 years. This program, along with its prerequisites, meets the State's requirements for the Early Childhood ZS Endorsement. It is open to teachers holding a Michigan teaching certificate, as well as those holding a Bachelors degree in Child Development or Children and Families.
Upon program completion, candidates holding a valid Michigan teaching certificate can take the test to earn the Michigan ZS endorsement after meeting with Madonna University’s Teacher Certification Officer.
Melissa Elsey '15
"I have served in the Archdiocese of Detroit for over ten years. Currently I am helping young learners to grow and encounter the Lord at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Plymouth, MI. I am in my first year at this school and also my first year teaching second grade. I have taught different grade levels through the years.
Most of my time has been spent as a preschool teacher. Madonna was the top choice for me due to its top notch education program and most important to me being a Catholic University. Madonna also offered small class sizes and my professors and fellow classmates became like family."
This program enables classroom teachers certified at the elementary or the secondary level to meet the standards that qualify them as Reading Specialists/Literacy Coaches.
Interim Dean Dean, College of Education and Human Development, Professor
B.S. University of Michigan – Flint
M.S. Oakland University
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ph.D. Oakland University
734-432-5785, 2230D
Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is Professor and Chair of Graduate Education at Madonna University. With extensive experience in education, including having served as a curriculum director, literacy coach, and elementary teacher. In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Sharma is the Director of the Early Childhood Education and Graduate Literacy programs within the College of Education.
Passionate about educational excellence, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to preparing teachers to address the diverse needs of learners. Her commitment extends to developing instructional literacy leaders, contributing to the future of education. As an advocate for literacy, she has actively served on the International Reading Association's Literacy Reform Task Force and holds the position of Past President at the Michigan Reading Association.
Dr. Sharma's academic pursuits focus on early childhood education, culturally responsive pedagogies, digital curation, and online teaching and learning. Through her research, she aims to advance knowledge in these critical areas, contributing to the ongoing evolution of effective educational practices. A respected figure in academia, Dr. Sue Ann Sharma continues to inspire and shape the educational landscape, leaving an indelible mark through her leadership, research, and commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and learning.
B.S. Northern Michigan University
M.A. Eastern Michigan University
Ed. S. Wayne State University
Ph.D. Eastern Michigan University
734-432-5334, Room 2230F
Dr. Les Sharon is the Director of the Masters of Science in Transformational Educational Leadership and the Director of Student Teaching. His professional background includes thirty-three years in K-12 education as a special education teacher, general education teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, and building principal. His work focuses on the formal preparation of future educational leaders that will someday transform struggling schools into effective, high-achieving learning communities that meet the needs of all students. He received his PhD in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University and holds endorsements in elementary and secondary administration, general education (K-8 all-subjects), and special education including cognitively impaired and learning disabilities.
Dr. Sharon’s research interests include examining the role status functions play in school organizations as they relate to curriculum enactment as well as role of language in effective school leadership. He works closely with the Beijing Comparative Educational Institute and with colleagues at the Xi’an University to provide educational opportunities for school leaders and teachers all over China. Dr. Sharon served as an adjunct professor before joining Madonna University full-time as an assistant professor.
B.S. Central Michigan University
M.A. University of St. Joseph
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ed.D. Michigan State University
734-432-5651, 2230H
Director and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. She joined the full-time faculty of Madonna University in 2023. She received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Experienced professor and school-based and central office administrator with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education. Her research interest includes collective responsibility of educational partnerships and improved learner outcomes.
B.S. State University of New York at Cortland
M.S. Central Michigan University
732-432-5654, 2230B
Tess Kelly is the former Placement Coordinator for the College of Education at Madonna University. She has also served as an adjunct faculty in the Teacher Education, Early Childhood, and Children and Families programs.
B.A. University of Michigan - Dearborn
M.Ed. University of Michigan - Dearborn
Ph.D. Oakland University
Dr. Anne Donato holds a doctorate in Early Childhood Education, with a primary emphasis on differentiated instruction. Her passion lies in literacy efforts that provide inclusion of all students into the world of reading. In addition to teaching, Dr. Donato has taught, lobbied, consulted, and advocated for early childhood education for over 25 years, in both the private and public sectors, including NAEYC and at the international level.
B.S. Wayne State University
M.S. Oakland University
Ph.D. Oakland University
