Professor, Elementary Education
(716) 878-4112
Bacon Hall 316M
delprapm@buffalostate.edu
Pixita del Prado Hill has always loved reading and the opportunities books offer to travel to other places and times. Her love of children’s literature developed further as she began reading to her daughters, Anza and Maria. As a teacher educator at Buffalo State, Pixita uses children’s literature extensively throughout her literacy and social studies methods courses. The Global Literacy Engagement project has provided a wonderful opportunity for her to use children’s literature to build awareness of the world for teacher candidates and children. Pixita earned her doctorate in education from Harvard University in 2003. Her areas of expertise include school-university partnerships, international education, and content literacy. In 2011 she received a Fulbright award to promote English language learning in Chile where she started a sister Global Book Project at Escuela 25, Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna. Pixita returns to Chile regularly with a cohort of teacher candidates and her co-facilitators as part of International Professional Development Schools (IPDS) program which provides opportunities for teacher candidates to globalize their understanding of education through teaching and study abroad experiences.
Lecturer, Elementary Education
(716) 878-5916
Bacon Hall 302
georgepd@buffalostate.edu
Patty George is a lecturer in the Elementary Education, Literacy, and Educational Leadership Department at Buffalo State. She teaches literacy courses to both graduate and undergraduate students. Patty received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Canisius College and her master's degree in education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a certified literacy specialist. Patty began her career as a second, third and fourth-grade teacher in the Lancaster Central School District in Lancaster, New York. Her work as a teacher-educator focuses on best practices in literacy instruction and she encourages her teacher candidates to instill a love of reading and writing in all students. She is the recipient of the 2022 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Assistant Professor, Elementary Education
(716) 878-5916
Bacon Hall 316R
reichejm@buffalostate.edu
Jennifer Reichenberg has loved reading and writing as long as she can remember and has worked throughout her career to connect children and families with high quality texts inside and outside of schools. She has experience as a literacy coach, specialist, and consultant from prekindergarten through grade 12 in urban, rural, and suburban schools. Jennifer currently teaches literacy classes at the undergraduate and graduate level as an Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo State College. Her expertise includes the professional learning of teachers and teacher reflection. She is a Reading Hall of Fame Emerging Scholars Fellow and a recipient of the Literacy Research Association’s Student Outstanding Research Award. Jennifer also serves as co-editor of The Language and Literacy Spectrum, journal of the New York State Reading Association.
Claudia Diaz Perrella was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She studied Spanish secondary education, 7-12 at Buffalo State and has 15-plus years of experience working with Spanish language instruction. Currently Ms. Diaz Perrella is teaching in the Buffalo community, giving individuals the opportunity to explore, practice, and master Spanish proficiency according to personal needs. She has developed and implemented a conversation group to enhance people’s skills for the achievement of their communication goals. As an educator Claudia is constantly seeking creative initiatives to foster a fun learning environment. She is always excited to receive new learners. Claudia is a member of the national Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society; she is in the Honors program and was nominated for several awards, including the President’s Award and the Chancellor’s Award.
