mpalandr@hunter.cuny.edu
212 772-4675
1108 West

Over the course of 35 years, prior to joining the Hunter College Faculty in 2005, Dr. Palandra served as teacher, curriculum writer, project specialist, grants writer, director of curriculum and instruction, assistant superintendent, and superintendent of schools.

As Superintendent of the Elmont School District,
Dr. Palandra conceptualized, restructured and enriched all educational programs through the identification and systematic pursuit of best curricular, instructional and management practices. To accommodate a growing student population, she oversaw the passage of a bond referendum and   a multi-million dollar facilities expansion program.
Dr.  Palandra established a climate of high educational expectations, excellence, accountability, and optimism and promoted significant cooperation among parents, teachers, community residents, and political and education officials. This led to dramatic increases in the academic performance of a racially, socially, linguistically, and culturally diverse student body. 

As a practitioner and student of education, Dr. Palandra benefits from her international educational experience, her sophisticated abilities in several languages, and her multicultural skills.

The quality of her leadership and results, her commitment to the advancement of excellence in education, and her breadth of expertise and knowledge as an educator have been recognized and honored with numerous prestigious awards.

Dr. Palandra earned her Ph.D. in Educational Research from Hofstra University. She received a P.D. in School Supervision and Administration from Queens College, her  M.S. in Curriculum and Teaching from Fordham University, and  both her M.A and B.A. in Romance Languages and Literature from Hunter College. Before coming to the United States, she studied literature at the university level in Italy where she also earned a degree in elementary school teaching.

Teaching

Professor Palandra has taught at the elementary, high school and college levels.  At Hunter she teaches graduate courses in the administration and supervision of schools and school districts. Dr. Palandra also teaches research methods for school administrators. Further, she advises advanced students in the program on their administrative and supervisory activities associated with their own work and internship needs.

Dr. Palandra has conducted workshops on school district reform and instructional supervision for school board members and district administrators. She has extensive experience in the training of teachers, school and district administrators, and parents.

Research

Professor Palandra has written numerous curriculum guides and has developed a sizeable body of instructional material for elementary schools, including children’s books. As the chairperson of committees she has researched, planned, and written policies and reports in many curriculum and functional areas.

Dr. Palandra’s recent writing and research interests revolve around the incorporation of her experience as a theoretically grounded administrator into the analysis of a broad range of administrative issues such as school reform, district leadership, program development, and supervision of instruction.