Ray Dandridge
Ray Dandridge graduated from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ in 1980 earning a BA in Communications and Social Science. After graduation he relocated to Paris, France where he lived, worked and studied French Language and Culture at the Alliance Francais. Upon returning to the United States in 1985 Ray began a career in education earning his creditials through the Alternate Route Program.
From 1987 thru 1990 he was employed by Newark Public Schools as a classroom teacher where he developed an interest in exploring ways to use fine and performing arts as a vehicle to teach and enchance the teaching and learning process in content areas. This endeavor led to his participation in the Metropolitan Opera Education Program which allowed him to employ and promote art appreciation in the classroom. The skills that he took away from this opportunity were aligned with his vision of teaching content, and higher order thinking skills through the arts.
In 1990 Ray earn a M.Ed. in Critical Thinking from Montclair University in Upper Montclair, NJ and directed several summer and extended school day programs designed to promote critical thinking that were performing arts specific. In 1992 he joined a team of staff developers in an effort to create a Professional Development School in Newark, NJ which focused on helping middle school educators learn and understand cutting edge techniques to improve and enhance teacher performance. During this time Ray completed a M.A. in Education Supervision and Administration from Saint Peter's College in Jersey City, and in 1994 he assumed a position as a public school administrator in Newark Public Schools. In 1996 he completed "Envisioning Leadership Program" at Harvard University and in 1998 enrolled in the Inquiry Program, an EdD Program offered at Columbia University in New York City, NY. After retiring in 2002 Ray transferred from Columbia University in 2006 to enroll in Rutgers University Newark, Urban Systems Program, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Policy.
Ray has a son, Chablis, has two wonderful grandsons and loves to travel. He uses his travels as an opportunity to explore and examine other cultures and educational systems.