Margaret Crocco
Nationally-known social studies scholar Margaret Crocco was recently named chairperson of the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University.
She had previously served as a visiting scholar at the College of Education, and her appointment as chairperson began on May 16.
Most recently, Crocco was professor and dean of the College of Education at University of Iowa, and special assistant to the provost at the university. Prior to that, she served as professor and chair of the Arts & Humanities Department at Teachers College, Columbia University, and coordinator of the social studies program at Teachers College.
“I was attracted to Michigan State University because of its long tradition of excellence in many fields, especially teacher education,” Crocco said. “Above all, the opportunity to work with so many wonderful colleagues and fine graduate students on something that I am passionate about—teaching and teacher education—just couldn’t be beat.”
Crocco replaces Professor Avner Segall who served as acting chairperson.
College of Education Dean Donald E. Heller said that Crocco impressed the search committee and faculty with her vision for building on the existing strengths of the department—and moving them into the future.
“I’m very excited to have Margaret taking over as chair of our Department of Teacher Education,” Heller added. “She’s an experienced administrator and a nationally-recognized scholar of teacher education who I am confident will quickly demonstrate her leadership skills for our college.”
As dean of the College of Education at University of Iowa, Crocco led four departments and 24 programs, and she has served on multiple academic and editorial boards. Crocco’s research has focused on issues of diversity in a social studies context.
Crocco earned a PhD in American Civilization from University of Pennsylvania, as well as an AB in philosophy from Georgetown University.