Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

The Department of Education Specialties at St. John’s University has received a continuation award of $596,101 from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2025–2026 academic year. The funding supports Project Leader, which focuses on English literacy, STEM research, and professional development to improve outcomes for English learners, their families, and students in both public and non-public schools.

Dr. John Spiridakis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Education Specialties, co-directs Project Leader with Dr. Seokhee Cho, Professor and Director of the Center for Creativity and Gifted Education. Dr. Spiridakis stated, "This award enables our exceptional interdisciplinary project team to fulfil the Vincentian Mission of our Graduate In-Person and Online TESOL and Bilingual Education Programs that began decades ago."

Project Leader builds on previous initiatives led by Dr. Spiridakis that have shown strong results through collaboration between faculty in the Graduate TESOL Program and researchers from other departments.

For more information about Project Leader, interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. John Spiridakis at St. John's University.