University selects new teacher prep program head

The University announced yesterday that John Webb will take the reins of the Program in Teacher Preparation beginning in July.

Webb has more than 30 years of experience in teaching and educational administration. He will succeed Marue Walizer, who is retiring at the end of June.

Dean of the College Nancy Malkiel said yesterday she was pleased about the appointment. "John has worked broadly on urban and suburban issues," she said. "He has superior depth of experience. He has produced an enormously talented group of classroom teachers during his career."

Malkiel noted Webb's extensive background in teaching foreign languages. "He's done some great work, in many ways defining the national standard for foreign language teaching," she said.

Webb earned his bachelor of arts degree in French at the State University of New York at Albany and earned his doctorate of education at New York University, where he studied the impact of cultural diversity on education.

Malkiel said she believes Webb will strengthen the University's teacher preparation program. "What we want is to take it to the next level," she said. "We have a very strong program now, and we want to build on that."