Marytza A. Gawlik, Ph.D. Student Policy, Organization, Measurement and Evaluation Major: B.A., Psychology, UC Berkeley / M.A., Economics, New School for Social Research Career Plans: Policy and evaluation research Home: New York, NY

"One of the outstanding features about the GSE is the diversity of thought that exists among the students here."

My reasons for choosing Berkeley:
Berkeley's reputation in academics and research was important to me. But what mattered most was where I was going to live for the next few years of my life. Having been born and raised in New York City, I didn't want to forfeit the diversity I was used to, and by coming to Berkeley I didn't have to. Berkeley's proximity to Oakland and San Francisco has made it a real treat to live and study here. I can easily go for a hike in Wildcat Canyon Park, have dinner at Asmara (one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurants), or go to the Mission district in San Francisco to visit with friends--all within about 20-minutes via car or public transportation.

My academic program:
While the POME program has afforded me an opportunity to strengthen my academic background and skills as a policy researcher, it is undoubtedly my fellow students that have made my experience exemplary. POME students challenge me to think more critically and thoughtfully about education and reform efforts. Moreover, I have received continuous support and encouragement from my peers; this has made my experience at the GSE particularly gratifying.

My current work:
My current dissertation research is a study of start-up (newly created charter schools) and conversion (pre-existing public schools) charter schools and their relative levels of autonomy via principals and teachers. I am interested in knowing how much influence principals and teachers have in charter schools over school policy and classroom control and what outcomes they would hope to see change as a result of increased autonomy. Moreover, I am investigating the bureaucratic constraints on teacher and principal autonomy. I am also working as a program evaluator for the Evaluation Unit here at the Graduate School of Education. I am evaluating the Principal Leadership Institute-an administrative credential program.

My advice to prospective students:
Speak with other students in the program you are interested in. Faculty make a graduate department good, but top-notch students make it great. One of the outstanding features about the GSE is the diversity of thought that exists among the students here. I think this is fundamental to a quality graduate program in education.

 

 

Resumé — Publications — Projects — Other Interests