Rate My Professor Susan Verducci

Susan Verducci is a Professor in the Department of Humanities at San José State University within Arts and Culture, serving as Professor of Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation and advisor. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education and an M.A. in Gender Studies from Stanford University (1999), an M.F.A. in Theatre from Rutgers University (1987), and a B.F.A. in Theatre from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1984). Prior to her academic career, Verducci worked as an actress before becoming a scholar in the philosophy of education. Her research centers on integrating literary, visual, and performing arts into pedagogy to foster open-mindedness, critical thinking, empathy, compassion, and constructive dialogue. This approach enables students to engage alternative perspectives, enhancing moral reasoning and productive societal relationships.

At San José State University, Verducci has advanced teacher education by helping establish the Integrated Teacher Education Program, launched in fall 2019, which enables students to complete a bachelor's degree, teaching credential, and optional Spanish/English bilingual authorization in four years, addressing California's teacher shortage and equipping educators for diverse classrooms. She earned the 2019 Outstanding Professor award from the College of Humanities and the Arts for excellence in teaching and campus service. Her publications include two co-edited scholarly collections, co-editing a special issue of an international education journal, and fifteen articles and book chapters. Key works are "Philosophizing with Teenagers" (Knowledge Quest, 2002), "Critical thinking and open-mindedness in polarized times" (2019), and "The Arts and Open-Mindedness." As advisor, she guides Liberal Studies students through academic milestones and graduation preparation.