Biography
Dr. Paula Adams is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Niagara University. She brings 32 years of experience as a Literacy Specialist, working extensively with both early beginning readers and adolescents. She dedicated after-school time to student development initiating and leading clubs & councils. Dr. Adams earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo in 1987, a Master of Professional Studies as a Reading Specialist in 1992, and her Ph.D. in Literacy Education from the University at Buffalo in 2005.
Her research includes reflective practice among pre-service and first-year teachers. Her dissertation examined educational policy through the federal No Child Left Behind initiative, with a focus on local implementation, changes, and challenges. Dr. Adams came to Niagara in service to the profession and embraces the Vincentian mission of service. She is deeply committed to preparing future educators to navigate the challenges of today’s educational landscape, including societal and cultural influences, curriculum management, classroom instruction, implementation of research-based practices, and fostering learner engagement.
Beyond her academic career, Dr. Adams is a longtime resident of Niagara County; she is active in her parish community at St. John the Baptist in Lockport, where she has served as a choir member and Eucharistic minister. She is also an accomplished costume designer, earning Shea’s Theater Award for Most Outstanding Costume Design and Presentation in 2003 and a licensed real estate agent, dedicated to educating and guiding clients in property sales.