Skip to main content
University Home

Ready to Learn More? Reach out to USM Admissions at [email protected] or 800-800-4876

USM Faculty Stewart Mccafferty

Dr. Anita Stewart McCafferty

Associate Professor

"I would advise online graduate students to take the opportunity to immerse themselves in our professional learning community through active participation in discussion boards and participation in professional learning events, and professional development offered through Southern Maine Partnership and the greater USM community."

Degrees Held:

  • EdD in Teacher Leadership – Walden University, 2011
  • MEd – University of Maine, Orono, 1998
  • BS in Political Science – University of Maine, Orono, 1994

Career Highlights:

Teaching experience:

  • 2013 – present – University of Southern Maine, Portland and Gorham, Maine
  • Associate Professor, Co-Chair of Educational Leadership and Adult and Higher Ed Department, and Program Lead for Maine Online Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership Master's Programs
  • 2014-2019 – University of Southern Maine, Portland and Gorham, Maine Co-Director of Southern Maine Partnership

Numerous publications including:

  • Stewart McCafferty, A. & Beaudry, J. (2018). Teaching Strategies That Create Assessment-Literate Learners. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin
  • Stewart McCafferty, A. & Beaudry, J. (December 2017). The Gallery Walk as a PD Strategy. National Journal of Staff Development, Learning Forward
  • Stewart McCafferty, A. (October 2017). Duct Tape and Pom Poms: Engaging Middle School Learners in Metaphoric Thinking Through Self-Expressive Prompts. AMLE Magazine (National Association for Middle Level Education)
  • Stewart McCafferty, A. (Summer 2017). A Youth Disengagement Remedy: Integrate Writing Opportunities with High-Impact Service-Learning Experiences. Maine Journal of Education (Maine ASCD)
  • Capelluti, J. & Stewart McCafferty, A. (May/June 2017). Social Media or Social Life? Principal. (National Association of Elementary School Principals journal)
  • Capelluti, J. & Stewart McCafferty, A. (February 2017) Text, Tweet, Talk, or Time Away: The Principal's Dilemma. Principal Leadership (National Association of Secondary School Principals journal)

In which online degree program do you teach?

{program}

  • What do you want students to take away from your classes?

    MSEd in Educational Leadership:

    • Graduates will be able to evaluate research and use it as a tool to improve educational practice; plan, implement, and evaluate programs of instruction that promote learning for all students; work effectively as a member of a team and as a developer of teaching and learning; understand the culture of schools, leadership theories, and the impact of the leadership function; assess school climate and culture and develop a positive organizational environment for adult and student learning.
    • Understand the politics of decision-making and how to make decisions that promote the school-wide agenda for teaching and learning.

    MSEd in Teacher Leadership - C&I and Assessment:

    • Graduates will learn to identify student needs and develop applicable strategies for K-12 learning environments. With a focus on professional development and the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, the program helps graduates craft an educational strategy that ensures students are engaged and inspired—and able to translate that inspiration into outstanding assessment results.

  • Why did you start teaching?

    With an undergraduate degree in political science with concentrations in pre-law and political theory, my plans were to attend law school and pursue a career in law. However, I decided to take a gap year between completing my bachelor's degree and law school. My local high school principal convinced me to help the school by long-term substituting. I quickly fell in love with teaching students and decided to instead pursue a master's degree in teaching and a career in education. This has turned out to be an extremely rewarding decision for me!

  • What advice would you give to those considering a USM online education program?

    I would advise online graduate students to take the opportunity to immerse themselves in our professional learning community through active participation in discussion boards, professional learning events and professional development offered through Southern Maine Partnership and the greater USM community.

  • Tell us something your students may not know about you.

    I love making music with my family, spending time outdoors, and traveling. Link to multimedia: learningforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/the-gallery-walk.pdf


« Back to Faculty Profiles

Request more information

Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Or call 888-728-7054

By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that University of Southern Maine (USM) may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology or a pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend USM or to purchase any other goods or services.

Begin application process

Start your application today!
Apply Now
or call 888-728-7054 888-728-7054
for help with any questions you may have.
Return to Top of Program Information

Call 888-728-7054

888-728-7054
Request Info
Apply Now

Request information

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
or call 888-728-7054 888-728-7054

By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that University of Southern Maine (USM) may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology or a pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend USM or to purchase any other goods or services.