In memory of Norman Shapiro

Published in ConnectED Newsletter - Volume 6 - Issue 4 - June 2023

The School of Education mourns the passing of Norman Shapiro, a beloved professor and colleague. He received his Ph.D. from New York University in Educational Psychology in 1970, though he began his career at City College as a research assistant in 1965. During his time at the College, he served as Chair of the Social and Psychological Foundations Department and directed major grants beginning in 1970. He also served for eight years as Director of Continuing Education for the College, where he initiated both free and fee-based adult education programs.

When Prof. Shapiro’s wife Carol was asked for the date when he retired, she said she did not know because he kept working. After his retirement, he continued to direct the Center for School Development, continued directing several grant-funded projects, and taught courses. In the early 2000’s, he created the School of Education newsletter, ConnectEd. Because of his dedication to the School of Education, he also organized and contributed to a successful fundraising initiative among retired faculty. Another project he embarked on in recent years was to create what he called the Acquired Wisdom Project, in which he invited retired City College faculty members to write about what they learned during their college careers that could be of value to current and especially new faculty members. 

Prof. Sheila Gersh, a former colleague of Prof. Shapiro’s, remembers him this way:

Norman was a brilliant educator, fine colleague and friend, and a true innovator. In 1988, when he brought me to the College, he created the idea of connecting schools in New York to schools around the world using email. Most people did not even know what email was at that time. Together, we worked in schools to bring innovation to classroom teaching and to make learning exciting for the students. This work allowed me to not only train teachers in New York, but also around the globe! My career took a new and fabulous turn because of Norman.

Prof. Shapiro was an exceptionally kind man, deeply committed to ideas, to innovation, to teaching, to our students, and to the students in New York City schools. His friends and colleagues will miss him dearly.