Tom Conway, EdD, began teaching at Cabrini in August 2015. He is the coordinator for the 
Undergraduate Secondary
Education program and teaches courses for both
undergraduate and graduate students. Conway’s area of research involves instructional coaching/mentoring practices. He is currently working on a proposal for an edited book about best practices. He has also been recently appointed as co-chair of a national task force for the Association of Teacher Educators that addresses the needs of cooperating, mentor, and associate teachers. Additionally, he serves as an affiliate faculty member for the Center for Urban Education, Equity, and Improvementto provide presentations and research related to the center’s goals and objectives.
Do you have a favorite subject matter—or lesson—that you teach?
Of course, I love teaching Education courses because I enjoy helping to prepare the next generation of teachers, but I also spent 19 years working in high schools. I taught American History, Government & Politics, Street Law, and Religion courses. I love history, politics, religion, education, and any combination of these subjects.
What is your go-to advice for Cabrini students?
Take advantage of any and all opportunities that come your way, because you never know where they may take you. It is better to live a life of knowing, than one of wondering “what if.” Additionally, you should always follow up with connections you make at various events, conferences, and meetings. Once again, you never know what may happen because of being pro-active.
What was your first job or service experience?
My very first full-time job was at the end of my sophomore year in high school. I was a bagger at ACME markets in Yeadon, PA for a week and then was quickly promoted to cashier and customer service representative. It was definitely a well-paying job for the late 1980s. My student teaching experience was at Girls’ High in Philadelphia in 1994. The next year, I taught at Archbishop Carroll High School. I’ve come full circle and find myself back in Radnor and Delaware County.
When you’re not on campus how do you like to spend your free time?
Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to travel. I’m constantly looking for great airfares to anywhere in the world. Since I’ve been at Cabrini, I’ve traveled to various Caribbean Islands, Spain, Gibraltar, Germany, Sicily, Italy, England, Greece, Finland, and many cities across the United States. In addition to this travel, I love going to the beach. In particular, I spend my summer weekends in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
When I was younger, my friends didn’t really go to concerts in high school. I really wanted to see Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven is a Place on Earth tour, but didn’t. My first legitimate concert that I bought tickets to was the 10,000 Maniacs Concert at the Mann Music Center in 1992.
What are two things still left on your bucket list?
Even though I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Americas, I still want to go to Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, I want to travel to India and China/Japan. I also need to make a visit to Hawaii and Kwajalein to visit with relatives that have lived in both locations for over 30 years.