Paulette LoMonaco (M.A. ’76) and Damaris “Dee” Rau (Ed.D. ’03) have been friends for more than 45 years, but at the center of their unique friendship remains a common thread: a dedicated passion for youth support and education.
LoMonaco and Rau’s paths first crossed when Rau attended a program led by LoMonaco at Good Shepherd Services — that aims to provide support for NYC youth and families, from after-school programs to family support services.
“Sister LoMonaco profoundly shaped my vision of education as both a friend and a mentor,” recalls Rau. “She taught us that every child matters and deserves the support they need to thrive. That really stuck with me as I went on to develop my career.”
As their friendship evolved, Rau continued her education at Teachers College, a commonality both alumni proudly share. Naturally, LoMonaco was in attendance at Rau’s Convocation ceremony many years later after she walked across the very same stage.
“One of the most special aspects of our friendship is our shared passion for uplifting youth through education,” LoMonaco says. “Teachers College taught us the value of equitable, accessible education and how to lead with purpose.”
Giving Back Through Impact
Both TC alums went on to pursue their respective careers, but remained in touch over the years.
Serving as Executive Director of Good Shepherd Services, LoMonaco continued to build upon the organization’s community-based programs designed to address and respond to the needs that NYC youth were facing. “Good Shepherd supports youth development through a trauma-informed, equitable, and supportive lens,” LoMonaco explains. “We aim to understand the child, their family and their community — taking a truly holistic approach.”
Under LoMonaco’s leadership, Good Shepherd broadened its services across NYC’s public schools, extending its reach and impact. “We began collaborating closely with public schools to create support and aftercare programs. We saw firsthand the challenges and opportunities children faced,” LoMonaco shares. “My experience at Teachers College was invaluable during those years, as it prepared me for work in public education.”
Energized by the positive changes she observed in the classroom, LoMonaco later partnered with the Gates Foundation to develop an accessible transfer high school programs for NYC residents. “We created a program for young people who had fallen behind and were overage and undercredited. We encouraged them to complete their education and provided counseling and emotional support along the way.”
Teachers College Building
Pictured: Damaris “Dee” Rau (left) and Sister Paulette LoMonaco (right).
Several hundred miles away, Rau moved from the Bronx to Greenwich, Ct., and then to Lancaster, Pa., where she assumed her role as Superintendent in one of the largest and most economically disadvantaged school districts in Lancaster County.
“I witnessed the stark disparities and lack of access in underserved communities,” Rau reflects. “When I came to this district, I saw echoes of my personal life and my early career in the Bronx; I realized that many of our students were being denied opportunities simply because of their zip code. It became personal for me to ensure they had the same chances as others.”
Determined to address the gaps, Rau expanded the district’s dual-enrollment program, now serving more than 250 students taking college courses while still in high school. “Providing students with the chance to take advanced courses builds their confidence and sends the message, ‘I can do this,’” she says.
Among her many accomplishments as Superintendent — from championing the district’s first equity committee to navigating pandemic-related challenges — Rau recalls one of her proudest moments as testifying at the 2021 fair-funding trial for public schools, where she advocated for her students and community’s needs.
She vividly recalls walking into classrooms on a winter day and seeing students’ sneakers lined up against the radiator heaters left out to dry. It quickly became apparent to Rau at that moment that the children didn’t have the means to afford snow boots. “It was instances like these that really brought me back to the inequities in how our schools were funded. In districts like ours, we’re forced to make difficult choices about where to allocate limited resources. The fair-funding trial was crucial to raising awareness about these challenges.”
A “Full Circle” Reflection
Though both retired today, LoMonaco and Rau continue to work towards the same shared goal: profound impact on those who need it most.
Through serving on several non-profit boards and committees, LoMonaco works closely to support Good Shepherd Services and its affiliated partners, which now has a presence in 68 countries worldwide. “I’m partnering with the Good Shepherd International Foundation to build capacity for youth programs in other countries experiencing hardship. It’s an extension of my work here in NYC and truly feels like a full circle moment,” she shares.
Rau remains committed to her advocacy work and has recently begun working with the National Council on Education and the Economy (NCEE) and stakeholders in Pennsylvania to reimagine what education can look like years down the road. “We’re studying successful systems in places like Singapore and British Columbia, exploring their best practices such as universal pre-K or paid parental leave in hopes of bringing these elements to the U.S.”
For both alumni, Teachers College remains at heart of their stories.
“Teachers College really cemented my mission and vision as to what I wanted to do in my career so that I could impact more and more children,” concludes Rau.” I can say today that I have made a difference and will continue to make a difference.”
— Jacqueline Teschon
Published Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024