Fino M. Celano, Ed.D.

Dr. Fino M. Celano is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John’s University. He holds a B.A. in history from Marist College, an M.A. in Literacy Education from Manhattan College and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from Hofstra University. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from St. John’s University. In addition, Dr. Celano has participated in professional development at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Dr. Celano has over 30 years of experience as a public-school administrator in New York, which includes serving in leadership roles as Superintendent of Schools and building Principal. He has been the recipient of many honors and awards throughout his career, including the St. John’s University Leaders in Education Award (2013), St. John’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2017), and the New York State P.T.A. Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Celano served as the Superintendent of the Herricks Public Schools in Nassau County, NY from 2015-2022. Prior to that, he served for 10 years as an Assistant Superintendent in the Garden City Public Schools. He began his career in education as a high school social studies teacher and was a middle school principal in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. Dr. Celano is a Past-President of the Long Island Association of School Personnel Administrators and the New York State Association of School Personnel Administrators. He currently serves as a member of the St. John’s University School of Education Dean's Advisory Board.School and School District leadership.Research interests include new teacher mentoring programs, trust, and teacher efficacy. Other areas of interest include curriculum and instruction innovation, and school leadership.

Courses Taught