Randy Testa

Randy Testa is the Associate Director of PreK-16 Programs at the University of Colorado Boulder, with a rich background in education that spans from teaching third graders to graduate students. He has taught in various locations, including suburban Chicago, Denver, New Hampshire, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to his extensive teaching experience, Testa has worked in the film industry, focusing on professional development for educators regarding the use of commercial film adaptations in public school curricula. His research and teaching interests center on the moral and spiritual dimensions of education, particularly how films can enhance teachers' self-reflection.Dr. Testa holds degrees from Northwestern University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he earned both an Ed.M. in Reading Education and an Ed.D. in the Study of Teaching. He has authored and edited four books, including works on the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. At CU Boulder, he teaches courses such as "SEL Capstone," "Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts," and "The Teacher's Social and Emotional Learning." Through these courses, he aims to foster social-emotional learning among educators, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in teaching practices. His commitment to enhancing educational experiences is evident through his active involvement in curriculum development and teacher training initiatives.