LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Academy of
Talented Scholars on May 17, 2015

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals in the teaching profession who distinguish
themselves in their dedication and commitment to their students; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dr. Shirley
Cohen, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by the Academy of Talented Scholars, to be celebrated at its 2015
Gala on Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Rex Manor Catering Hall, Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Shirley Cohen graduated from Hunter College High School, New
York City, and went on to earn her degree in Elementary Education and
Psychology from Brooklyn College; while a student, she was inducted into
the exclusive Phi Beta Kappa honor society; and
WHEREAS, Furthering her education, Shirley Cohen attended the Bank
Street College of Education, New York City, with a concentration in
counseling; in addition, she earned both her Master's degree and Ph.D.
in Developmental Psychology from Teacher's College at Columbia Universi-
ty, New York City; and
WHEREAS, While a student at Teacher's College, Shirley Cohen was the
recipient of the Walter H. Patterson Scholarship in Developmental
Psychology; and
WHEREAS, Prior to becoming employed at Hunter College, New York City,
Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. held various teaching positions, including
three years at a research and treatment center for children with autism,
and two years as both a Helping Teacher and Curriculum Developer in a
program for children with emotional problems; and
WHEREAS, From 1971-1981, Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. held the esteemed
position of Director of the Special Education Development Center, a
support facility at Hunter College for a statewide network of special
education training centers; and
WHEREAS, Between 1978-2005, Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. served in several
administrative roles at Hunter College, including Program Coordinator
and Chairperson of the Department of Special Education, Associate Dean
of Programs in Education, Assistant Dean of the School of Education, and
Interim Dean of the School of Education; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. directed numerous grant projects
with funding from city, state, federal, and private foundation sources;
in addition, she served as the first Director of the Regional Center for
Autism Spectrum Disorders at Hunter College, and co-developed the ASD
Nest program and the Intensive Kindergarten program for the New York
City Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, this remarkable woman has been directing train-
ing programs for new staff of these vital programs since 2005, and has
served as a mentor to numerous teachers and young leaders in the field
of autism spectrum disorders; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. began publishing journal
articles, and since then she has written or co-written numerous arti-
cles; she is also the author of three books on disability, including
TARGETING AUTISM, which was originally published in 1998; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. provide a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of

young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in
their future years; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career thus far, Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. has
brought an uncompromising standard of excellence to her work and a warm
sense of caring and concern to every young person she educates; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition by the Academy of Talented Scholars; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Shirley Cohen, Ph.D.