Dr. Pamela Carlton-Ferris, Ed.D., M.S., B.S.
Pamela Carlton-Ferris, C.A.S., M.S., B.S., is an accomplished education leader with extensive experience in special education and developmental disabilities. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Special Education at Rochester City School District, where she oversees program development, curriculum implementation, and the supervision of staff and students. With over 36 years of experience in education, Ms. Carlton-Ferris has built a reputation for her expertise in educational leadership, student support services, and the administration of individualized education programs (IEPs). Throughout her career, Ms. Carlton-Ferris has been dedicated to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. She has held multiple leadership roles within Rochester City School District, including Coordinating Administrator of Special Education, Assistant Director for Programming, Compliance and Placement, Program Director, Assistant Principal, and Associate Director of Special Education Administrator. Her work involves chairing CSE meetings, facilitating professional development, and ensuring compliance with state and federal educational standards, demonstrating a commitment to both student success and teacher growth. Ms. Carlton-Ferris studied in Educational Leadership at the University of Rochester, along with Advanced Certifications in Educational Administration both at the building and district level in general education, reading and special education from Nazareth University and Brockport State College. She is an active member of the National Association of Professional Women and holds numerous professional certifications, including Key2Ed and FEMA’s Incident Command System training. Her passion for education, integrity, and advocacy continues to shape the future of special education in her community, making her a respected leader and mentor in the field.
• Key2Ed
• Certificate of Advanced Study
• Elementary Education K-6 Teacher
• Reading K-12
• Special Education
• ICS-100, ICS-200, National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)
• University of Rochester – Ed.D., Educational Leadership/Teaching and Curriculum
• SUNY Brockport – SAS/SDA, Educational Leadership and Administration, Building Based and Central Office
• Nazareth University – M.S., Education, Reading Teacher Education, Special Education, Elementary Education
• Nazareth University – B.S., Psychology
• Monroe Community College – A.S., Human Services
• National Association of Professional Women
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. My commitment to advocacy, leadership, and professional excellence has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for Women in Professional Leadership, which inspires me to continue making a meaningful impact in the field of education.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life include strong administrative leadership and mentoring building-based leaders. Outside of work, I prioritize family—spending quality time with my four children, my mother and my dogs—and personal growth through activities such as attending outdoor festivals and concerts, reading, crafts and floral arrangements, swimming, traveling, and engaging as a an educational advocate.