Pamela Carlton-Ferris, CAS, MS, BS
Pamela Carlton-Ferris, CAS, M.Ed, BS, 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 support and 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 and Brockport College with Advanced Certifications in Educational Administration both at the building and district level. She is certified in general education, reading and special education from Nazareth University along with a degree in Psychology from Nazareth University. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women and holds numerous professional certifications, including FEMA’s Incident Command System training and Key2Ed along with yearly hours of professional development trainings and courses. 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.
• Certificate of Advanced Study
• MS in Education
• Certification in N-6 General Education
• BS in Psychology
• Certification in Special Education K-12
• Certification Reading K-12
• Certification School Building Administrator
• Certification School District Administrator
• Monroe Community College
• Nazareth University
• Brockport College
• University of Rochester
• National Association of Professional Women
• Strathmore's Who's Who in Professional Leadership
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and those at risk. 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 staff. Outside of work, I prioritize family—spending quality time with my four children, my mother, my dogs and family and friends. I experience personal growth through activities such as attending outdoor festivals, sporting events, concerts, reading, crafts and floral arrangements, swimming, traveling, and engaging as a an educational advocate.