Josh Sektnan, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, Education
Contact Information
- Office: 701C Academic Hall
- Phone:
- Email: josh.sektnan@pointpark.edu
Education
- Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Youngstown State University
- M.Ed., Literacy, Robert Morris University
- B.S., Early Childhood and Special Education, Robert Morris University
Courses Taught
Undergraduate:
- Children's Literature
- Technological Literacy for Education in the 21st Century
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
- High Incidence Disabilities
Background
Josh Sektnan, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of education. With 10 years of experience in elementary and special education, he is passionate about preparing future educators through engaging, evidence-based instruction and meaningful classroom experiences. His background includes teaching general education, learning support and students with severe and profound exceptionalities while mentoring pre-service teachers from regional universities.
Sektnan's areas of expertise include literacy instruction, teacher preparation, educational technology, inclusive teaching practices and community engagement. His research focuses on effective literacy instruction and preparing future educators to create engaging, student-centered learning environments.
Throughout his K–12 career, Sektnan was known for creating the "Dr. S-West Airlines" classroom, an aviation-themed learning environment where students served as captains, co-pilots, flight attendants, maintenance crew, food service and spokespeople, each playing an important role in keeping the flight of learning running smoothly. The classroom fostered a strong sense of belonging, teamwork and shared responsibility, ensuring every student felt welcomed as a valued member of the crew.
Following his study of Holocaust education in Poland, Sektnan developed an interdisciplinary literacy unit for fourth-grade students that encouraged historical inquiry, empathy and meaningful classroom discussion. The experience reinforced his belief that authentic, real-world learning opportunities help students make lasting connections beyond the classroom.
Sektnan believes the most impactful educators create classrooms where every student feels welcomed, valued and inspired to learn. His goal is to prepare future educators who create engaging, inclusive learning environments and meaningful educational experiences for every student. Outside of the classroom, he volunteers with his two certified therapy dogs, Sophia and Levi, supporting schools, community organizations and travelers through Alliance of Therapy Dogs and PIT PAWS at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Selected Publications and Presentations
Sektnan, J., & Larwin, K. (2026). Beyond one-size-fits-all: Rethinking spelling instruction in elementary grades. LEARNing Landscapes.
Sektnan, J. (2025). Levi’s Big Adventure: Becoming a Therapy Dog. Independently published through Amazon KDP (ISBN B0FMS4QGH1).
Sektnan, J., Martinson, E., & Scanlon, A. (2026). Evaluating EdTech that works: Research to results. Presentation with Boddle Learning at ISTELive 26, Orlando, FL.
Sektnan, J. (2025). Themed learning environments, therapy dogs, and technology for engagement. Invited guest lecture presented at Westminster College and Robert Morris University.
Sektnan, J. (2024). The impact of phenomenon-based learning (PedaNow). Presentation at frED Camp, Seneca Valley School District.
Sektnan, J. (2024). Integrating structured spelling frameworks. Professional Learning Community presentation, Seneca Valley School District.
Sektnan, J. (2024–2026). Holocaust education and the Number the Stars project. Presentations for Classrooms Without Borders, Poland, and fourth-grade classrooms, Seneca Valley School District.
Professional Memberships
Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)
Pittsburgh International Airport Pups Alleviating Worry & Stress (PIT PAWS)