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The founding leader of Worcester State’s School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences, she was a teacher and school principal before returning to work at her alma mater.

By Emily Boutilier

As a teacher, principal, professor, and dean, Elaine Tateronis ’63, M.Ed. ’74 devoted her career to serving her students, the local community, the field of education, and her alma mater. Tateronis—founding dean of Worcester State’s School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences—passed away April 11, 2025. She was 84.

“She had an impact not just on Worcester State’s School of Education, but on the entire field of education,” said President Barry Maloney at a September celebration of Tateronis’ life.

Tateronis served in the Worcester Public Schools as a teacher and reading specialist and as an Auburn Public Schools teacher, reading consultant, and principal. She joined Worcester State as an assistant professor of education and became coordinator of the Graduate School’s reading, master’s, and elementary education programs and the school administration/leadership program. She also established the university’s annual Author Institute.

Tateronis chaired the Education Department for eight years before becoming dean of education, then the founding dean of the School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences.

“She will always be present, in our work, in our stories, and in the culture she helped create here. She made this place, and each of us, more than we ever would have been without her,” said Professor of Education Carol Donnelly at the September event, which drew faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends.

Upon retiring as dean in 2012, Tateronis established, with members of her department, the Elaine G. Tateronis Scholarship, given to undergraduates studying elementary education at Worcester State. She soon added a second scholarship, for graduate students in education.

“Her influence will continue to shape Worcester State, the field of education, and the many lives she touched,” said Vice President for University Advancement Thomas McNamara ’94 at the celebration of life.

An active alumna, Tateronis served as director of the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board, on the School of Education’s advisory council, on reunion planning committees and on the Scholarship Tea Committee. Elsewhere, she served on the board of the Massachusetts Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the governing board of the Central Mass. Readiness Center.

Born in Worcester, Tateronis earned her bachelor’s in education and returned for a master’s in reading and language arts. She received an Ed.D. in curriculum, administration, and leadership from Boston College and participated in Harvard University’s Principals’ Program. As principal, she led Mary D. Stone School in Auburn to become an Inclusion School and added its preschool program. As a professor, she presented at U.S and international education conferences and wrote numerous articles on education leadership and literacy.

In recognition of her service to the university, she was named the inaugural recipient of the
Extraordinary Dedication Award. She was also the first recipient of the Massachusetts Reading Association’s Celebrate Literacy Award.

Tateronis is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shari-Ann and Kevin Goudreau; a son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Kathryn Tateronis; five grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family; and many friends.