Claudio Cerullo

Claudio Cerullo, PhD

  • Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
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Affiliated Programs

Education

  • PhD, Educational Leadership & Public Policy (1999)
    ACU (NM)
  • MEd, Social Science & Psychology 
    East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (PA)
  • MEd, Elementary & Secondary Professional Education
    East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (PA)
  • BA, Social Science Education, Concentration in Psychology (1988)
    Moravian University (PA)

About Me

I'm excited to be part of the Widener University community. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of serving as a teacher, school administrator, professor, and nonprofit leader, always with a passion for helping others succeed.


My teaching draws from more than three decades of experience in educational leadership, psychology, school climate, bullying prevention, victim advocacy, and mental health. I am also the Chair of the Anti-Bullying and Mental Health committee with the National Institute on Mental Health, Education and Bullying.  I enjoy connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences, encouraging meaningful discussions, and helping students think critically about the challenges they will face as future professionals.


What I enjoy most about teaching is building relationships with students and watching them grow in confidence and knowledge throughout the course. I believe learning should be engaging, practical, and collaborative, and I strive to create an environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to make a positive impact in their profession and community. I look forward to learning with you and being part of your academic journey at Widener.

Research Interests

My research interests focus on bullying prevention, school violence, victimology, and the psychological and emotional impact of bullying and victimization on children, adolescents, and adults. My work also explores school climate and culture, trauma-informed practices, student mental health, social-emotional learning, and the role of educators and school leaders in creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.

Additional areas of interest include cyberbullying and the impact of digital media on youth behavior, the relationship between childhood trauma and aggressive behavior, bullying prevention and intervention strategies, restorative practices, educational leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and the development of policies and organizational practices that promote student safety and well-being.

I am particularly interested in examining the intersection of psychology, education, and leadership to better understand the causes and consequences of bullying and victimization and to develop evidence-informed approaches that empower students, families, educators, and communities to prevent bullying and promote positive social and emotional outcomes.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • Specialists of Schools Member (Anti-Bullying and Mental Health)
  • Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Member
  • New Jersey Principal/Supervisor Association Member
  • National Association of Elementary School Principals Member
  • Knights of Columbus Member
  • Camden WIB (Work Investment Board) Member
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals Member
  • Chair of the Anti-Bullying and Mental Health Committee of the National Policy Institute on Education and Mental Health. 
  • Member of the National Psychology Network
  • Member of the American Counseling Association 

Awards

  • Heart of the Community Award- Specialists of Schools (2025)
  • Featured in Lehigh Valley Magazine- Most Influential Men of 2025 (2025)
  • Featured in Philadelphia Current Magazine- Sneakers for Smiles Initiative (2024)
  • Recipient of the 6ABC Hometown Hero Distinction (2023)
  • Nominated for the Harold W. McGraw Jr. Prize in Educational Innovation
    University of Pennsylvania Graduate School (2021 & 2024)
  • Honored by Pennsylvania State Representative Leann Krueger
    For Anti-Bullying & School Violence Prevention Work (2021)
  • Global Humanitarian Award for Global Goodwill Ambassadors (2018)
  • City of Camden Citation on Anti-Bullying, Anti-Hate, & School Violence Prevention Award (2018)
  • State of PA- House of Representatives Citation-Outstanding Service to a Community (2018)
  • Aston Township Community Proclamation Award for Anti-Bullying (2014)
  • Heroes Among Us Award by the Philadelphia 76ers (2013)
  • Outstanding Service to Urban Education (2005)
  • Outstanding Service to Public Education-Pennsylvania School Board Association Award (2001)