The Lead
Stay connected with the School of Education at Lindenwood University
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April 2021 Vol. 2021 | April Issue
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Statement of Solidarity & Inclusion |
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The School of Education at Lindenwood University values diversity, equity, and inclusion; we strive to strengthen civic engagement and social responsibility. As individuals and as the School of Education, we acknowledge and stand in solidarity against all forms of racism, xenophobia, inequities, and intolerance. We understand it is our responsibility to facilitate learning, engage in collaborative efforts, and contribute to transformative change. In the spirit of solidarity and with commitment, we want all of our students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders to know we care about you, we stand with you, and we are here for you.
In support of the Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, the School of Education encourages all students, faculty, and staff to review the following resources.
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Greetings Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Stakeholders, and Colleagues:
We are excited once again to provide you with a glimpse into the School of Education at Lindenwood University via our popular monthly newsletter, The Lead. In this issue you will find a number of news worthy articles reflective of ongoing efforts by our faculty and staff to ensure the highest quality programming while making meaningful contributions to their disciplines. In this regard, we are very pleased to report that the school has been selected by AACTE to participate in the AACTE Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments, serving as the Missouri lead institution. We will be working in collaboration with the the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and St. Louis Public Schools.
I hope you enjoy this issue of The Lead. And as always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions.
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Anthony Scheffler, Ph.D.
Dean, Lindenwood School of Education
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LU School of Education Selected to Join Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments
Lindenwood University School of Education was selected to join the Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments (CREA) in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and St. Louis Public Schools. Dr. Tammy T. Moore (pictured left), Certification Officer and Asst. Director of Assessments, led the effort and recently announced the approval received from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).
The initiative involves Educator Preparation programs in collaboration with the state and local districts, to examine cut scores for entrance into educator preparation programs to reduce barriers.
Learn more about this initiative and diversifying the teaching workforce here!
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Professional and Continuing Education at Lindenwood University, or PACE, supports the University’s commitment to assisting educators and school counselors. PACE extends the learning environment beyond the classroom in collaboration with select educational agencies and recognized educational consultants. Professional development courses are designed to enhance teacher effectiveness in the classroom and improve student performance. Educators and counselors can use these credits to meet state recertification requirements or earn credit toward a master’s degree.
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Dr. Panagos and Research Team Begin Field Testing the DIY Family Planner App
Families now have the opportunity to field test the DIY Family Planner Android and iPhone Apps. This is the first time the Apps are available for field testing. Engineered, tested, and supported by Lindenwood computer science class teams and senior student employment, the Family Planner mobile apps evolve from a paper tool that was field tested in a three-year Pilot Study. For the first time, the PRIDE Grant engages marketing students in a class project to move the Family Planner from ideation to a marketing plan. The research team joins the families on their home visits while the Missouri First Steps Providers “play” with their young child to lead Early Intervention services. For example, a family sets up an iPad for the research team to observe the home visit and communicate with the family. The Research Team collects and records data on the family’s utility and the reliability and validity of the Family Planner App, along with Pre-Post gains in family empowerment.
Ultimately, the goal is to place the first DIY Family Planner Tool and Mobile Apps freely in the hands of families and individuals impacted by autism and developmental delays. Further research and application of the Family Planner Mobile Apps in K-12 education, behavioral therapies, and healthcare fields, such as My Chart integration, could lend the potential for its use in new fields.
To assist with the major aim of the research study, Dr. Kyle Coble leads a marketing team from his class to develop a marketing plan for the DIY Family Planner Android and iPhone Apps. Dr. Coble stated, “This marketing team will work on providing a groundwork marketing plan for the app, with attention paid to segmentation and recruitment strategies, as well as providing recommendations for the B2B/B2G transfer of control that will enable the app to live in the world.”
Lindenwood University and Dr. Panagos hold Intellectual Property related to the mobile app. The intention is to share the mobile app with a third party capable of maintaining and delivering the app for future users. Any future agreement with a third party will require that the app be freely available to users. Any fees or revenues generated in this transfer of the Intellectual Property will only be used to offset costs incurred by Lindenwood University for support of the research and development process.
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Caught-You-Caring
Students and community members recently nominated 40 individuals for their amazing contributions to the School of Education.
The School of Education's Caught-You-Caring initiative looks to spotlight faculty, staff, and adjuncts who have gone above and beyond for our students, or stakeholders, this semester! We are still accepting nominations. Fill out this form to submit your nomination!
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Google Boot Camp - Friday, April 2
Anyone that is applying for LindenTeach and/or student teaching next year should attend this boot camp to help them prepare for the Google Level 1 exam.
Certified Google Trainer, Ms. Tina Lauer, Instructional Technology Specialist at St. Charles School District and Lindenwood School of Education Adjunct Instructor, will host a virtual Google Boot Camp on Friday April 2 from 8:30am to 11:30am. This event is free of charge to all SOE students and faculty!
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Lindenwood Prepares Teachers for Success
This article was featured in The Linden Gold, Lindenwood's student-centered publication.
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As a nation, our supply of qualified teachers is dwindling. The education industry suffers from high attrition rates and low enrollment in teacher preparation programs: teacher education enrollment dropped by 35% between 2009 and 2014, and the number of people studying to become teachers continues to diminish. Now more than ever, it is important to have qualified, passionate professionals entering the field.
Lindenwood is committed to preparing successful future teachers ready to take on the workforce. Sara Schomburg is a recent example. She studied Spanish and Education at the university while raising two young children at home, and she graduated in May of 2019. She received multiple full-time and part-time teaching job offers immediately upon graduation, and she currently works as an elementary Spanish teacher at Mallinckrodt Academy of Gifted Instruction in Saint Louis.
Schomburg states that she was inspired to study Spanish because of the native speakers she befriended at her first job in high school. Through that experience, she gained a greater admiration for the language. She states, “There’s not much that I don’t like about Spanish. The music, history, and culture are areas that I’ve always enjoyed learning and teaching about. Of course I also love speaking the language so that I can meet and help new people, as well as gain a broader perspective on life.”
Teachers are incredibly important, and their work in the classroom impacts the future of our society. Schomburg aims to help students grow into the best versions of themselves: “It feels phenomenal to help the kids become confident, helpful, positive people who will cause that rippling effect in society. This is why teachers are so important, because not every student gets all of that at home. We aren’t just teachers for our students: we are also counselors, nurses, custodians, coaches, moms, and everything in between for these kids. The positive effect that teachers have on society is incalculable.”
Schomburg is grateful for the guidance and support she received from the faculty at Lindenwood. Going to school while raising children is no easy task, and she credits two of her favorite professors, Dr. Romero-Ghiretti and Dr. Nuñez-Betelu (Spanish professors in the School of Humanities), for her success: “Since I had 2 children of my own, attending and keeping up with classes was a bit more of a struggle for me compared to students with a traditional academic career. These professors have both been a tremendous support in helping me overcome obstacles created by my having children while in school.” Schomburg adds that their Spanish instruction also helped give her a deeper appreciation for the history and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.
Her education instructors made sure she had the tools she needed for teaching success through highly relevant coursework. She explains, “I love the fact that all of the education professors are up-to-date and active in the education community, and they really only give you assignments or projects that directly correlate to the real-world experience of teaching.” Schomburg feels that all of her education professors made her confident and prepared for her teaching career, and she is especially grateful for the help of Dr. Amanda Aldridge (School of Education) and her mentor, student teacher supervisor Lynne Chrismer.
Good teachers like Sara Schomburg are essential and help make the community a better place. Lindenwood University helps aspiring teachers hone their skills and become the very best professionals they can be. Through innovative instruction, the university strives to fill the world with kind, passionate, highly-qualified educators.
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Faculty and Students Present at National Conference
Presenting March 13 at the National Council for Exceptional Children LIVE Conference, PRIDE Fund Grant principal investigator, Lindenwood graduate and undergraduate students, and an alumni member shared the development of The Family Planner Apps. Senior Professor, Dr. Rebecca Panagos, reported the development of the research study and partnership with Missouri First Steps. Lindenwood Alumni, UMKC Senior Research Associate, and First Steps Special Instructor Dr. Kelly Hantak, related practical application of the Family Planner in the field of early intervention. Graduating senior Computer Science major Shraddha Belbase demonstrated the Android and iPhone Family Planner Apps. Lindenwood graduate Rhea D’Souza shared her experiences of working with families and data collection on early intervention home visits. Participants indicated interest in following The Family Planner Mobile Apps research study and its subsequent availability for families. The presentation is available on demand from March 8-March 22.
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SOE Advising Center Hosts Virtual Study for Early Childhood Teacher Candidates
On, Tuesday, March 23, the SOE-Advising Center facilitated by Ms. Robin Travis, hosted a virtual study group for Early Childhood teacher candidates. During the session, teacher candidates received study and stress relief tips from the Student and Academic Support Services (SASS) office along with information about how to access free study material in our library. Students exchanged contact information to form study groups and work collaboratively to successfully complete the rigorous state assessments. The SOE-Advising Center will facilitate more virtual events to connect our students and support them throughout their teacher certification programs.
If you are interested in supporting this effort and providing guidance or study tips for our students, we encourage you to email our SOE-Advising Center at arcc@lindenwood.edu
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Student Teachers Participate in Technology-Based Professional Development
Student teachers this semester participated in a peer conference session focused on Teaching Technology Tools during a Professional Development Workshop, hosted by Dr. Amanda Aldridge. Students developed presentations on technology tools and apps that they are currently utilizing in their student teaching classrooms. Dr. Tonya Thompson was a special guest presenter.
Additionally, Dr. Rodney Lewis and Dr. Melissa Daniels presented to school counselors and student teachers at the professional development workshop. Lindenwood staff members Elizabeth Ashcraft - Career Strategist, and Elizabeth Snell - Study Abroad, were also special guests at the virtual day-long event.
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Congratulations to Nathan and Robert For Their Exciting News! |
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Nathan Chandler
“About two weeks ago, I interviewed at Hayti High School (Hayti R-II) for an open English Language Arts instructor position. The staff that interviewed me were wonderful, and it was totally clear they loved and wanted what was best for their students. About an hour after the interview, the principal called me to say it was my job if I wanted it. After a couple of days, I called back and accepted the position (woooo!!!). I'll be working there in the fall while I complete my program and have already begun applying for a Temporary Authorization Certificate.”
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Robert Fountaine-Holman
“I was inducted to Sigma Tau Delta and nominated as Vice President; I was selected to present in the 2021 Student Research Conference.”
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Drs. Cypret-Mahach and Hutcheson Present at MACTE Conference
Dr. Ronda Cypret-Mahach and Dr. Jill Hutcheson were selected to present their research findings at the 2021 Spring MACTE (Missouri Association of Colleges of Teacher Education) conference. The theme of the conference, A Culture of Resilience, provided an opportunity for the two School of Education (SOE) faculty members to discuss their COVID-19 research data collected from parents, teachers, and administrators using a Qualtrics survey initiated in June 2020. The survey, Leading and Learning Through a Crisis – COVID 19, designed to gather data from the larger education community during the transition from classroom teaching to online teaching, was the focal point of the survey, along with Lindenwood School of Education’s response to the experience. The findings resulted in several initiatives within the SOE itself designed to prepare students for similar events in the future, assist practicing teachers with online teaching, and improving the current practices within the SOE.
The pair reported out on their findings by focusing on survey data and correlated them with SOE-related initiatives. The data revealed, not surprisingly, that teachers and parents were not ready for an abrupt move to online teaching. Educators’ responses focused on a lack of resources, training, and experience to make such a shift. Parents reported being overwhelmed by assisting their children or grandchildren with online educational tasks while working full-time. Parents, teachers, and administrators agreed the transition was not easy. They claimed it was chaotic, and unorganized. Not unexpected to educators was the social emotional toll the shift to online experience had on children.
The presentation titled, "Resilience: How an SOE Reimagined and Evolved During a Pandemic," featured a discussion of how Lindenwood University and the School of Education quickly met the needs of our students through innovative ideas, which now have become part of an even better and more efficient School of Education. The response was both innovative and transformative in meeting the needs of our students, faculty, and programs. Some examples include the creation of a virtual library of videos to replace and augment on-site practicum placements, the expanded use of technology tools such as Padlet and Google Classroom, along with pre-recorded instructional videos. The faculty has evolved with more competency and growth in technology, in fact, the majority of the School of Education faculty participated in online learning opportunities sponsored by the Learning Academy and Lindenwood Online. Faculty embraced the opportunity to learn more about technology and earned certificates from the following organizations, to name just a few: Quality Matters, Project Management Institute, Duke University, IDEO, and National Inclusive Excellence Leadership Academy.
The survey data made the researchers acutely aware, but not surprised, by difficulties teachers, leaders, parents, and learners experienced during the pandemic. Some of these difficulties include; the lack of training for teachers as they transitioned to online teaching, social-emotional concerns experienced by children and young adults due to lack of contact with their friends and companions, and feelings of loneliness and the need for contact with their classmates. The key outcome for the SOE is how the personal reactions to our survey fueled faculty to reimagine and evolve resulting in the creation of a week-long boot camp to assist teachers with the basics of teaching online. The SOE now has a new degree program the MA in Design and Implementing K-12 e-Learning and an associated 18-hour degree certificate. The needs of young people in our area schools echoed so loudly that arrangements are now in place for Dr. Bryan Pearlman to present a free presentation of Social Emotional Learning to faculty, staff, and parents in the near future.
To view Drs. Cypret-Mahach's and Hutcheson's presentation, click the first slide below.
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Current Ed.S. Student, Dr. Patrick Brown, Featured in Radio Roundtable Presentation
Current Lindenwood Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) student, Dr. Patrick Brown, was recently featured in a BAM Radio for the EDWeek roundtable presentation.
The title of the work was How to Teach Critical Thinking in an Era of Misinformation, Irrationality, and Rigidly-Held Beliefs. According to Dr. Brown, the focus of the broadcast was to discuss “why critical thinking is so crucial for students and how we can better meet students' needs by using more critical thinking in the classroom.”
Patrick is in the process of completing certification as a school administrator at Lindenwood and currently serves as Executive Director of STEM for the Fort Zumwalt School District. He also is the author of Instructional Sequence Matters, a series of books published by the National Science Teaching Association.
View the radio presentation here!
More information about Dr. Brown's book series here!
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Dr. Mitch Nasser Hosts Dissertation Support Zoom Meetings
Dr. Mitch Nasser, Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, is hosting a variety of Zoom meetings for dissertation support. Any students who are currently enrolled in or completed Capstone courses (I, II, III, and Experience) are encouraged to attend.
April 15: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Meeting ID: 889 5191 3689
Passcode: QfwPA6
May 14: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Meeting ID: 898 7583 6335
Passcode: g3KNw5
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Educational Leadership Faculty Spotlight
In an effort to help our readers get to know our faculty and adjuncts working in Educational Leadership, we will be spotlighting a member of our team each month. This month, our Spotlight is Dr. Lynda Leavitt.
What brought you to Lindenwood?
Paying attention to what I was doing on my vacations - sounds funny but true! I had been teaching as an adjunct at Lindenwood for about six years and I began taking vacation time, from my full-time position, to teach at LU at what was then a short session between the spring semester and when summer began. I loved teaching at Lindenwood! I remember talking with Dr. Boyle, the Dean of SOE at that time, continually asking, "When can I come onboard full time"? and he would always say we're not ready yet Lynda - we're not ready - but I kept asking and then the doctoral program began, and the opportunity presented itself, so I jumped at the chance to do something that I really loved doing - and I've been extremely fortunate since 2009.
What are your research interests?
Right now, my interests include creativity, innovation in education and design thinking. As an RSA (Royal Society of Arts) Fellow, I'm just finishing up on an international collaborative white paper titled, An Opportunity to Reimagine Learning.
Also, the state of work - I find this so interesting right now. For so many, work defines who they are. With the concept of work dramatically shifting from a traditional 40 hour a week experience to an anywhere/anytime virtual opportunity, how does that change one's perception of self and how we define "work"? What does it mean to really work in today's digital, 24/7 knowledge-based experience?
What motivates you as an educator?
Without a doubt the students I chair! What an honor it is to guide while instructing adult learners to reach one of their lifelong goals. There is no greater privilege.
Also, the ever-changing landscape of teaching and learning! Now more than ever there are so many opportunities to discover new ideas across so many platforms. The new learning never stops.
What do you like best about teaching?
The many relationships you build - watching a student have that "aha" moment is always exciting!
What impresses you about our students?
Their unwavering commitment to reaching their professional academic goal(s) amidst the craziness of a pandemic, while juggling all their home/career responsibilities - they amaze me!
What authors or books have influenced you personally and/or professionally?
Wow! That's a tough one there have been so many - One book that I still remember today I read while completing my MA in International Studies, The Most Dangerous Animal by David Livingstone Smith. I continue to find the duality of our human nature intriguing. Right now, I have on my nightstand Chatter by Ethan Kross and Think Again by Adam Grant, this month's picks from The Next Big Idea Club of which I am a member.
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Podcast Feature with Drs. Elder and Leavitt
Drs. Elder and Leavitt host the podcast, CapIT! which offers an alternative platform of communication for Lindenwood University doctoral students, on their journey to earning an Ed.D. degree. The purpose is to provide increased transparency for “all things dissertation” – as students strive to “Cap It!”! The latest episode of CapIT! features a “live” broadcast from their Lindenwood Learning Academy session on Using Podcasts in the Classroom.
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Dr. Pavone Received International Behavior Analyst Certification
Congratulations to Dr. Maggie Pavone (right) for receiving her International Behavior Analyst certification in March as part of our program's preparation for pursuing International program accreditation.
Additionally, our Behavior Analysis program received approval for re-verification for the behavior analysis course sequence, including permission from the Association for Behavior Analysis International to offer the program in both a hybrid and distance learning format.
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School of Education Provides DEI Training to Collinsville School District
Dr. Sarah Patterson-Mills and Dr. Tammy Moore completed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) series with Collinsville School District that is part of their DEI certificate, newly developed by their district with efforts being spearheaded by former alum, Illinois School Counseling President Elect, TaRael Keye. Over 65 educators attended each session which addressed diversity issues with LGBTQIA+ populations and their mental health needs in k-12 settings. In addition, microaggressions, implicit bias, and initiating change strategies through developing personal agency for change were discussed.
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Real World Experience in Action and in the Kitchen!
In a creative example of how Lindenwood behavior analysis students apply their skills beyond the classroom, when a community partner approached Dr. Pavone with a request for an innovative skill building program, she and fieldwork student Kathleen Egbert jumped at the opportunity. Kathleen worked with her onsite supervisors to apply what she has learned in her fieldwork courses to generate a real world experience for learners in the community. Kathleen used behavior analytic best practices to create a virtual cooking show experience for individuals with Autism who are learning life skills.
Kathleen’s program received accolades from Ashley Higdon, leadership and Senior Behavior Analyst at Applied Behavior Services. Kathleen was very impressed and shared this with additional community partners, clinics, and school locations.
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Dr. Patterson-Mills Featured in Podcast
The Asia Pacific Career Development Journal podcast, Behind the Science of Career Development just recorded an episode with Dr. Sarah Patterson-Mills that demonstrates an excellent cross-branded piece in conjunction with her series of Feature articles in Career Convergence.
You can hear the first 5 issues of the podcast here!
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Get Money Smart @ Lindenwood Kicks Off in April
The Economic Education Center (EEC) launches a new initiative called Get Money Smart @ Lindenwood. The program is designed to combat financial illiteracy among college students. Get Money Smart @ Lindenwood provides unique opportunities for students – as well as faculty, staff, and alumni – to learn relevant and practical financial information and skills, empowering them to make sound choices that lead to financial stability and security. Every Tuesday in April from 6pm-7pm, dynamic speakers will discuss practical personal finance issues and how to use economic reasoning to make financially sound decisions. For convenience, sessions will take place both online via Zoom and in person in Dunseth Auditorium (for Lindenwood students and faculty only). Participating students have the chance to win gift card prizes after every session. Faculty, encourage your students to participate in this free program.
April 6 | The Walking Debt: Securing Your Financial Freedom
April 13 | Financial Stress and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 20 | Budgeting: Change Your Destiny
April 27 | Invest Like Lindenwood: Learn Practical Investment Strategies
All events are FREE but registration is required.
Get Money Smart @ Lindenwood is part of the campus and community outreach of the Economic Education Center with support from the Lindenwood Pride Fund and the Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise.
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Lindenwood School of Education | lindenwood.edu/education
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