FALL 2021 CHANGING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION
PURDUE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION’S INNOVATION INITIATIVE: INNOVATING NEW PATHS TO SUCCESS FOR TODAY’S TEACHERS P. 4
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
LAUNCH
FROM THE DEAN
Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends, This past year has been one of challenges and opportunities. No one knew the impact that COVID-19 would bring to a large Big Ten institution like Purdue University and what it might mean for the College of Education. We took it in stride, offering face-to-face and online classes for our undergraduate and graduate students, the majority of which were hybrid in nature (combining the best of what in-person learning and online learning have to offer). We continued with in-school placements for our students and their supervisors conducted observations either in-person or virtually. Students diligently wore masks and engaged in physical distancing within our schools and across the university. They displayed the Boilermaker spirit of never giving up and followed the Protect Purdue Pledge without complaint. I was extremely proud of our students, faculty, and staff for making a difficult and uncertain situation one we will never soon forget. We pulled together and had a successful year!
campus seminars that culminate in an expanded student teaching internship during the students’ final year. One new clinical experience connects students to a community agency serving P-12 youth, expanding access to the rich and varied experiences that P-12 students bring to school.
As we begin fall 2021, we have enjoyed an even greater emphasis on being a residential campus, with a fountain run, donut truck event, and picnic to kick off a fun two weeks of being back together again. Be sure to check out photos from these fun events on pages 10-11.
Additional innovations include specific preparation for students to better meet the educational needs of all learners through new concentrations, including students with disabilities, those with gifts, talents, and creativity, and English language learners. Most students will choose one of these concentrations during their four-year program. Choosing the English language learner or students with gifts, talents, and creativity concentrations will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for an additional teaching license in those areas. There is also a concentration in applied behavior analysis that, with a few additional courses, can prepare students for national certification.
Most classes are offered face-to-face or hybrid for our students, and they are happy to be back on campus! Faculty and staff are as well! The campus is alive and it is wonderful to see. I am also pleased to report we have a distinct on-campus presence with our faculty and staff, keeping some elements of remote work mixed with oncampus work as we learned that most of us can be very productive working from home!
Classrooms in the United States present more complex challenges for today’s teachers. From ever-changing technology to evolving classroom management best practices, teacher education candidates need the right tools to help them succeed in their first classroom and stay in the field of education. We are preparing our students at the highest possible level so that they can assume teaching careers that change lives, one student at a time.
INNOVATION INITIATIVE: OUR NEW TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM
The College of Education is responding to the nation’s changing classrooms by launching its Innovation Initiative, or I2, the most comprehensive change in two decades to our teacher education curriculum. We launched the new program this fall and could not be prouder of the work done by our staff and faculty. Learn more on page 4. I2 incorporates the best of educational research and includes sustained and meaningful clinical experiences in P-12 schools, supported by university coursework. Field experiences are offered each semester combined with on-
Nancy Marchand-Martella Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education 2
ADMINISTRATION
FALL 2021 CHANGING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education: Nancy Marchand-Martella Director of Communication: Jennifer Merzdorf Website: https://www.education.purdue.edu/
LAUNCH
TO MAKE A GIFT TO THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, CONTACT Chelsea Coursey, Chief Development Officer (765) 496-3545, cjcoursey@purdueforlife.org https://www.education.purdue.edu/giving/
PURDUE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION’S INNOVATION INITIATIVE: INNOVATING NEW PATHS TO SUCCESS FOR TODAY’S TEACHERS P. 4
ON THE COVER In an evolving world, Purdue’s College of Education is innovating new paths to success for K-12 teachers. Learn about the Innovation Initiative, or I2, launched Fall 2021. See page 4.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Write to us at education@purdue.edu. Share your memories, react to a story, or let us know your thoughts about a particular issue. In doing so, you grant us permission to publish your letter in part or in whole in an upcoming issue. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.
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IN THIS ISSUE
Message from Dean Nancy Marchand-Martella . .......................................................................................... 2 Innovation Initiative: Innovating new paths to success for today’s teachers ....................... 4-7 Welcome New Faculty ................................................................................................................................................... 8 Faculty News and Awards........................................................................................................................................8-9 Moments in the College of Education ............................................................................................................10-11 2021-2022 Diversity Fellow Chrystal Johnson ................................................................................................12 Around the College of Education .....................................................................................................................13-17 Development News..........................................................................................................................................................19 GEMS@Purdue Announces Partnership with Sensory Spectrum.......................................................19
In an evolving world, Purdue’s College of Education is innovating new paths to success for K-12 teachers by Jennifer Merzdorf Make no mistake. The pandemic has set the table for seismic shifts in teaching methods in America’s elementary and secondary schools. But the need to evolve in a hypercompetitive and increasingly data and technology driven world has long been there. A newly launched Purdue University College of Education program is responding to that change. Called the Innovation Initiative, or I2, the most comprehensive change in two decades to the teacher education curriculum, the program is designed to meet students more where they are. It addresses, among other things, how to teach students with disabilities. And those academically gifted. And those who are English language learners. For teachers like TJ Rosa, who in the spring completed her first year of teaching at West Intermediate School, it will be a huge help. She says being adaptable in changing circumstances and environments is key to successfully managing the classroom. “Especially during the pandemic, everything is changing all the time in schools,” says Rosa, a 2020 Purdue College
of Education graduate and fourth-grade teacher. “Whether it’s new procedures and guidelines, schedules, or students coming in and out of quarantine, teachers have to be flexible. Even without the added stress of COVID, being able to adapt and problem-solve quickly in the classroom is a valuable skill.” Rosa says that students are also changing, and today’s classroom environments can present unexpected situations. Guided by research and evidence, I2 launched this fall and is built on six hallmarks that will empower education majors with the tools and experiences they need to effectively educate all students while confidently navigating classroom environments. Sustained and meaningful clinical experiences in P-12 schools, supported by university coursework, are essential in preparing teachers. I2 changes include field experiences each semester, combined with on-campus seminars, that culminate in an expanded student-teaching internship during the students’ final year, substantially expanding their instructional time in the classroom. One new clinical 4
experience connects students to a community agency serving P-12 youth, expanding Purdue students’ knowledge of the rich and varied experiences that P-12 students bring to school. Additional innovations include specific preparation for students to better meet the needs of all learners through new concentrations. All students will have coursework and experiences learning to better meet the education needs of students with disabilities, those with gifts, talents, and creativity, and English learners. Most students will choose one of these concentrations to more fully explore as a part of their four-year program. Choosing the English learner or students with gifts, talents, and creativity concentrations prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills for an additional teaching license in those areas. Alternatively, students can choose a concentration in applied behavior analysis which will provide students with specialized skills needed for applying behavior analytic procedures to teach new behaviors and skills and decrease undesired behaviors in school settings. “An additional exciting innovation is that all teacher education students will now meet the requirements for an Indiana additional license in online/blended teaching,” explains Kathryn Obenchain, associate dean for learning, engagement and global initiatives in the College of Education and professor of social studies education.
Obenchain says that preparation for the additional license is seamlessly integrated through students’ four-year program. “Here is an example of what this could mean. If a student chooses to major in elementary education at Purdue, they will choose a concentration—say English learners. That means that upon successful completion of their fouryear program and passing the state’s required licensure examinations, the student would have an initial teaching license in elementary education with add-on licenses in both teaching English learners and online/blended teaching, resulting in three licenses in a four-year program!” Obenchain explains that a final innovation is the development of a mentoring program. “We know that the first few years of teaching can be a challenge, so the College of Education is going to stay with our graduates, supporting them through a mentoring experience for the first two years of their teaching career,” she says. Nancy Marchand-Martella, the Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Purdue’s College of Education notes, “With the Innovation Initiative, our graduates will be prepared with the knowledge and skills to better meet the evolving environment of P-12 schools. None of us know what the schools of tomorrow will look like, but Purdue graduates will be better prepared to address student needs and be capable partners with their fellow educators.”
Local students harvest produce as part of the summer garden and nutrition program of Heads Up at Country Villa in West Lafayette. (Photo: Pauline Shen)
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SIX INNOVATION HALLMARKS
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Guaranteed, specialized preparation
More hands-on experience
Year-long student teaching
Community-based learning experience
Preparation in virtual instruction
Induction and mentoring
More experience, more variety, more versatility. Every education major selects an area of specialization, making their skills more marketable after graduation. Majors can pick from the following pathways:
College of Education majors participate in a field placement every semester, paired with a weekly one-hour seminar for deep reflection, planning and collaboration with their teaching peers.
We’ve developed a new student teaching structure where majors within the College of Education can get a full school year in the classroom — some may even be paid for it.
We recognize the important role that family and community support plays in the education of a child. To gain practical understanding of the “whole child,” we connect student teachers to community agencies such as 4-H, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America or Lafayette Urban Ministry.
Now that virtual instruction has become a critical component in the new normal of educating children, we’re preparing education majors to teach effectively in a variety of technologicallyrich environments.
Our induction and mentoring program provides regular touchpoints for new teachers after graduation. For their first two years, new teachers will continue to be connected to and mentored by their Purdue teaching community with monthly online meetings.
English language learners Gifted and talented Special education Applied Behavioral Analysis
Classrooms in the United States look much different and present more complex challenges for today’s teachers. From ever-changing technology to evolving classroom management best practices, teacher education candidates need the right tools to help them succeed in their first classroom and stay in the field of education. “As a member of Purdue’s Teacher Education Council, it was exciting as a P-12 public school superintendent to hear about these initiatives that will directly impact our schools,” says Colleen Moran, superintendent of North Montgomery Community School Corporation. “Ensuring that all teaching candidates will be placed in a field experience each semester is essential in their preservice training.” Moran stresses the need for educators who are competent, caring, and committed to teaching and learning, noting that the expansion of field experiences will provide opportunities to foster their growth before they enter the classroom as the teacher. Based on groundbreaking faculty research and contributions of education experts at Purdue University, and with input from K-12 administrators and Purdue teacher candidates, I2 is designed to prepare teachers to effectively educate each learner in every type of classroom.
“I am grateful for the work and dedication in creating the Innovation Initiative,” says Judi Hendrix, executive director of the Wabash Valley Education Center in West Lafayette. “A lot has changed in education over the past 20 years and the Purdue College of Education listened to the needs from stakeholders while developing this initiative.” With I2, each of Purdue’s teacher education programs will prepare candidates utilizing With the Innovation Initiative, our a holistic graduates will be prepared with the approach knowledge and skills to better meet the by offering real-world evolving environment of P-12 schools. experiences while completing their degree, better preparing graduates for their own classroom. The I2 curriculum focuses on more field experience in schools, community-connected field experiences, preparation for hybrid and virtual teaching, mentoring for teacher candidates beyond graduation, and meeting the needs of all learners. Community leaders anticipate I2 will support further development of the valuable relationships with Purdue 6
teacher education students, providing them with an understanding of the learners they teach, not just the subjects they are teaching. “Any opportunity to work with students is invaluable to both the at-risk student and the college student,” says Pauline Shen, community advocate and director of Heads-Up, a tutoring and mentoring program for low-income youth. “Measuring this outcome is almost impossible because it may be years before you see the result, but you have to start somewhere. The local community always benefits when college students learn about someone else, their environment, their lives, and what their struggle is with daily life. It teaches diversity, tolerance and the complexity of life to the college students, and it gives hope to the younger students.” Undertaking a large-scale curricular reform was a tremendous task, Marchand-Martella explains. Yet, the existing responsibilities of College of Education faculty and staff did not pause as they undertook this work. It was essential to provide a variety of support to faculty and staff for this additional and substantial effort. Jay Akridge, Purdue’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, and a financial
Faculty and staff break off into focus groups at a Teacher Education Reform summit in late January.
College of Education teacher preparation students met with representatives from community organizations at the EDCI 350 Community Partner Fair on September 2. (Photo: Abigail Laufman)
commitment from the College of Education allowed for the hire of two visiting professors in the first year of the I2. This enabled two education faculty members to work exclusively on innovation efforts. “Provost Akridge and the College of Education demonstrated a clear investment in I2 and in teacher education at Purdue,” Obenchain says. P-12 classroom teachers like Rosa believe that future Purdue Education graduates will be even better equipped to manage a variety of classroom experiences while supporting all learners. “Kids are changing all the time, and they can always throw something at you that you weren’t expecting. Technology can fail in the middle of a lesson, supplies can run out, and students can need more or less support than you may have planned for. Being able to go with the flow and model that for your students helps them in the present day and as they learn to be problem solvers themselves.” 2020 Purdue College of Education graduate and fourth-grade teacher TJ Rosa says that being able to adapt and problem-solve quickly in the classroom is a valuable skill. I2 will empower education majors with the tools and experiences they need to effectively educate all students while confidently navigating classroom environments. (Photo: TJ Rosa)
Read the Purdue News announcement about the Innovation Initiative: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2021/Q3/ in-an-evolving-world,-purdues-college-of-education-innovatingnew-paths-to-success-for-k-12-teachers.html
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2021 NEW FACULTY
WELCOME COLLEGE OF EDUCATION NEW FACULTY College of Education welcomes six new faculty for 2021-2022 by Kathryn Cockerill how preservice teachers plan and enact equitable literacy practices with K-5 students using diverse children’s picture books.
Purdue University College of Education is pleased to welcome six new faculty members for the 2021-2022 academic year: Dr. Rawan Atari-Khan, Dr. Luke Bennett, Dr. Helen Bentley, Dr. Jason Morphew, Dr. David Premont, and Dr. David C. Stanley Jr.
Dr. Jason Morphew is a Visiting Assistant Professor
of Science Education & Engineering Education in the Curriculum and Instruction department. Dr. Morphew received his doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Morphew’s research areas include learning from both an embodied cognition and a constructivist perspective, and how students interact with learning technologies in self-regulated learning environments.
Dr. Rawan Atari-Khan is an Assistant Professor of
Counseling Psychology in the Educational Studies department. Dr. Atari-Khan received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University. Dr. Atari-Khan’s research areas include cross-cultural psychology, the mental health of Arab and Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) immigrant and refugee communities, and well-being/quality of life, resilience, and ethnic/racial identity development.
Dr. David Premont is a Visiting Assistant Professor of
Dr. Luke Bennett is an Assistant Clinical Professor of
English Education in the Curriculum and Instruction department. Dr. Premont received his doctorate in English Education at Purdue University. Dr. Premont’s research areas include writing teacher education, and tension in writing curricula and which strategies help English Language Arts teachers navigate such tension.
Learning Design and Technology in the Curriculum and Instruction department. Dr. Bennett received his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Bennett’s research areas include the management and pedagogy in emerging learning spaces and teaching and learning in virtual and augmented reality environments.
Dr. David C. Stanley Jr. is an Assistant Professor of
Dr. Helen Bentley is joining as an Assistant Clinical
Counseling Psychology in the Educational Studies department. Dr. Stanley received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Stanley’s research areas include mentoring, resilience in underrepresented groups, and strategies to establish healthy communication, as well as research qualitative methodologies, racial/ethnic minority mental health and multicultural issues.
Professor of Literacy & Language in the Curriculum and Instruction department. Dr. Bentley received her doctorate from Purdue University. Dr. Bentley’s research interests focus on social justice work that is embedded in both critical and equity literacy approaches to identity and pre-service teacher education. Her scholarship examines 8
By Conner Porter
Purdue University College of Education announced Heads for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Educational Studies, effective July 1, 2021. Dr. Janet Alsup (right) was reappointed as Head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for a second three-year term. “Dr. Alsup has been a trusted leader in our College,” said Dr. Nancy Marchand-Martella, the Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education. “I have appreciated her conscientious and steadfast commitment to both departments over the past two years.” Dr. Alsup joined Purdue College of Education in 2000 as an Assistant Professor of English Education and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2005 and Full Professor in 2011. She earned her B.S.Ed. in English Education Dr. Janet Alsup, Department Head, Curriculum and (1989), M.Ed. in English Education (1992), and a PhD in English Education Instruction (2000), all from University of Missouri-Columbia. In 2005, Dr. Alsup was awarded the Charles B. Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching, the University’s highest undergraduate teaching honor. Over the next three years of her term, Professor Alsup will help the department transition to an innovative, new curriculum focused on increased field experiences, community engagement, and enhanced opportunities for undergraduates to learn to teach diverse student populations. She will also continue to support and grow the department’s nationally ranked online master’s programs. Dr. Ayşe Çiftçi (left), Professor of Counseling Psychology and Associate Department Head of Educational Studies at Purdue University, has been named as the new Department Head of Educational Studies. “Dr. Çiftçi is deeply committed to our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion and building community,” said Dr. Nancy Marchand-Martella, the Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education. “I look forward to her leadership as department head in 2021-2022.” Dr. Çiftçi joined Purdue’s College of Education in 2006 as an Assistant Professor of Educational Studies in Counseling Psychology and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2012 and Full Professor in 2020. She earned her B.S. in Educational Sciences (1991) and M.S. in Psychological Counseling and Guidance, both from Middle East Technical University (2001), and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis (2006). Dr. Ayşe Çiftçi, Department Head, Educational Studies
Dr. Çiftçi is excited to lead the Department of Educational Studies, particularly during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged the strength and resilience of communities in previously unimaginable ways. As the Department Head, she will guide the Department into the post-pandemic era by strengthening the Department’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and by building a community that is strong both internally and externally.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JANET ALSUP
https://www.education.purdue.edu/dr-janet-alsupre-appointed-department-head-of-curriculuminstruction/
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. AYŞE ÇIFTÇI
https://www.education.purdue.edu/dr-ayse-ciftciappointed-department-head-of-educational-studies/ 9
DEPARTMENT HEADS
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES DEPARTMENT HEADS
MOMENTS IN EDU
MOMENTS IN THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Purdue University College of Education kicked off the 2021-2022 academic year with several events to welcome students back to the West Lafayette campus. Pictured below is the annual Boiler Gold Rush ice cream social and fountain run with Dean Nancy Marchand-Martella on August 20. Watch the Dean’s Fountain Run video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RkTbxyy7BkU
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The College of Education hosted Welcome Back Donuts and Coffee for all College of Education students, featuring the Mary Lou’s donut truck on August 24. On August 27, all faculty, staff, and graduate students were invited to the Annual College of Education Picnic at Happy Hollow Park.
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MOMENTS IN EDU
2021 BACK TO CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
EDUCATION NEWS
CHRYSTAL JOHNSON: COLLEGE OF EDUCATION 2021-2022 DIVERSITY FELLOW by Jennifer Merzdorf Educational Progress (NAEP)-Civic results across school types. She continues to examine issues of identity and motivation in character and civic development. She currently serves as Program Coordinator for Social Studies Education.
Purdue University’s College of Education announced the appointment of Dr. Chrystal Johnson, Associate Professor of Social Studies Education, as the 2021-2022 Diversity Fellow on May 24. Dr. Johnson will follow Dr. Ayşe Çiftçi, the inaugural College of Education Diversity Fellow.
“The Diversity Fellow is vital to the College’s vision for an inclusive learning community. It is my goal to enhance the cultural, academic, and pre-professional experience of undergraduate and graduate students, with an emphasis on those from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Dr. Johnson. With the input of Dean Marchand-Martella and Dr. Çiftçi, Dr. Johnson will complete several key action items during her tenure as Diversity Fellow, including meeting regularly with historically underrepresented faculty, staff, and In this moment, I believe the College students. is strategically positioned to advance
The Diversity Fellow program was launched in 2020 at the direction of Dean Nancy Marchand-Martella, the Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of the College of Education, in response to a proposal from Dr. Ayşe Çiftçi to address issues of diversity and equity in the College. Dr. Çiftçi’s proposal included several important diversity initiatives to raise awareness and educate faculty, staff, and students and included strategies to review, revise, and monitor the progress and attention to diversity and inclusivity.
equity, diversity, and inclusion through Additionally, Dr. engagement, research, and teaching. Johnson plans to conduct a day-long retreat bringing together College of Education leadership and key stakeholders from the Office of Diversity Initiatives (ODI); Equity and Diversity Committee; historically underrepresented faculty, staff, and students; and historically underrepresented community members, alumni, and guests from other colleges and units. The goal of the retreat will be to review existing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; to discuss the ideas submitted from each program area; and to develop strategies aligned to the new College strategic plan as they impact diversity, equity, and inclusion through a sustainability lens.
“Dr. Johnson’s work on race and civic and character development and her passion for social studies education make her uniquely qualified for this Fellow position,” said Dean Marchand-Martella. “As Diversity Fellow, Dr. Johnson will continue and expand upon the work that Dr. Çiftçi started and keep us focused on critical issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Dr. Johnson is an Associate Professor of Social Studies Education and Past President of African American Educators for Social Studies and the Indiana Council for the Social Studies. She has served as Program Chair and Treasurer for the College and University Assembly of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) as well as a Dean’s Fellow in the College of Education. Recently, Dr. Johnson served on the Purdue Equity Task Force. She is currently the Secretary/Treasurer for the Charters and School Choice Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).
Dr. Johnson is looking forward to the opportunities of the coming year. “In this moment, I believe the College is strategically positioned to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through engagement, research, and teaching. Numerous initiatives established by my predecessor not only supported the equity, diversity, and inclusion work of our faculty, staff, and students, but also sparked conversations that I hope to continue throughout the academic year. I look forward to working with Dean Marchand-Martella, faculty, staff, and students to accomplish key goals.”
Her scholarly contributions in the fields of character education, civic development, and social studies have been published in top-tier journals as well as in the AERA Handbook of Research on Teachers of Color. Specifically, her research focuses on race, civic and character development, and schools of choice. Her conference presentations have addressed Black youth civic engagement perspectives in an era of Black Lives Matter and apparent differences in National Assessment of
ABOUT CHRYSTAL JOHNSON
Learn more about Dr. Chrystal Johnson: https://www. education.purdue.edu/faculty-profiles/name/ chrystal-johnson/ 12
Stephanie J. Masta
Patricia M. Morita-Mullaney
Nielsen Pereira
Kharon D. Grimmet
Eric D. Deemer
Jill A. Newton
Anatoli Rapoport
Purdue University’s Board of Trustees approved promotions for seven College of Education faculty members on April 9, 2021. The promotions are effective beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year. Congratulations to the following College of Education faculty members.
Promoted to Full Professor: Eric D. Deemer, Professor of Educational Studies Jill A. Newton, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Anatoli Rapoport, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
Promoted to Associate Professor with tenure: Stephanie J. Masta, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Patricia M. Morita-Mullaney, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Nielsen Pereira, Associate Professor of Educational Studies
Two joint faculty were also promoted by the Board of Trustees. Congratulations to:
Promoted to Clinical Associate Professor: Kharon D. Grimmet, Clinical Associate Professor of Educational Studies
Read the Purdue News announcement: https://www.purdue.edu/ newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2021/Q2/faculty-promotions-atpurdue-approved-by-board.html
Promoted to Associate Professor with tenure: Hui-Hui Wang, College of Agriculture Muhsin Menekse, College of Engineering
Dr. Tara Star Johnson Receives College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award Dr. Tara Star Johnson, Program Convener, Director of English Education, and Associate Professor of Literacy and Language in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, received the 2020-2021 College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, the highest teaching honor presented by Liberal Arts. Learn more: https://www.education.purdue.edu/dr-tara-star-johnson-receives-college-ofliberal-arts-outstanding-undergraduate-teaching-award/ Tara Star Johnson
Dr. Brenda Capobianco selected as Fulbright U.S. Scholar Dr. Brenda Capobianco, Professor of Science Education in the College of Education at Purdue University, has been awarded the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2021-2022. Dr. Capobianco will conduct research at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) where she will investigate the integration of engineering design as a means of supporting the development of high-quality STEM teachers. Her research will focus on how the two constructs – learning to teach science using engineering design and engaging in action research to support STEM learning – intersect and facilitate science teacher development. Dr. Capobianco’s research will entail interviewing and observing science teacher educators and preservice science teachers at the NUIG. She will contribute her expertise in action research through research modules, doctoral seminars, and workshops with undergraduate and graduate students in science teacher education. Additionally, she will assist her Irish colleagues on funded projects situated in the local schools.
Dr. Brenda Capobianco, Professor of Science Education
“Unlike my NSF awards, Fulbright grants me a prolonged period of time to explore and experience first-hand the different ways my colleagues in Ireland respond to their national call for improved STEM teacher preparation,” explained Dr. Capobianco. “Equally important will be the opportunity for my Irish colleagues to share their expertise in curriculum development, reform-based teaching, and scholarly research in preparing the next generation of high-quality STEM educators.” Learn more about Dr. Brenda Capobianco, Fulbright U.S. Scholar: https://www.education.purdue.edu/dr-brenda-capobianco-receives-fulbright-u-sscholar-award-to-ireland-to-study-engineering-design-integration-in-stem-education/ 13
AROUND THE COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FACULTY PROMOTIONS APPROVED BY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AROUND THE COLLEGE
COE Graduate student Shawn Wooden named Holmes Scholar
August 2021.
Shawn Wooden, a graduate student in the College of Education, has been named the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education 2021 Holmes Scholar at Purdue. Wooden began the threeyear appointment in
Purdue University’s College of Education has sponsored the Holmes Scholars Program to support the retention and graduation of doctoral students committed to improving the representation and development of historically underrepresented communities. Wooden’s primary research interest is the personal and professional experiences of African-American Educators. “Specifically, I would like to collect the pre-service and vocational successes and difficulties of Black and Brown teachers in Indiana,” said Wooden. “My focus will be to conduct a Qualitative Narrative Inquiry of their journey through the preparation as well as the execution of their careers. The research questions of this study will focus on the motivation and support that encouraged these professionals to become teachers. Queries will also put attention on the systemic hurdles they overcame to reach their professional objectives.”
“Being recognized as a Holmes Scholar is a significant honor,” said Wooden. “I am humbled by the opportunity to learn alongside other scholars at Purdue and across all of academia. I believe that this scholarship will have a significant impact on my development as a researcher and on my work as an educator.” Established in 1991, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Scholars Program supports students enrolled in doctoral programs in education with a demonstrated commitment to improving the representation and supporting the development of historically underrepresented communities in the education professoriate or in leadership positions in education and education research fields. Since 2008,
Wooden’s objective is that this research will be used by universities and school corporations as they work to recruit, support, and retain Black and Brown educators. Learn more about Shawn Wooden, 2021 Holmes Scholar at Purdue: https://www. education.purdue.edu/college-of-education-graduate-studentshawn-wooden-named-holmes-scholar/
Dr. Heather Servaty-Seib named Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning The Office of the Provost announced that Dr. Heather Servaty-Seib, professor of counseling psychology in the College of Education and associate dean for student life in the Honors College, has been named associate vice provost for teaching and learning. Dr. Servaty-Seib served as interim associate vice provost of teaching and learning since May 2020 and previously served as associate head of educational studies. She will work most directly with Teaching and Learning units focused on student success, academic advising, exploratory studies and career success. Dr. Servaty-Seib will also be engaged in efforts to expand effective use of student data to inform teaching and learning practices. Learn more at: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2021/Q3/servaty-seibnamed-associate-vice-provost-for-teaching-and-learning.html
Dr. Hua-Hua Chang receives 2021 NCME Award for Career Contributions Dr. Hua-Hua Chang, Professor of Educational Psychology and Research Methodology in Purdue University’s College of Education, received the 2021 Award for Career Contributions from the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME), a professional organization for individuals involved in assessment, evaluation, testing, and other aspects of educational measurement. Dr. Chang’s research has focused primarily on improving educational measurements and he has made numerous pioneering contributions to several areas, such as computerized adaptive testing, cognitive diagnosis modeling, statistically screening potentially biased items, and foundation of item response theory. Dr. Chang has made pivotal influences on the field of Education with over 150 chapters, books, encyclopedia entries and referred journal articles that have influenced many scholars in the field. Learn more: https://www.education.purdue.edu/dr-chang-receives-2021-career-contributions-award-from-national-councilon-measurement-in-education/ 14
Purdue University’s newest graduates in teacher education were honored on Friday, May 14, 2021 during a live virtual pinning ceremony from Loeb Playhouse welcoming them into the teaching profession. The agenda included prepared remarks from Dr. Jennifer Barce, Assistant Dean for Teacher Education; Dr. Nancy Marchand-Martella, the Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education; Keynote Speaker Ms. Lauri Vitale, Klondike Elementary fifth-grade teacher and Purdue Education alumna (2012), and finalist for 2019 Indiana Teacher of the Year; Recitation of Oath led by Dr. David Eichinger, Associate Professor of Science Education; and Announcement of New Professionals by Dr. Jacquelyn Thomas-Miller, Director of the Office of Advising and Retention. Watch the complete ceremony on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2BjY-gz0DOc
Ten College of Education undergraduates receive IACTE Outstanding Future Educators Awards
College of Education undergraduates receive ORU Conference awards Purdue’s Office of Undergraduate Research (ORU) announced the award recipients from the ORU Conference, which included more than 750 student researchers and nearly 400 presentations. Congratulations to the following College of Education undergraduate students:
Congratulations to ten undergraduate students in Purdue University’s College of Education, named as recipients of the Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (IACTE) Outstanding Future Educators Award.
Academic Unit Awards – Research Talks 1st Place “Investigating the Frequency and Nature of Social Justice References in the Teacher Education Program Curriculum at Purdue University” by Julia Pirrello 2nd Place “Telehealth Parent Coaching in Naturalistic Communication Intervention” by Alana Lorts and Brianna Coster
These outstanding future educators excelled during their clinical practice and exhibit professional promise. Supervisors and cooperating teachers were asked to nominate teacher candidates who went above and beyond the expectations set before them in student teaching.
3rd Place “Investigating Identity Development in Informal STEM Learning Spaces: A Case Study of Girls Excelling in Mathematics and Science (GEMS) Clubs” by Michaela Rice
Congratulations to these ten students: Laura Benne–Special Education Katelyn Brothers–Special Education Michaela Cook–Elementary Education Dana Johnson–Art Education Grace Klopfenstein–Agricultural Education Erin Maneke–Mathematics Education Cassandra Marquez–English Education Elizabeth Miller–Elementary/Special Education Dual Irene Pappas–Elementary Education Joshua Wolf–Online Masters Special Education Program
Academic Unit Awards – Posters 1st Place “Breaking Bread, Breaking Bread: Developing Positive Relationships with Elementary-Aged Students with Disabilities” by Zoe Johnson and Nadia Crace 2nd Place “Spatial Analysis: Priming of Shapes in Tangram Puzzles” by Alexandra Foster 3rd Place “Differentiation in an Inclusion Classroom” by Helen Zoss
WE HAVE SWAG! education.purdue.edu/swag
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AROUND THE COLLEGE
2021 Purdue teaching graduates honored during live virtual pinning ceremony
Faculty Awards and Honors Laura Bofferding, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Purdue Faculty Engagement Scholar
Chrystal Johnson, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Purdue Insights Forum Program Fellow
JoAnn Phillion, Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 2021 Purdue Engagement Award
Amanda Case, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Studies, 2021 Purdue Engagement Award
Nadine Dolby, Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 2021 Purdue Jefferson Award
Siddika Selcen Guzey, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 2021 Christian J. Foster Award
Toni Kempler Rogat, Associate Professor, Department of Educational Studies, 2021 Kinley Trust Award
Xiang Zhou, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Studies, 2021 Center for Families Kontos Faculty Fellowship
Ackerman Center hosts 16th annual Constitution Day Purdue’s James F. Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship hosted the 16th annual Constitution Day at the Purdue Memorial Union on September 17, celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine of the 55 Delegates to the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787. Congress passed a law in 2004 designating Sept. 17 as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.” The law requires that “each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program” on the Constitution annually on that date. “This year’s event is especially meaningful. Constitution Day 2021 is an approved Civics Literacy Proficiency event in Purdue’s newly adopted Civics Literacy graduation requirement for all incoming undergraduate students,” said Dr. Phillip VanFossen, Director of the Ackerman Center and Ackerman Distinguished Professor of Social Studies Education in the College of Education. “That means students who choose the civic events pathway to fulfill their Civic Literacy Proficiency requirement will be able to count Constitution Day as their first civics event.” Learn more about the 2021 Constitution Day events: https://www.education.purdue.edu/ackerman-center-hosts16th-annual-constitution-day/ 16
we can bring critical pieces together to help those who need more focused supports,” said Dr. Nancy MarchandMartella, the Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Purdue’s College of Education. “At no other time in recent memory has reading been on the minds of so many; we anticipate the conversation showcased commonalities across a range of fields engaged in making our society a more literate one.”
Purdue University’s College of Education brought together leading literacy scholars at a virtual conference, Building Consensus: Aligning Reading Research with Practice, held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. The conference allowed scholars in the field of literacy to engage in dialogue with the goal of crafting a statement about reading research and the development of reading instruction that can be presented to audiences outside academia, including legislators and parents.
Conference Chair Dr. Melanie R. Kuhn, the Jean Adamson Stanley Faculty Chair in Literacy at Purdue, explained that College of Education faculty will continue the conversations from the conference at future professional literacy meetings.
Incorporating a full slate of discussions involving leading researchers in the field of literacy education, language development, and special education, the one-day conference facilitated discussion in the areas of commonality in relation to reading development and instruction. Researchers from Stanford University, the University of California – Berkeley, University of Maryland, William & Mary, Michigan State University, and other institutions joined Purdue College of Education faculty and researchers.
“We hope this conference will lead to dialogue that continues across fields and highlights areas of agreement among participants,” said Dr. Kuhn. “We plan to continue this discussion, potentially through a virtual speaker series, online interactions between attendees, and at future education conferences.” Dr. Kuhn also said that proceedings from Building Consensus: Aligning Reading Research with Practice will be submitted to leading education journals so that larger audiences can be impacted by the conference outcomes.
The agenda was built around roundtable discussions, and Purdue College of Education doctoral students were involved in the implementation of the breakout groups.
Learn more: https://www.education.purdue.edu/ college-of-education-hosts-leading-literacy-scholars-atupcoming-conference/
“The Purdue College of Education was proud to host a virtual forum on reading research and instruction, inviting many of the best professionals in the country to engage in important dialogue on reading curriculum for PreK-grade 3 and how
College of Education conducts memorial service to honor family, friends lost to COVID-19 Purdue’s College of Education conducted a memorial service on September 24, 2021 to honor loved ones in the College lost due to COVID-19. Names of family and friends were read aloud by Dean Nancy Marchand-Martella as part of the service. In their honor, a Magnolia tree was planted in the area outside of the north entrance of Beering Hall. This beautiful tree will flower annually in early spring.
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Literacy scholarship conference hosted by College of Education
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
ESTATE PLANNING: WHY DO WE ASK? Have you given thought to what your legacy might look and feel like at Purdue? Have you ever considered including the College of Education in your legacy plans? If so, we would like to know. Please allow us a moment to share with you why we are so curious. We recognize that estate plan details are private and the subject matter is sensitive. Please know that when we reach out to follow up, we intend to do so with the utmost respect and will always have your privacy in mind. Further conversations surrounding your plans are important for several reasons. Planned gifts play a critical role in sustaining the university, and we want to thank you for your foresight and generosity during your lifetime. Additionally, we want to ensure a clear understanding on our end and yours concerning your intent. When you share what is most meaningful to you, we check to be sure that we can carry out your wishes. Perhaps you are undecided on what you want your gift to eventually do? We will strive to present you with options for consideration that you may not have considered or even thought possible. Finally, sharing the details of your gift helps us to better plan for Purdue’s future. We compile and track planned gifts in an effort to best understand where we may have funding gaps in the future that can be addressed now. As always, we thank you for considering including Purdue in your legacy plans!
Chelsea Coursey
Chief Development Officer College of Education Contact Chelsea to learn more about giving options at 765-496-3545 or cjcoursey@purdueforlife.org
FAST FACTS ON THE SECURE ACT As we move toward the end of 2021, we move toward new opportunities for financial planning. You may want to familiarize yourself with a few changes per the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act, passed in December 2019. Highlights pertaining to retirement planning are outlined here: • The age for mandatory Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts has been increased to age 72 from age 70½ for those who will be turning 70½ during 2020 and later. If you turned 70½ before December 31, 2019, the old rules apply. Never have half birthdays been so relevant! • The maximum age for contributing to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), which used to be 70½, has been eliminated for individuals who still have earned income. Those choosing to work into their 70s may now elect to contribute some of that income toward an IRA and, perhaps, receive favorable tax treatment for doing so. • The Stretch IRA has been eliminated. Now, individuals who inherit an IRA must distribute the IRA assets, and pay tax on them, within 10 years of the original account owner’s death. There are some exceptions: surviving spouses, chronically ill or disabled heirs, and minors. With additional planning, such as the utilization of a testamentary charitable remainder trust (CRT), these inconveniences may be avoidable.
Students participate in hands-on STEM activities during GEMS at Purdue Day, hosted by Purdue University College of Education, March 2019. (Photo: Purdue University) Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) at Purdue University announced on Wednesday, September 29 the formation of a new partnership with Sensory Spectrum, a leader in the field of product and consumer research. The partnership will support cultivating interest in and exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields by young girls and women. Started in 1994 by Purdue University alumna Laura Reasoner Jones (1973), GEMS clubs encourage students, especially girls, to pursue education and careers in STEM fields, particularly technology, engineering, and related high-paying, entrepreneurial enterprises. GEMS clubs strive to ensure that a child sees themselves as a change agent or a problem-solver, a possible technology entrepreneur, engineer, or a scientist, and as a person who makes a difference. In 2018, administration of GEMS was transferred to Purdue’s College of Education and the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST), supporting and increasing efforts to grow participation of women in STEM, while providing opportunities for STEM education, math education, science education, and elementary education teachers to gain valuable professional experience within the GEMS program. Sensory Spectrum is a woman-owned and primarily womenoperated business currently celebrating their 35th year in business. The company has grown from a 1-woman homebased operation to an organization with facilities in New
Jersey and North Carolina, sensory departments located within multiple major companies, and several remote employees across the country. Their mission is to generate high quality sensory information for insight and action-based decision making by linking consumer and product understanding; creating and extending sensory methodology; and educating and empowering people with integrity, collaboration, and a sense of fun. “Our team of food scientists, social scientists, statisticians, computer experts, and more love what we do and have always enjoyed helping others find their spark,” said Sensory Spectrum Founder and President, Gail Vance Civille. “We know that fostering an interest in STEM fields starts at an early age and how important it is to encourage and support girls as they develop into young women ready to enter the workforce. Women scientists are critical to the success of companies and governments in the future.” As part of the education initiative in the new partnership, Sensory Spectrum will meet virtually with GEMS chapters, starting with a kickoff presentation with Ms. Civille this fall.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about GEMS@Purdue: https://gems. education.purdue.edu/home/stem-clubs-for-girls/ Learn more about Sensory Spectrum: https://www. sensoryspectrum.com/
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
GEMS@PURDUE ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SENSORY SPECTRUM
Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Purdue University
Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education 100 N. University Street West Lafayette, IN 47907-2098
College of Education students joined Dean Nancy Marchand-Martella on August 20, 2021 before the annual fountain run through Loeb Fountain. See more photos on page 10-11.
