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Dentist Changing Lives One Smile at a Time
What the Division of Diversity and Inclusion Does to Help Ensure Culturally Competent Teachers by Dr Ken Coopwood Unite Contributing Writer
change in faculty and administrators? We all know that the diversity of students Soon it will be that in the Springfield time again. Students Public Schools (SPS) returning to school, and at Missouri State ready to learn… hopeUniversity (MSU) has fully, full of excitement outpaced its faculty about being in the next diversity over recent grade, meeting new years. And of course, Ken Coopwood transfers, and rekindling the question about friendships after the summer. how well SPS, MSU and others However certain the routine of are doing with diversifying their starting a new school year, there faculty is a legitimate one. But is one question that continues as we face this lack of faculty to remains uncertain: Who else diversity in critical places, anwill students see in terms of other legitimate question should
be addressed: How can we help those who really want to serve students from all backgrounds do a better job at teaching? The Division for Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) at MSU takes this question seriously. We do so because, as a recent article by Gregory Michie in Huff Post Education stated, “Schools should be spaces where kids explore the unfamiliar, but also see their own lived experiences validated and valued.” SPS and MSU students need to see themselves in what they are taught and by whom they are taught. This means that we need a critical mass of teachers in K-12 and secondary education to effectively decrease the number of students who become “educated” without ever understanding the relevance of their education to their own lives. Is this what we want…to have the only face that looks like the student of color in a text book be their own? Oh no! We’ve got life-changing work to do. The DDI will respond in a few ways this fall to the call for “creating mirrors” as the Michie article calls it. For starters, the MSU faculty development series
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and the DDI diversity education series have been merged to create an inclusive year-round slate of venues that will help educators learn more about cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The series is called Shattering the Silences for its intentional effort to showcase truth about various diversity related topics. We will also ramp up our early access programs such as STEP (Student Transition Education Program) and YEP (Youth Empowerment Program) to include sessions that not only support teacher/student relationships, but also provide input from parents. In addition, throughout the year, news about teacher cultural education, conferences, articles and blogs will be posted on the DDI website so that any teacher may access this information and incorporate ways to better connect with underrepresented students. These efforts in no way should be mistaken for the real thing: a diverse faculty to teach a diverse student body. The research is clear. Students whose racial, cultural, linguistic, or economic backgrounds differ significantly from that of the mainstream need faculty who can bridge the gap between education and relevance. DDI will do its share to close this gap… but it takes the whole village/ community to raise a child. -African Proverb Meanwhile, let’s support the teachers we have while we recruit more of those we need.
Bowie, MD — Do you have crooked teeth, buck teeth or gaps in between your teeth? Are you afraid to smile? A recent study revealed that people who smile and have straight white teeth are perceived to be smarter, wealthier and healthier than those who don’t smile or who smile but need orthodontic care. While people with straight white teeth and a great smile may not be smarter, the study did reveal that on average people with a great smile did make more money. This could be because they were perceived by their employer to be more outgoing and friendly during the job interview process. Leading orthodontist and author of the forthcoming book, Smile With Confidence, Dr. Emike Aliu says she sees the emotional roller coaster ride her patients go through. She comments, “I’ve seen it all! From parents coming in distraught about their child being teased or bullied relentlessly because they have buck teeth to adults crying in my office because they are ashamed and embarrassed of their smile and feel they are ugly or missing out on a job or dating opportunities.” Dr. Aliu goes on to say that as an orthodontist, she can’t help but look at people’s smiles (or lack there of) as she is out and about just running errands. “I see so many people I could help improve their smile. I think many people still have these archaic beliefs about getting braces and that may be holding them back, but the truth is, technology has advanced to the point where even the most severe condition can be corrected in a fraction of the time it used to
take, just 5 years ago,” she adds. Dr. Aliu has had extensive training in “behind the teeth braces,” invisalign (removable clear braces), and many other types of braces and techniques. “We are making wearing braces fashionable for kids and adults,” she says. Dr. Aliu says her biggest joy is when her patients call her ecstatic because their teeth are straightening or the gap is closing. “You can just see the patient’s confidence go through the roof!!” Through her book, Smile With Confidence, seminars and speaking engagements, Dr. Aliu is changing people’s lives one smile at a time. She has a boom-
ing practice in Bowie, Maryland called “Elite Orthodontics” (www.EliteOrthoGroup.com) and her patients range from children to adults to CEOs to celebrities. She and her business partner J.R. Fenwick also have a new company being launched in 2015 called “SmileGEAR” which will offer a line of fashionable clothing and jewelry for people with braces. SmileGEAR will take away the stigma of having braces and make it cool for kids and adults. In today’s world of “in your face social media”, a great smile is a necessity. “I have the best job in the world. I get to help people smile all day, everyday!” she says.
21st Annual AIDS Walk on Saturday October 4th Details On The Event Saturday October 4, 2014 Phelps Grove Park Registration: 9:00 a.m. Walk 10:00 a.m. Costumed Dog parade immediately following the walk Springfield, MO—Please join us and The AIDS Project of the Ozarks for their 21st annual AIDS Walk on Saturday October 4th. The Walk will be held in Phelps Grove Park and is free and open to the public. The AIDS walk was started as a show of support to those living with HIV/AIDS, but has grown into so much more. The Annual AIDS Walk is a great opportunity for churches, families, organizations and individuals to come together for a communal cause. The AIDS Walk offers prizes to those who fundraise or make donations, bounce house for the kids, live entertainment, free coffee and bagels, t-shirts and a costumed dog parade. Leash up the pups, gather the troops, lace up your sneakers, and head out to Phelps Grove Park to Step forward for Life.
Come join the community in the fight against HIV/ AIDS and show your support to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information about how to get involved and participate in the 21st annual AIDS Walk call (417) 881-1900 or visit aidsprojectoftheozarks.org