Reflections by dr.
linda garris christian emeritus professor of teacher education
I have always liked asu’s tagline – great stories begin here. while my “great story” did not begin at asu, being here has certainly enhanced it. I thought my retirement would be a good time to reflect on how my experiences here have contributed to my “great story.” I am proud of my work here at Adams. Working with students who were a lot like me as a first generation college student was very rewarding. One highlight was my work in early childhood education (ECE). When Dr. Novotny (VP for Academic Affairs) and I began the program for Head Start staff in the San Luis Valley, we assumed this was a one-time deal. The plan was to help them meet new Head Start requirements through our existing Interdisciplinary Studies Degree, resulting in
education • Ph.D. Child Development Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida • M.S. Child Development and Family Relations Louisiana Teach, Ruston, Louisiana • B.S. Early Childhood Education Louisiana Teach, Ruston, Louisiana
recent publications • Cited in: Marion, M. (2010) Guiding Young Children • Keep it: Free child care articles, (2009) Child Care Information Center • McNamara, J. (2009) “Make a joyful noise: A simple song has the power to bring people together.” School Library Journal • Garris Christian, L. (2007) Understanding Families, Chapter in Spotlight on Young Children and Families, Book by NAEYC
recent presentations - naeyc • “Supporting children of incarcerated parents,” , with Dr. Tony Romero • “You can’t teach what you can’t remember: Remembering play,” 2012 • “How understanding family dynamics can enhance our work with young children,” 2011 • “Why adult play matters: When was the last time you played as an adult?” presented with Geneva Torr, 2011
honors • San Luis Valley Early Childhood Community Partner Award, 2012 • San Luis Valley Early Childhood Council Inspiration Award, 2010.
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aStater summer 2015
a B.A. with a focus on early childhood education and business. We recently graduated our fifth cohort of ECE. We have had cohorts in the SLV, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs. With the help of our wonderful adjunct faculty, I wrote new syllabi for a B.A. in ECE that gives the option of licensure for those who want to teach in the public schools. This is a huge accomplishment. I wanted this to be a real early childhood degree, as opposed to a modified elementary education degree, and I think we succeeded. My latest pleasure was working with the Boettcher Teacher Residents. (See story page 7.) They are our hopes and dreams for the future: bright, energetic, and with “great stories” that began long before they reached ASU. I am optimistic about their potential and abilities to help their own students write great life success stories. I have seen how they are reaching students and serving their communities; ASU can be proud of these fine graduates. One key in my growth at ASU has been our programs supported by Title V (federal program for Hispanic Serving Institutions). I became convinced that if we wanted to succeed as a university, or department, we had to seri-
ously examine our ideas surrounding diversity. While I still have a long way to go, my work in this area changed my teaching and learning. The second group from which I have learned a great deal are my ECE students, especially the non-traditional students. Most were mothers and/or grandmothers and had been out of school for years. Some had limited computer skills, and access to computers or reliable internet access was a constant issue. Some were English Language Learners, and others dubbed me the “grammar police.” I am in awe of how they managed 40-hour-a-week careers, their community involvement, and their family obligations, along with classes. Unfortunately, my health does not allow me to continue working. I am sad to leave, but hopeful I will find better health in a new location. I am also confident that exciting things are happening here at ASU and what I helped to build will continue to grow and prosper. Our graduates continue to represent us well, and I love hearing their “great stories” as they go out into the world in their careers and lives.