D I C K I N S O N
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U N I V E R S I T Y
January 2018 BRAETON ERHARDT: A TEACHER AT HEART
By: Salena Loveland
On December 15, 2017, Braeton Erhardt addressed a jubilant crowd in Dorothy Stickney Auditorium. As Dickinson State University’s (DSU) commencement speaker for the ceremony this fall, she shared the wisdom she has gained through her years as a student and active member of several organizations. For the oldest of Tom and Lynette (Hildebrand) Traiser’s four children, teaching has always been a part of her life. She enjoyed having the opportunity to impart her knowledge on her fellow graduates one last time. Erhardt, who recently completed her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, began her college career by earning an associate of arts degree from Bismarck State College. She then joined the DSU family through the University’s distance Teacher Education Program and completed her degree on the Bismarck campus. When asked what she is most proud of regarding her education, Erhardt shared, “I am most proud of maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout my college career. There were many classes that I found challenging and some I didn’t always enjoy, but I learned a lot about myself when I pushed through the difficulties and persisted in staying focused and doing well in each course. After each semester was over, the feeling of accomplishment was very gratifying.” Erhardt accomplished this success despite the unique challenges she faced as one of the 182 DSU Bismarck distance education students who were studying this fall. “Oftentimes, I was the only student in my interactive video network math classes. Learning without physically having a professor or classmates in the room with me was challenging with some of the higher level math courses I took.” She added, “I overcame the difficulties by communicating with my professors via email or over the phone. I also made sure to meet with the professors when they came to the Bismarck campus and advocate for myself in class if the technology wasn’t cooperating so I could see everything I needed to.” Erhardt has been fortunate to have had teachers in her life who have been a positive influence, always encouraging her to do her best. “Mrs. Rohde will always be one of the teachers who stands out most in my mind. In second grade, she taught us life skills [including] being accountable for our actions, being kind by saying please and thank-you, and how to have fun and enjoy rewards that we worked hard to earn.” Educators continued to play an important role for Erhardt during her college career. “All my professors in some way or another have impacted my educational career. Reba Olsen provided me with a different outlook on mathematics, and I now have a much deeper appreciation for math and the beauty of the subject as well as more excitement about math to pass onto my students. Dr. Candice Moench helped improve my confidence in myself as a teacher. She always pushed me to reach a higher level than I thought I was capable of.”
DICKINSON STATE TO OFFER MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING THIS SPRING An interview with Dr. Christine McCoy, associate professor of education & graduate studies coordinator at Dickinson State University Tell us about the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. The MAT program is designed for individuals without teaching credentials previously earned through an undergraduate or graduate teacher preparation program. It’s designed to prepare professionals and recent graduates with baccalaureate or masters degrees who wish to pursue a career of secondary teacher education. For example, if you have a degree in History and now wish to teach, you can enroll in this program and complete your licensure requirements to become certified to teach History. This is the first master’s degree to be offered by Dickinson State. That is exciting! Why this degree? Dickinson State University started as a Normal School preparing teachers to serve the educational needs of southwestern North Dakota. DSU has been providing quality teachers to rural school districts in this corner of the state for 100 years. As the need for qualified professionals has increased along with the energy growth of the state, many area schools have been challenged to find and retain enough teachers to serve their growing student populations. Area superintendents have urged DSU to provide flexibility for professionals who wish to enter the field of teaching. This is especially true of high need areas such as Math and Science. Who is the program intended for? This program is designed for professionals and recent graduates with a baccalaureate or a master’s degree in a specific content area such as (Art, Business, English, Sciences, Social Sciences, Music, Math, Physical Education and Technology) who wish to pursue a career of secondary teacher education in these areas. What makes this program unique? The program is only focused on teaching and learning pedagogy (how to teach so students will learn) and is not content specific. A person may utilize their knowledge and experience in a specific content area and can earn a degree that will offer them the opportunity to obtain licensure to teach that content area. Candidates can begin the program in any semester (fall, spring, summer). This program is delivered 100% online, correct? Tell us about the layout of the program and how long it takes to complete. The program is completely online; is a two year commitment; has three semesters (fall, spring, summer); and each semester candidates have two eight-week courses to complete. This gives the individual time to focus on one course at a time. When will the program be available? The program starts January 8, 2018. Is there anything else we should know about the MAT? The application is available 24 – 7 through the Dickinson State University website. Candidates will need to complete an application, submit transcripts from their previous institutions, and write a statement of purpose. Once these items are submitted and evaluated, candidates will be notified of their acceptance status in one to two weeks. For more information about the MAT program, visit www.dickinsonstate.edu/MAT.
Erhardt has worked hard to become a well-rounded educator and leader herself by actively participating in several organizations during her time as a mathematics education student. She helped organize the Student Education Association, served as a student representative for the DSU Teacher Education Council, and continues to serve as a student representative for the North Dakota United Professional Development Committee. These experiences have provided her insight on collaborating with other education students as well as educators across the state. Now that she has graduated, Erhardt is looking to the future. She currently resides in Center, ND, with her husband, Jacob and works as a math teacher at Mandan High School. She plans to enroll in graduate school at some point in the next few years, but until then, she hopes to spend more time with her family, playing games, reading, and playing the piano.
ENSEMBLE
“Send off”
Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, 6 – 7 p.m. DSU Klinefelter Hall, Beck Auditorium FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY OR GATHERING? Dickinson State University has two new spaces available for rent.
The Sanford Sports Facility at DSU is a 5,500 square foot, indoor- turfed area designed for community recreation focused on baseball, softball and soccer. The facility is available for rent to individuals and community groups on a space available basis. Food and beverage is not permitted in the turfed area. Rent this space alone or with the adjacent Blue Hawk Hub. The Blue Hawk Hub at DSU is a multipurpose television and game room. This can be rented alone or in conjunction with the Sanford Sports Facility. CONSIDER RENTING SPACE AT DSU FOR YOUR NEXT GATHERING.
SANFORD SPORTS FACILITY AT DSU
For more information visit www.dickinsonstate.edu/sanford or call 701-483-2148.
BLUE HAWK HUB