Letter from the Interim Dean
“With great pride and enthusiasm, I am excited to share with you the remarkable accomplishments of the Eriksson College of Education during the 2023-24 academic year. In this inaugural annual report, I hope you are as inspired as I am by the dedication and achievements of our students, faculty and staff.”
A Year of Innovation and Impact
Throughout the past year, our college has made significant strides to grow our programs and deepen our partnerships. Our Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, which became the nation’s first registered teaching apprenticeship in 2022, continues to expand. The program’s success proves that people want to be teachers — especially when you ensure the path to the profession is accessible, a ordable and attractive.
We look forward to training new teacher candidates in our Grow Your Own post-baccalaureate teacher licensing non-degree certificate and equipping the educational leaders enrolling in our new academic advising graduate certificate.
Our faculty have been at the forefront of innovative teaching practices, integrating cutting-edge technology and research-based strategies into their classrooms. This commitment to excellence has resulted in our students consistently excelling inside and outside the classroom. Tennessee State Report Card data shows 86.5% of the Eriksson College of Education’s initial licensure graduates are employed in the state’s public schools within one year of graduation.
I am continually amazed by how our programs, including our Aspiring Assistant Principal Network, make a di erence across the state. This Master of Arts in education with a concentration in educational leadership
With the addition of our Furniture Connection EdTech Studio, all education students now have the opportunity to further strengthen their preparedness to teach online and in 21st-century classrooms.
Connecting with our Community
We have been actively engaged in community outreach and partnerships. Our students and faculty have collaborated with local schools and organizations to provide mentoring, classroom support and professional development opportunities. These e orts have strengthened our ties with the community and allowed us to better understand the needs and goals of our district partners.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are grateful for the ongoing support of our alumni, donors and community partners.
Your contributions have allowed us to provide scholarships, enhance our facilities and support groundbreaking research. We thank you for your unwavering commitment to the Eriksson College of Education.
Together, we continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the communities they serve. I invite you to stay connected with us and witness the incredible achievements that your support makes possible.
Lisa Barron
Peay State University’s Homecoming, Oct. 25-26, 2024
We hope to engage with you throughout the year!
•Austin
•Eriksson College of Education Alumni Webinars
Student Testimonials
Megan Schneck, Graduation: December 2024
Bachelor of Science in Education, Concentration K-5 Licensure
“I love the community of students and faculty at APSU, who have been such an encouragement through my studies. I have found a love for the atmosphere and the fellow future teachers who have become my community here in the College of Education.”
Scarlett Canada, Graduation: December 2024
Bachelor of Science in Education, Concentration K-5 Licensure
“I love the community and how close I’m able to get with my professors. I learned that I am capable of being a guiding light for my community. I’ve been able to reach so many people and build lifelong connections, both personal and professional.”
Trinity Hall, Graduation: May 2025
Bachelor of Science in Education, Concentration K-5 Licensure
“APSU has given me a home away from home. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people in the College of Education. During my time at APSU, I have been able to really grow out of my shell. I have been able to build a community full of support. I could not have asked for anything more from my college experience.”
Alexis Craig, Graduation: May 2025
Bachelor of Science in Education, Concentration K-5 Licensure
“Being in the College of Education has opened my eyes to my full potential. APSU is a place where you can find your family and yourself. I couldn’t imagine being in a di erent place.”
Leading the Nation in Addressing Persistent Problems in Education
What’s New
Austin Peay State University’s Grow Your Own Teacher Residency program is an innovative approach to teacher preparation that addresses the critical need for qualified educators, particularly in high-need areas. As the nation’s first federally registered teacher apprenticeship, the program has been highlighted in Education Week, The Washington Post, CBS Morning News and other national news outlets.
Program Overview
The program is designed to provide aspiring teachers with the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching license while working full-time as paid educational assistants in partnering school districts. This unique approach allows participants to gain valuable hands-on experience in the classroom while completing their coursework, all at no cost.
Benefits
The Grow Your Own Teacher Residency o ers numerous benefits for both aspiring teachers and school districts. Participants benefit from financial support, mentorship and a clear pathway to a rewarding teaching career.
School districts gain access to a qualified and diverse pool of teacher candidates who are prepared to hit the ground running from Day 1.
Each August, the Eriksson College of Education hosts signing ceremonies to welcome a new cohort of teacher residents. These ceremonies allow us to celebrate new students, as well as our partnerships with community colleges and school districts.
In November 2023, Austin Peay State University joined the National Teacher Apprenticeship Collaborative, solidifying its commitment to this innovative approach to teacher preparation.
Grow Your Own teacher residents are now working in 11 counties throughout Tennessee. This fall, we are launching a new post-baccalaureate teacher licensing non-degree certificate, which o ers a more accessible pathway into the profession for bachelor’s degree holders.
Looking Ahead
The Grow Your Own Teacher Residency program is a valuable asset in addressing teacher shortages and creating a more qualified and diverse teaching workforce.
By providing an accessible and a ordable pathway to a teaching career, the program is helping to ensure that all students have access to quality instruction.
Faculty Accomplishments
Dr. Cheryl Lambert, chair of the Department of Teaching & Learning, moderated a panel, “Addressing Inequity in Rural Education Through Collaboration,” in March 2024 at the SXSW EDU® Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas.
A new study led by Assistant Professor Dr. Zachary Barnes revealed that U.S. students from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families are more likely to score higher in science than their lower-income peers. The study was published in the journal Infant and Child Development.
Eriksson College of Education Professor Dr. Tom Buttery retired from Austin Peay State University in Summer 2024 after 20 years of service, including roles as the dean of professional programs and chair of educational specialties. An educator for 56 years, with 52 as a college professor, he published 170 articles with over 1,000 citations and co-authored the “Handbook of Research on Teacher Education.”
Dr. Adam Attwood, Dr. Benita Bruster, Dr. John McConnell, Dr. Laura Barnett and Dr. Christi Maldonado published their research study, “K-12 school administrator candidates’ perceptions of their roles in supporting teachers to address adverse childhood experiences,” in the School Leadership Review.
Assistant Professor Dr. Allison Oliver hosted “Unlocking Potential: Embracing University Design for Learning for Inclusive Education” for students in March 2024.
The Jack Hunt STEM Center program evaluation team, consisting of Dr. Philip Short, Dr. Donna Short and Dr. John McConnell, assessed the educational
impact of a National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students grant at the University of Rennes I in France. The grant allows for six Austin Peay students to participate in a summer research experience at one of three leading global research institutions for glass nanotechnologies in the Czech Republic, France or Poland.
Associate Professor Dr. Charmaine Lowe served as president of the Mid-South Interdisciplinary Science Association.
“Classroom Management: Trauma-Informed Practices”– a recently published textbook edited by Dr. Benita Bruster and Dr. Cheryl Lambert – o ers research-based strategies to help teachers e ectively manage disruptive student behaviors by incorporating trauma-informed practices.
Assistant Professor Dr. Andrea Lee presented internationally at the “Children as Peacemakers in Divided Societies: Educational Approaches” conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Tennessee Grow Your Own Center’s Institute for Competency-based Teacher Education named six faculty members from Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education as inaugural Faculty Fellows. As Faculty Fellows, they will develop open-education resources, assessments and aligned instructional materials for a new registered teacher apprenticeship program of study. The faculty members selected include:
• Dr. Lori Allen
• Dr. Laura Barnett
• Dr. Christi Maldonado
• Dr. Allison Oliver
• Dr. Donna Short
• Dr. Bing Xiao
FURNITURE CONNECTION
EDTECH STUDIO FURNITURE CONNECTION EDTECH STUDIO
Austin Peay’s Newest Space for Immersive Learning
The immersive capabilities of virtual reality — once thought to be just for gamers — are making their way into classrooms nationwide. Thanks to a generous gift from Furniture Connection, these technological innovations are now available for college students at APSU. University o cials ushered in a new era in teacher preparation with the grand opening of the Furniture Connection EdTech Studio in March 2024. This state-of-the-art space, located in the Claxton Building, represents a leap forward in equipping aspiring educators with the latest educational technologies and immersive learning experiences.
The Furniture Connection EdTech Studio is a comprehensive learning hub that allows pre-service teachers to gain hands-on experience using virtual reality (VR) headsets, 3D printers, LEGO® Education sets, robotics, coding devices and other cutting-edge tools.
Using VR headsets, students can observe local K-12 classrooms without leaving APSU’s campus, allowing them to hone their classroom management, lesson planning, technology integration and student engagement skills.
“We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking space that will play a pivotal role in preparing our teacher candidates for the classrooms of the future,” said Dr. Prentice Chandler, dean of the Eriksson College of Education.
The Furniture Connection EdTech Studio will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to explore and master the latest educational technologies, ensuring they are well-equipped to engage and inspire the next generation of learners.
A Space for Innovation
The Furniture Connection EdTech Studio’s mission is to empower educators with practical and accessible resources, support and expertise, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity at Austin Peay. Dr. Hanrui He, an assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education, pitched the studio idea in 2023 after observing technology usage in regional classrooms. Incorporating these high-tech tools into Austin Peay’s educator preparation program supports e orts to equip students for modern teaching careers.
“Educator preparation programs in Tennessee are required to provide training in virtual instruction strategies for teacher candidates,” He said. “Our lab’s various learning stations prepare teacher candidates for in-person and online teaching while also o ering hands-on experience with emerging EdTech tools, ensuring that future educators are well-prepared for the demands of modern education.”
In addition to its state-of-the-art resources, the EdTech Studio serves as a hub for community collaboration and technological advancement. The facility welcomes ideas and suggestions from educators, industry partners and community members to continually enhance its o erings and stay ahead of the curve in educational technology.
Prentice Chandler, Eriksson College of Education
TEACHER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM FORGES ACADEMIC-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
The Jack Hunt STEM Center launched an innovative STEM Teacher Externship Program that connects local educators with community partners to enhance their teaching skills and bring real-world experience to the classroom. This program is designed to help elementary school teachers expand their instructional toolkits and build confidence in their abilities. The pilot program, which took place in Fall 2023, saw nine Clarksville-Montgomery County School System teachers from Burt Elementary and Moore Magnet participate in intensive, multiday externships at local businesses and governmental organizations such as CDE Lightband, Florim USA, Hankook & Company ES America Corp. and Lyle-Cook-Martin Architects, Inc. These experiences provided teachers with hands-on learning opportunities, ranging from going behind the scenes on job sites to understanding how electricity is generated.
The externship program was mutually beneficial for teachers and employer partners. Teachers gained valuable insights and practical knowledge to incorporate into their lesson plans, while employers were able to view their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities through a fresh perspective. Participating employers also provided stipends to partner schools and teachers, which were used to create STEM learning opportunities for students, such as purchasing LEGO® kits for classroom projects.
The success of the pilot program has prompted plans for expansion, with the goal of o ering the externship opportunity to 12 teachers during the 2024-2025 academic year. This growth demonstrates the Eriksson College of Education’s commitment to supporting local educators and fostering strong partnerships between the university, school systems, and community stakeholders. By investing in the professional development of teachers, the college is ultimately contributing to the enhancement of STEM education and preparing students for the rapidly growing STEM job market in Tennessee.
Thanks to our inaugural STEM Teacher Externship Community Partners:
Spotlight College INITIATIVES & PROGRAMS
CENTER FOR RURAL EDUCATION
The Center for Rural Education is dedicated to enhancing educational experiences for children in rural Tennessee through:
• Outreach programs
• Professional development
• Collaborative research
Recent successes:
• Hosted the 4th Annual Virtual Rural Education Conference
• Provided educational technology resources to rural schools, including McEwen Junior High School, through a Google Data Center Community Grant
• Center coordinator Dr. Cheryl Lambert served as a national expert on rural education initiatives
The bottom line:
The Center for Rural Education at APSU is actively working to bridge the gap and provide resources for rural educators and students.
The Jack Hunt STEM Center, a collaboration between the College of STEM and the Eriksson College of Education, is dedicated to preparing and supporting STEM educators.
Recent successes:
• Provided a cutting-edge science classroom for methods courses
• Immersed pre-service teachers in student-centered science
• O ered professional development resources for in-service teachers
• Launched Teacher Externship Program
New resources:
• STEM Classroom Equipment Checkout: Free, two-week equipment loans for teachers
The impact:
• Pre-service teachers gain familiarity with scientific equipment and technologies
• Educators improve STEM content knowledge and teaching skills
• Businesses and organizations strengthen STEM workforce pipeline.
JACK HUNT STEM CENTER
TENNESSEE EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINING ALLIANCE
The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) at APSU empowers early childhood educators across the state.
What it is:
TECTA provides professional development and tuition assistance for childcare professionals, funded by Tennessee DHS grants.
Recent successes:
• Helped childcare workers advance careers
• Provided financial aid, tutoring and resources
• Facilitated credit transfers to Austin Peay bachelor’s degree programs
Why it matters:
TECTA opens doors for early childhood educators to gain skills and credentials, improving the quality of care for Tennessee’s youngest learners.
FULL SPECTRUM LEARNING
Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) empowers students on the autism spectrum to thrive academically and beyond.
What it is:
A comprehensive support program o ering mentoring, tutoring, study skills, support and social groups.
Recent successes:
• Hosted a reverse career fair tailored to students with autism
• Expanded sta to four full-time employees, all of who are certified specialists in working with students on the autism spectrum
• Grew program to serve nearly 60 students
• Enhanced cross-campus collaboration with academic departments and Student A airs o ces
• Hosted student-led Autism Forums each semester
The impact:
• Students gain academic, social and professional skills
• Improved college experiences and outcomes
• Enhanced career readiness and employability
College & Campus Award Recipients
The Eriksson College of Education’s students and faculty are top-notch on campus, as evidenced by the dozens of honors bestowed this year.
Spring 2024 Eriksson College of Education Awards and Recognition Ceremony
These awards recognize both undergraduate and graduate education majors and minors for their academic excellence, research skills and the dispositions needed to succeed as educators.
edTPA Scholars Award
Jackson Howard
Madison McCord
Trinity Zepeda
Outstanding Achievement in Elementary Education
Samantha Deems
Dawn Detwiler-Smith
Outstanding Dissertation Award
Mia Wadlington
Blaire Woodring
CJH Research Award
Shannon Haselhuhn
Fred Bunger Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduate Student
Joshua Rutherford
Students of the Month
MuriAnita Andrews
Kevin Auberger
Justin Becker
Madison Bock
Bethany Brainard
Ti any Brock
Scarlett Canada
Xzaria Farmer
Anna “Gracie” Foutch
Amanda Gray
Sebastian Galarza-Grillasca
Kaitlyn Hall
Michael Hobbie
Jamie Isenberg
Gabriella Lorenzo
Kevin Quarles
Isaiah Jones
Meagan Jones
Addison Replogle
Savanna Turley
Lauren Young
Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center Hattie Walker Wilhoite Award
This award recognizes African American women who enhance campus life through involvement, academic excellence and leadership.
Jasmine Lewis, education major
Student Life and Engagement Student Organization and Leader Awards
These awards recognize individual students, sta , faculty and registered student organizations for their exemplary work both on-campus and in the Clarksville community.
Student Organization Growth Award
Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA)
Scholarly Citation Awards
These awards recognize faculty commitment to educational scholarship.
100+ Citations
Dr. Benita Bruster
Dr. Andrea Lee
Dr. Moniqueka Gold
Dr. John McConnell
Dr. Sherri Prosser
Dr. Philip Short
1,000+ Citations
Dr. Bobette Bouton
Dr. Thomas Buttery
Dr. Prentice Chandler
Socrates Award for Excellence in Teaching
This award recognizes excellence in teaching for tenure-track faculty.
Student Tennessee Education Association
Event highlights:
• Book Club
• Praxis Preparation Workshops
• Ask a Professor Panel
Dr. Joanne Philhower revitalized the Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) organization, increasing membership to nearly 50 students.
• Freshman Recruitment
STEA is Tennessee’s only professional association for pre-service teachers. The TEA and its student program help lead members to a brighter professional future. The student group exists to help students make a smooth transition from the campus to the classroom. The organization has created a sense of community for education students, provides leadership opportunities and o ers liability insurance for student teachers.
EXPANDING ACROSS THE STATE
Take a look at where our students are teaching as part of their course requirements.
STUDENT TEACHING
JOB EMBEDDED
GROW YOUR OWN TEACHER RESIDENCY
ASPIRING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL NETWORK
We invite you to support the Eriksson College of Education now or in the future. You can give to Austin Peay State University in the following ways:
1. Online
Give a one-time or recurring gift with your credit card at give.apsu.edu
2. Mail
Send a check to: Austin Peay State University Foundation PO Box 4417 Clarksville, TN 37044
3. Phone Call 931-221-7127 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST) for one-time credit card gifts
4. In-Person
Visit us at 318 College St. Clarksville, TN in the Jenkins Building (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST) For more information, contact: Erin Morton Senior
Director
MAKE
MAKE AN IMPACT
Examples of Gift Types:
• Annual Gifts (unrestricted or restricted)
• Scholarships and Endowed Scholarships
• Naming Opportunities
• Deferred Gifts (trusts, insurance, wills, life estates, retirement benefits)
• Memorials
• Endowments
Benefits of Donating:
• Support a specific department or program
• Employer matching
• Tax liability reduction
Thank you for supporting the Eriksson College of Education!
