Inside PLS tapped for statewide research role School counselors reinstated for all Iowa school districts Human Performance Center dedicated
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
Contents College of Education News 03 PLS tapped for statewide research role in teaching practices Iowa Legislature funds Regents’ math/science initiative 04 School counselors reinstated for all Iowa school districts 05 Human Performance Center dedicated 06 DVDs illustrate early childhood education standards UNI leads in solving shortage of special education teachers 07 Iowa initiative to reduce unintended pregnancies Faculty Highlights 08 Service to Special Olympics Olympic champ brings coaching techniques to UNI Foundation News 09 UNI COllege of Education receives $1.1 million gift Scholarships needed Emeritus Faculty 10 Len Froyen Program Highlights 10 Multicultural Initiatives in Teaching Program 11 Technology facilitator certificate program offered in fall UNI only Regents university offering technology teacher preparation Department Highlight 12 Curriculum and Instruction Teacher Education News 13 All-university professional developmenet day premieres 14 Barb Hill—known to all teacher education majors 15 Teacher Work SAmple—a window into students’ teaching Faculty Awards 16 Faculty and student award winners Alumni News 17 Graduates—where are they? 18 Career notes Scholarship recepients 20 Meet tomorrow’s proising educators
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Dean’s Message
College of Education News
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PLS tapped for statewide research role in teaching practices
uring the past year, the UNI College of Education’s strengths in leadership and collaboration have come together to further our goal of excellence in education. To better meet that goal, we initially established a strong participatory external advisory committee that works with the College of Education management team and senate to advise us on future directions for the college. We continue our intensive efforts to improve early childhood education for Iowa’s children. UNI’s fourth Early Childhood Education Summit held in May for administrators, consultants and program specialists addressed program assessment and professional development. These efforts clearly demonstrate our strong relationship with the Iowa Department of Education, school districts and programs across the state. UNI’s leadership comes from faculty and staff in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, the Child Development Center, the Freeburg School and the Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education.
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e’ve established other strong partnerships with the Iowa Department of Education this year in math, science, school counseling and elementary education. Plus, every committee developing the Iowa Core Curriculum includes a representative from the college’s teacher education program. At the same time, Price Laboratory School serves as a demonstration site for the state in implementing this curriculum and high school reform. We’ve completed, or nearly completed, 13 searches for new faculty members. New fundraising efforts have resulted in a substantial increase in resources for student scholarships, student participation in research activities or professional presentations and materials/equipment for instructional
purposes. The College of Education developed its first print version of the Excellence in Education magazine and distributed 5,000 copies. The Office of University Marketing and Public Relations has helped us place more than 15 articles about the college in a variety of print publications and more than five electronic media segments – all in an effort to explain the College of Education’s ability to prepare teachers and human service professionals to deal effectively with the challenges facing our state and the nation.
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he Department of Leisure, Youth, and Human Services, one of the oldest programs in the nation, was reaccredited this year. Also working with the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services, the United Sport and Athlete program continues to increase its tutorial services to students in the Waterloo area in addition to its strength and conditioning activities. The Human Performance Center opened and is providing needed services to community members and a variety of UNI students. On top of it all, the Northern University High School boy’s basketball team won the Division 1A state basketball championship! What a year for all of the faculty and staff champions in the College of Education who work to meet the demanding needs of our children and adults in the state of Iowa. Bill Callahan Dean, College of Education
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
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rice Lab School’s role has been expanded to research new teaching practices and share them with the rest of the state, according to an Iowa Legislature bill creating the program and signed by Iowa Governor Chet Culver. A task force meeting in fall 2007 determined that “not only is it feasible to create an Iowa research and development school, such a school will be highly advantageous for the entire state.” Task force members agreed that the function of such a school would go beyond research and development to include demonstration and dissemination of best teaching practices (RDDD). This proposed program should be centered at the existing Price Laboratory School (PLS), overseen by the University of Northern Iowa. The group’s report further states that the plan to expand the PLS role promises clear benefits to UNI by enhancing its connections to Iowa schools, advancing the relationship with the Department of Education, and increasing the research knowledge from UNI’s colleges involved in educating teachers. The next step is to appoint members to two project committees who will report to the Board of Regents, Iowa Legislature, State Board of Education and governor by January 2009. One committee will identify new funding sources and develop a plan for on-going operational and capital funding
for the RDDD school. The second committee will focus on implementation and create a transition plan for expanding the role of PLS as an RDDD school with a detailed governance structure. The RDDD school will work with Iowa in-service K-12 educators and college/university students preparing to be teachers and administrators. Iowa school districts, area education agencies and colleges/universities will be recruited and selected to partner with the RDDD school at UNI to test and implement promising and innovative practices developed. These practices will then be disseminated to Iowa educators statewide.
Iowa Legislature funds Regents’ math/science initiative
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he Iowa Legislature approved $4 million for the Board of Regents, State of Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative Initiative. The initiative is led by the University of Northern Iowa in collaboration with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The initiative will improve mathematics and science performance of Iowa students; prepare more high-quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools; and promote statewide collaboration and cooperation. UNI President Ben Allen said, “We appreciate the outstanding support of the governor, his staff and the legislators for their confidence and funding of this initiative. We look forward to working with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, and with all the stakeholders across the state on this vital
task of restoring Iowa’s historic leadership position in math and science education.” The Regents’ Mathematic and Science Education Institute will be housed at UNI and have faculty and staff distributed at all state universities. The goal is to increase the number of math, science and technology teachers in Iowa. Jeff Weld, initiative leader and UNI associate professor of biology, said,
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
“I’m excited to work collaboratively with the various stakeholders as we strengthen math and science education opportunities for teachers and our young generation of students who will prove to be the backbone of our 21st century economy and society.” Other initiative goals include the Star Math and Science Majors to Teaching program to address a teacher shortage by recruiting students into math and science teaching; Science and Math Teacher Real World Interns who will have summer math and science-related internships in the private and public sector for math and science; wider implementation of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) across Iowa that targets math and science curriculum and student recruitment to math and science careers; and community college STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) instructor preparation and updates to address a shortage of math and science instructors at community colleges.
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College of Education News School counselors reinstated for all Iowa school districts
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chool counselors—the professionals who address academic, career and personal social issues—are back in the picture as a mandated position for every Iowa school district. UNI, with the largest school counselor program, is in the forefront of a statewide task force’s discussions and actions on how to prepare enough school counselors and how to better define a comprehensive approach to school counseling delivery, management and accountability. Linda Nebbe, assistant professor, Counselor Education Program, is one writer of the Iowa School Counselors Program Framework, an approach to best practices for the profession tied into the national model of American School Counselor Association. Clare Struck, instructor and school counselor at Price Lab School, brings her expertise to the statewide project as well. Nebbe explains that the need for school counselors is urgent and great. “When the Iowa Legislature dropped the mandate for a school counselor position 14 years ago, four higher education institutions dropped their school counselor preparation programs. Iowa went from having 2,500 school counselors to only 1,500,” she said. After the Legislature reinstated the school counselor mandate in 2007, an Iowa Department of Education statewide task force began to revitalize school counselor programs and to redefine
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Human Performance Center dedicated
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school counseling responsibilities. “Not only do we need higher education programs to educate new school counselors, Nebbe stated, “but we need
to replace 1,000 counselors now and anticipate a huge retirement rate in the near future.” Including this need as part of the initiative, Nebbe and Struck developed a brochure to promote Iowa school counseling. The brochure is endorsed by the graduate programs at UNI, the University of Iowa, Drake University and Buena Vista University. Nebbe says these programs hope to recruit professionals from mental health counseling or social work and encourage current K-6 counselors to become K-12 counselors. Struck notes the benefits of school counselor positions, saying “As we prepare students to be successful in the 21st century, Iowa schools are emphasizing learning environments that promote not only academic rigor but also relevance
and relationships. School counselors are a crucial link in establishing and maintaining this kind of learning environment.” Nebbe explains that school counselors focus on the main areas of support in a school. “School counselors are concerned with the climate of a school and are advocates for students. One of their main jobs is to support academic achievement for students.” Struck, a PLS counselor for 28 years, says, “We help all students develop a personalized education and career plan. That includes their academic goals and how they will develop skills needed in a 21st century workplace.” Counselors also address classroom social skills such as anger management, teacher/ student conflicts and bullying. Finally, counselors serve as neutral consultants to teachers, parents and students together when there is a conflict, Struck notes. School counselors now will also be asked to gather data on aspects of their work with schools to verify their decisions and actions. For more information on UNI’s Counselor Education Program, contact Jan Bartlett, program coordinator, at 319-273-7979 or jan.bartlett@uni.edu This program is under the Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education.
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
he Human Performance Center was dedicated in early May as a premier facility for the University of Northern Iowa athletic training program and other School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services (HPELS) programs. Christopher Edginton, director of the School of HPELS, said the building is constructed using monies from fundraising and one federal grant – no state monies were used. The HPC main level includes the following facilities: n A state-of-the-art athletic training facility for intercollegiate athletics with modern equipment enables athletic trainers to double the number of athletes being treated at one time or those in a rehabilitation exercise program. n The hydrotherapy pool, funded through a partnership with UNI and Allen Hospital/Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, is one-of-a-kind in Iowa for athletic rehabilitation. The floor of the pool can be hydraulically raised to allow someone on crutches to be lowered into the water to use the treadmill. An underwater camera lets the supervising athletic trainer observe the person’s motion on a television monitor and give feedback on correct form. n A classroom specifically designed for conducting sports evaluations includes
world. “This is unique for UNI because the institution is focused primarily on teaching and community engagement,” Edginton said. “All of these programs reflect the school’s desire to effectively blend classroom theory with work in the broader community.” He added, “Over the last 17 years, these programs (listed
teaching space and hands-on learning space. A cadaver laboratory, something no other athletic training program in Iowa has, will provide needed medical education for students in the athletic training program. n Offices for orthopedic physicians and physical therapists with Cedar Valley Medical Specialists are located in the HPC. UNI undergraduate students participate in field experiences with the professionals in those offices who work with all ages of patients. The second level of the HPC houses HPELS programs that are supported by external funding through grants, gifts and donations, or contract for services agreements throughout the
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
below) have generated $75 million in grants and contracts.” n Global Health Corps and Iowa Center on Health Disparities, recipients of many local, state and national awards. n Academic Youth Development programs including the McElroy Professor of Leisure Services, one of three endowed professorships in this area; American Humanics program, named the number one program in the U.S. last January; National Program for Playground Safety, the premier U.S. program in this area; and Camp Adventure™ Youth Services, recipient of the Innovative Teaching Award from the Society of Park and Recreation Educators. Speakers at the HPC dedication were: Senator Tom Harkin; Jim Waterbury, Allen Hospital; Ruth Harkin, Board of Regents, State of Iowa; Bobbi Meyer, student representative; Biff Williams, faculty representative; and Jeff Clark, orthopedic surgeon, Cedar Valley Medical Specialists.
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College of Education News DVDs illustrate early childhood education standards
Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies
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n $11.5 million research program geared to reduce unintended pregnancies in Iowa involves a faculty member from the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. Susan Roberts-Dobie, ’97, assistant professor of health promotion, will direct one of five new research projects aimed at increasing knowledge and use of pregnancy-planning services and longer-term contraceptive methods. Roberts-Dobie will direct the Speak UP Project. She explained, “The concept is to engage hair stylists in providing education and information about using more effective contraception and accessing reproductive health services, as hairstylists are already trusted allies of many women.” RobertsDobie said many women share a strong relationship with their hair stylist and the project hopes to build on that rapport. This model has previously been successfully used in a domestic violence education campaign across the country. The Speak UP Project is part of the Iowa Initiative to
xtensive research on the impact of high quality preschool programs show that preschool increases the school readiness skills of children and sets them on a trajectory of long-term economic and social success, says Betty Zan, director of the UNI Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education. Zan and other UNI Early Childhood Education faculty members are playing a leadership role in developing high quality preschool programs for children in Iowa. Some of those programs were started last fall when Governor Chet Culver signed legislation to develop voluntary preschool programs for four-year-old children in Iowa, regardless of income. This funding will grow to $108 million over the next five years and is estimated to reach 90 percent of Iowa’s pre-kindergarten children, Zan adds. Faculty in the Regents’ Center and Early Childhood Education division are endeavoring to ensure high quality public preschools in Iowa. One project in these efforts, Zan explains, is making short video clips, illustrating the two sets of state standards that define a high quality preschool classroom so teachers can see what the standard looks like in action. “The Iowa Early Learning Standards address what children should be learning, and the Quality Preschool Program Standards address what the program should look like,” Zan notes. “The legislation states that programs have to show they are meeting both sets of standards.” The first seven video illustrations were distributed at UNI’s first Early Childhood Summit a year ago and the rest will be developed over the next three years. In addition to the video illustrations of standards, UNI’s efforts toward high quality early education include teacher preparation programs for pre-service teachers; professional development programs for practicing teachers (especially in the high-need areas of math and science education); curriculum development research on best practice; and model programs that serve as demonstration sites for high quality early education. Outreach efforts for the voluntary pre-school programs
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include partnering with Head Start and Waterloo Community Schools to improve teacher quality; training early childhood consultants on new methods of assessing quality; working with the Iowa Department of Education to align the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program goals with new approaches to program evaluation and professional development; working with the Iowa Association of School Boards to educate school board members about high quality preschools; and increasing public awareness across the state about the importance of high quality preschools. All of these efforts are geared toward ensuring that Iowa’s preschool programs are of high quality, accessible to most families, and affordable to middleincome families that do not qualify for income-based preschool programs such as Head Start.
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UNI leads in solving shortage of special education teachers “If it works, expand it,” could be the slogan for a statewide initiative to fully certify special education teachers who are location-bound and cannot move to a state college/university campus. The project to help current teachers complete their endorsement for Strategist I to teach students with mild disabilities began six years ago under an Iowa Department of Education grant to the UNI Department of Special Education. This project has enabled 135 teachers to complete their endorsement program; 55 teachers are currently enrolled, and at least 30 plan to begin this fall, according to Sandra Alper, professor of special education. This success led the Iowa Department of Education to recently award UNI a $315,000 grant to expand the process to certify teachers to achieve Strategist II endorsement and work with students with severe disabilities. “The need for teachers of students with disabilities to complete the requirements to become fully certified in both areas is urgent,” said Alper. “In Iowa and across the nation the number one area of teacher shortage is in special education. This means that many students with disabilities receive their education from less than fully qualified personnel, a situation that is unacceptable.” This statewide initiative for special education endorsements is a collaborative effort between UNI as lead institution, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, and six private Iowa colleges. Frank Kohler, interim special education department head, reports that under this structure the grant
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
program serves the needs of Iowa teachers by providing courses at all of the universities involved. Other UNI faculty members involved include Amy Petersen, assistant professor of special education, and Aricia Beckman, instructor and former special education teacher. Petersen coordinates the Strategist II portion of the grant, teaches courses, and organizes practical experiences for current teachers of children with autism and other severe disabilities. Beckman oversees teachers’ applications to the program, coordinates the coursework among universities, and supervises students’ practicum experiences. The need for fully certified special education teachers is due to a number of factors, Alper explained. First, as more children enter school with extensive learning difficulties, teachers need the expertise to effectively serve children with behavioral and learning challenges, working in collaboration with general education teachers. Second, the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation leave teachers little time for teaching the functional skills often needed for the demands of daily life, as well as academic skills. Lastly, a survey from the Council for Exceptional Children recently found that because of paperwork requirements, less time to teach, low pay, and perceived lack of support from some general educators, many special education teachers leave the field within five years.
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
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Reduce Unintended Pregnancies, a new statewide program spearheaded by former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack. The five-year program also includes an educational component to increase awareness about the importance of preventing unintended pregnancies and a service component to increase women’s access to clinics and longer-term contraceptive methods.
he research component is overseen by Mary Losch, assistant director of the UNI Center for Social and Behavioral Research and associate professor of psychology. Losch, who has been collecting data on unintended pregnancies in Iowa for 15 years, says that “currently about half of the pregnancies in Iowa are unintended – either mistimed or unwanted. We need to better understand how we can use community partners to increase referrals to services and care designed to reduce unintended pregnancies.” The research will focus primarily on women ages 18 to 30, as data show this age group’s level of unintended pregnancy has remained high without any downward movement. During this first year of the research project, RobertsDobie will contact hair stylists in numerous communities to determine their interest. Hair stylists will then be trained how to talk to women about unintended pregnancies. “Hair stylists can successfully intervene where physicians and public health services have not been successful due to their deep ties to the community,” Roberts-Dobie says. Almost every county in Iowa will receive some level of intervention from one of the five projects. Rural Iowa counties will be targeted as well as counties with high African American and Hispanic populations to determine for which populations the interventions work best. Successful interventions could then be used in other parts of the country. “I’m pleased to be part of this research because my goal has always been to improve the health of my community. This is hands-on research that can affect change and make people’s lives better.” The applied research investigations will also involve faculty from the University of Iowa and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Other projects involve working with pharmacists to provide more in-store education on contraceptives; two largescale social marketing projects using billboards, newspapers, the Internet and other media; and radio serial dramas specifically targeting Hispanic and African American women.
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Faculty Highlights Service to Special Olympics
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oe Wilson, UNI associate professor of leisure services, volunteered with Special Olympics as a college student in the late 1960s. Today he involves his own university students as he directs the 12-county Special Olympics of Northeast Iowa. “Special Olympics is such a valuable asset for people with intellectual disabilities,” he says. “It gives them good recreation and sports opportunities they often don’t get in school. In addition, it’s a great experience for the UNI students to work
one-on-one with the athletes or help officiate some games.” As area director, Wilson organizes numerous events for the 600 athletes in northeast Iowa. Two of the main events – basketball skills and track and field – are held at UNI. Wilson also teaches a therapeutic recreation class and takes his students to the Iowa Winter Games hosted by Special Olympics of Dubuque. “About 50 students went with me this year and helped run events in cross country skiing, downhill skiing and snowshoeing. For many of the UNI students, Special Olympics is their first opportunity working with a person with a disability. I try to help young people lose their fears of being around someone with a disability,” Wilson says. He also chairs the leisure services division of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services, serves on the Special Olympics of Iowa board of directors and he is involved in the national professional organization in therapeutic recreation.
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Foundation News Scholarships needed
Olympic champ brings coaching techniques to UNI
UNI College of Education receives $1.1 million gift
Jianping Ma’s job as head weightlifting coach at the United Sport and Athlete Training Center involves coaching, teaching UNI athletic training students the Chinese training method, and working toward qualifying more athletes for national collegiate meets and eventually the Olympics. The College of Education has acted as an incubator and catalyst for the training center brought to Waterloo through a partnership with the UNI School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services and area business leaders. As a world-class coach in weightlifting and taekwondo, Ma’s expertise is enhanced by his past successes as a 1984 Olympic champion, three-time World Cup medalist, and fivetime Chinese national champion in weightlifting. Ma praises UNI athletes as hard workers with strong genes. “I coach athletes from many sports at UNI – football, baseball, swimming, track and field, wrestling,” he says. “I coach the athletes in techniques using the Olympic professional style to help them improve and become stronger.” He relies on a slightly modified use of the Chinese training system for weightlifting. Ma also co-teaches some classes in athletic training with Jed Smith, UNI instructor and head strength and conditioning coach. Ma explains the Chinese method of training and the importance of recovery – an area he conducted research on in China. UNI students in the athletic training program work directly with Ma at the center and learn his training and recovery techniques. The response to Ma’s expertise has been an increase from 15 student athletes when the center opened last fall to 84 students six months later. He and Smith are taking 20 athletes to a training camp in China this summer and then to the Olympic games in Beijing.
A $1.1 million gift from the estate of University of Northern Iowa alumna Arlene Estes will provide scholarships for UNI students studying elementary education. The Arlene Estes Endowed Scholarship Fund was established through the UNI Foundation last fall. “We are touched by Arlene’s generosity,” said Bill Callahan, dean of the College of Education. “The legacy Arlene left will enable future generations of students to fulfill their dreams of becoming educators, continuing UNI’s 131-year history in teacher education.” Estes received her B.S. in elementary education from Iowa State Teachers College in 1942, and she earned an M.S. in education from Drake University in 1948. Estes died in 2006, having lived most recently in Spirit Lake. Her career as a second-grade teacher spanned more than 45 years, 33 of which were spent in the Des Moines Public School District.
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
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he College of Education scholarship committee recently awarded more than $500,000 in scholarship support for our students next year. That is an amazing amount of money and many students have benefited from the generosity of our alumni and friends. Our students are grateful for this support and the college is fortunate to have so many deserving students to consider. Imagine the impact these students will have on our future. Unfortunately, the need far outweighs our ability to offer assistance to these students. The College of Education has the largest enrollment on campus and there are always so many students who are deserving of help. State support has declined to less than 50 percent of our budget and the tuition has been increased substantially due to these budget cuts. Scholarship support starts at $1,000 per year for an annually funded scholarship and it costs $30,000 to permanently endow a scholarship for future generations. There are many ways to make this commitment to our students and I would be happy to talk to you about your options. Your support can make the difference between whether or not a student can remain in school. I urge you to consider investing in the life of a UNI student. If you have questions or would like more information, please call me at 800-782-9522 or direct an e-mail to sherry.kluender@uni.edu. —Sherry Kluender, director of development, College of Education
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Emeritus Faculty Len Froyen
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fter retiring from the UNI’s Education Psychology and Foundations in 1994, Len Froyen, ’57, spends most days doing something worthwhile and with a purpose. One of his first post-retirement projects was to petition the Board of Regents, State of Iowa to retain Lang Hall and not tear it down. “But, remodeling Lang Hall was going to cost $500,000 more,” Froyen recalls. “I felt responsible to help raise as much of that as possible.” He and Pat Maxwell, ’58, created the Lang Society and raised $400,000 to remodel the building. In 1994, he also agreed to be co-director for the College Hill Arts Festival and continued in this role through 2003. Beginning in 1996, Froyen served as director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. He worked at the St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center near UNI to prepare multiple classes of men in becoming deacons in the archdiocese. Froyen himself was ordained a deacon in 1989 to support the work of the church in presiding at baptisms, witnessing marriages and officiating at wake services and funerals. He retired from the diaconate formation program last fall. n addition, Froyen serves on the UNI Alumni Association board of directors and continues his professional writing. He and Radhi Al-Mabuk, interim head of the Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations, co-authored a self-help book on forgiveness. Froyen is now writing a book on gratitude, using his life stories to help others shape their lives on a foundation of gratitude. One of the most enjoyable UNI events he helped organize was the Stadium Hall Reunion in 2005 for all men who lived under Latham Football Stadium, the current site of Schindler Education Center. “The 24 dorm rooms were built for veterans after World War II,” Froyen reminisces. “We had five men to one room with two Army bunk beds, one single bed, two dressers in the middle of the room, and a clothes rack along one wall. We used the showers in the football locker room one floor below our rooms.” Froyen lived in Stadium Hall for two years when he attended then Iowa State Teachers College to earn a degree in social science teaching with a minor in chemistry. Len Froyen lives in Cedar Falls with his wife, Gail, a professional storyteller. Their three children are all UNI graduates.
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Program Highlights Multicultural Initiatives in Teaching Program
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ver the past 20 years, the MIT program under director Janet McClain has worked with several Iowa school districts with large, ethnically diverse student populations to encourage students to attend UNI and enroll in teacher education. The MIT program targets middle and high school students from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a teaching career. Students learn more about the teaching profession and are assisted in becoming teachers through pre-collegiate activities and MIT scholarships. Once enrolled at UNI, these students have access to academic advising and mentoring opportunities through the university’s student support services, Center for Multicultural Education and the College of Education Advising Center. Eligible students can also apply for the many teacher education scholarships available. As part of the MIT program, students can enroll in a seminar titled Studies in Multicultural Issues in Teaching and Learning and also become involved in the Multicultural Teaching Alliance student organization. During these activities they learn more about diversity, multicultural education and teaching. Students have opportunities to attend professional workshops and conferences and work with pre-K-12 educators and students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. “Teaching is a good career choice for the future,” McClain tells students. “Iowa needs highly qualified multicultural teachers who can relate to all students. If students haven’t thought about teaching as a profession, the MIT program can help them do that and support students in their teacher education program at UNI.”
Homecoming 2007 brought together COE faculty Kimberly Knesting, MIT director Janet McClain, COE dean William Callahan and MIT program alum and scholarship recipient Jamie Walker Sallis, who is now teaching in the Davenport schools.
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
Technology facilitator UNI only Iowa certificate program Regents university offered in fall offering technology teacher preparation
In response to the need for teachers who are technology literate and understand how to use technology as another tool for learning, the Instructional Technology division of UNI’s Curriculum & Instruction Department will offer a Technology Facilitator Certificate program beginning in fall 2008. Leigh Zeitz, associate professor, said this certificate program is the first of its kind in Iowa. “We’re filling a need in several ways by offering this certificate program,” he explained. “Some students do not wish or need our two-year master’s degree program in instructional technology for K-12, so this certificate will give them the skills to become leaders in using technology.” Also, the certificate application states, many school districts are eliminating technology coordinators due to lack of funding, yet teachers are still expected to integrate technology into their classrooms. Because the six required classes for the certificate are currently offered in the master’s degree sequence, the completed certificate coursework can be applied toward a master’s degree, Zeitz noted. “We hope there will be some students in the certificate program who decide to continue for a master’s degree.” The certificate is targeted toward facilitating teaching and learning environments supported by technology. It is aligned to the International Society for Technology in Education’s Technology Facilitator Standards. Required classes are in emergent technology, technology in education, coordinating technology programs, advanced media, principles of publication design and selection and integration of educational technology. “Technology is not the answer to improved learning, but it is another tool for teaching,” Zeitz says. “It provides more ways for students to access learning and increases the experiences in a classroom.” For information on the Technology Facilitator Certificate program, contact Ana Donaldson, Instructional Technology coordinator, 319-273-2724, ana.donaldson@uni.edu.
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
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he Technology Education and Training program offered through the Department of Industrial Technology prepares students to teach technology education or industrial technology at the secondary level (middle school and high school) in Iowa as well as other places around the country. Doug Hotek, associate professor of industrial technology, states there is a critical need for technology teachers across the nation. In Iowa, UNI is the only Regents institution that offers a technology teacher preparation program at the undergraduate level. Technological literacy is a major focus of the program—that is, to know the nature of technology and its effects on society, and to experience problem-solving through engineering design, innovation and practical abilities for living in a technological world. Students also learn to integrate math and science into technology by taking courses in the development, production, use and assessment of technological systems. These include construction, communication, energy and power, manufacturing and transportation. Pre-service teachers can choose an emphasis among these technological systems, indicates Hotek. With secondary school teacher licensure courses offered through the College of Education, and major core and professional courses through the College of Natural Sciences, technology teacher candidates learn to plan their curriculum, apply suitable teaching strategies and methods, and manage both traditional and contemporary instructional laboratories. Modular laboratories (interactive computerized workstations) are now being utilized in approximately 50 percent of Iowa’s secondary schools. To help supply teachers for these labs, UNI’s Technology Education and Training program has developed a modular lab consisting of artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, automotive exploration, computer numerical controlled machining, exploratory electronics, flight simulation, residential design, small engine mechanics and virtual reality.
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Department Highlight Curriculum & Instruction
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he largest department at UNI, Curriculum & Instruction prides itself on preparing tomorrow’s teachers through active involvement in classroom experiences and numerous opportunities working with master teachers in area schools. Mary Herring, interim department head, explains that faculty members are committed to providing active involvement for students in their classes. “These hands-on experiences allow students to learn state-of-the-art education trends,” she says. C&I includes six divisions: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Literacy Education, Instructional Technology and School Library Studies. The department is comprised of 46 faculty members and includes 72 percent of the undergraduate students at UNI and 24 percent of the graduate students. Elementary education majors alone account for 11 percent of the students on campus. It’s also the largest curriculum and instruction department among Iowa’s state universities. “With President Allen’s emphasis on UNI becoming the center for teacher education in Iowa, we’re working to make UNI be THE place for pre-K- 8 education,” Herring stresses. To that end, here are highlights of most recent Curriculum & Instruction initiatives that serve the state and nation.
The Early Childhood Education division is leading the statewide initiative to improve preschool education for all Iowa four-year-olds regardless of income status. In early May, they sponsored Early Childhood Summit IV for administrators, consultants and program specialists on the topic of program assessment and professional development. The keynote speaker was Bridget Hamre, University of Virginia, and co-author of the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) instrument and its use for both assessment and professional development.
Teacher Education News All-university professional development day premieres
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In the Elementary Education program, students progress through a carefully planned sequence of courses that lead them to fully understand children and how they learn. Recently, 80 percent of UNI teacher education graduates found teaching jobs - the others decided on another career path. Of those new teachers, 72 percent are teaching in Iowa schools. The Middle Level Education program has an ongoing relationship with an area middle school where UNI students visit classrooms and tutor middle school students in their class work. Students also learn to teach students with different learning abilities, manage a classroom and include technology in classroom activities. The Instructional Technology division will start offering its new Technology Facilitator Certificate program in the fall. (See article under Program Highlights.) A master’s degree cohort statewide program in instructional technology is beginning this summer and will target current teachers to take their skills to the next level. This division also prepares graduate students for jobs in the corporate setting through the master’s degree in performance and training technology. A media minor, not focused on teacher preparation, is available for undergraduate students as well as an educational technology minor for K-12 education majors. The School Library Studies program develops K-12 teacher librarians with the leadership and instructional skills to teach students and help teachers find the best materials to support classroom learning. Located in the Rod Library, this division is offered at the master’s degree level primarily through distance education or as a specialization for elementary or secondary teacher education students. Literacy education faculty immerse students in practical experiences to learn to teach children to read, write, listen, speak and think. Their newest initiative is a virtual community to support new teachers beyond the UNI campus.
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
he first all-university professional development day to improve the Teacher Education Program provided an opportunity to figure out the strengths of the program, needed improvements, and how to make these changes, according to Barry Wilson, director of assessment for the College of Education. “UNI teacher education faculty care about the quality of teachers we graduate and this day gave them an opportunity to discuss their courses, see how these courses relate to others’, and determine future actions.” Participants included teacher education faculty from across campus. Mary Herring, program planner and interim head of the Curriculum & Instruction Department, reports, “We had 109 teacher/educator participants and 20 administrators work to help assess the program in an interdisciplinary setting.” Keynote speaker Karen Wilson set the tone for the day in her talk of the need to support faculty and the importance of what they do. Wilson is chief operating officer for the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future.
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rior to this day, department faculty have been “mapping” their curriculum – that is, graphically showing what teacher certification standards the courses address and marking gaps or redundancies, Wilson explained. INTASC standards are used (Interstate New Teachers Assessment and Support Consortium). This national organization’s mission is to ensure that an effective teacher is able to integrate content knowledge with the specific strengths and needs of students to assure that all students learn and perform at high levels.
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
“All of our courses address a portion of the standards,” Wilson explained, “but as faculty, we don’t necessarily know how the theoretical and practical classes we teach connect with other classes or build on other classes. Back-mapping is a way to show what knowledge in other classes faculty are building on or how their course serves as a foundation for other knowledge.” During the day of “Back-mapping to the Future: Listen to the Evidence,” faculty from each of three areas interacted across disciplines - clinical experience/observation classes, foundation/ theory courses and methods courses. Wilson reports that faculty examined four years of data from several sources and were asked to focus on assessment, diversity and classroom management, all which are areas of highest need based on UNI’s last teacher education accreditation report.
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aculty then discussed what they were doing well, where they could change and their next steps for improvements. They looked for answers at the broad university-wide teacher education level, their specific program level and their individual level as faculty members connecting with others in their area. Herring says that at the end of the day people returned to their department groups to develop a tentative action plan of next steps. “This is a big step in doing something different to make a positive effect in UNI’s teacher education program and the way we teach,” Wilson notes. He also attributes program success to administrative support from Provost James Lubker, President Ben Allen and other administrators across campus. “A key thing will be follow-through from the director of Teacher Education and the Council on Teacher Education to set continued collaboration as a high priority.”
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Teacher Education News Barb Hill – known to all teacher education majors
Teacher Work Sample – a window into students’ teaching
he monitors all students’ admission status into teacher education, helps them know if they fall short of requirements to stay in the program, and helps guarantee that they have met all the requirements to be recommended for licensure. That’s Barb Hill – the woman in SEC 159 who every teacher education major knows because of her job as record analyst since 1988 for the Teacher Education Program. Hill helps guide students though the many Iowa and program requirements for teacher licensure. Many of those requirements have changed over the years, such as the teacher education application. “When I started at UNI, we didn’t even have an application,” Hill says. Now, every semester she helps students complete their teacher education application and then processes 350-450 applications. Students also need to pass the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). In earlier years, Hill says, “If students didn’t pass a portion of the test, they could work with a UNI math, reading or writing specialist and then take an unofficial test. Now that is not an option.” Students seem to seek out Hill for guidance and advice on passing the PPST. “You sympathize with them when they don’t pass; encourage them and tell them where to get assistance; and celebrate when they do pass. It seems like they’re your own kids,” Hill smiles.
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ill also tracks students’ progress in completing the teacher education requirements by using the new computerized UNITED Student System. She enters every step a student completes into the hundreds of student online files. Plus she prepares materials for the teacher education orientation every semester and spends many Friday afternoons in the SEC lobby checking off names of students who attend the many required seminars, and who stay the whole time to receive credit. UNI provides students with the required seminars on high-risk behaviors, substance abuse and blood-born pathogens. UNI personalizes other requirements, Hill says. “In 2000, the state began requiring a background check on all teachers so our pre-teaching students had to be fingerprinted. UNI has a public safety officer in the Ed lobby twice a year to help students with this process.” Other teacher preparation institutions may simply hand students a fingerprint packet to complete on their own. Hills’ favorite activity is the Teacher Education Convocation, started in 1991 by UNI faculty and attended by a high
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percentage of students being admitted into the program. “I’ve attended every one of the convocations,” Hill proudly says. “After spending months nagging these students to get their requirements done, then I get to line them up and send them across the state. I really like it – there are lots of parents, hugs and pictures.” “Barb really is a model of professionalism, high standards, caring, empathy and encouragement to all of our teacher education majors,” says Merrie Schroeder, interim director of teacher education, who works most closely with Hill. “She goes well beyond her required role as a record analyst, and it shows in our candidates and in our program.”
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
eacher education faculty at UNI know that their students can teach to impact student learning. They know this because all student teachers document their teaching skills using a narrative assessment method called Teacher Work Sample. Barry Wilson, director of assessment for the College of Education, calls the use of teacher work samples the “best thing that’s happened to UNI’s teacher preparation program.” UNI led the national effort involving 10 other universities to develop the Teacher Work Sample (TWS) method beginning in 1998. UNI worked with other premier teacher preparation institutions from the Renaissance Group to address the issue of accountability in teacher education graduates. TWS is based on the work sample methodology that originated at Western Oregon University, according to Victoria Robinson, associate professor of educational leadership and UNI coordinator for TWS. Faculty who initiated the work at UNI were Robinson, Lynn Nielsen, professor of curriculum and instruction, and Rob Boody, associate professor of educational psychology and foundations. The work sample is a student teacher’s narrative of a unit the student taught from start to finish. It includes reflections and explanations of seven processes students go through during their first four weeks of student teaching. In general, these include the student’s ability to plan a unit of instruction, the actual teaching, the student’s ability to direct learning for individual students and for the whole group of students, and what changes the student would make to address any problems which may have occurred in their teaching. The use of the Teacher Work Sample is a powerful means for change, Wilson stresses. “It not only helps students change, but
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
it also helps faculty understand how they may want to change their own teaching when they see what their students are actually thinking and doing.” Robinson emphasizes, “TWS is not just a finished product – it is a process. It is a habit of mind and practice.” UNI teacher education students also benefit from TWS because its seven processes “blend beautifully with Iowa’s eight teaching standards and nationally required accountability systems,” Robinson adds. After conducting a pilot study, the TWS faculty committee recently revised the TWS section that asks student teachers to show evidence of measurable student learning. “In too many cases, this was translated into using a pre- and post-test,” Wilson says. “That’s not what we had in mind. Numbers aren’t always the best way to show learning. In areas such as music or art, other ways of assessing learning can be done.” Wilson says reading TWS narratives give faculty a “window into student teaching that they have not had before.” UNI faculty members also incorporate work sample activities and assignments in earlier classes and experiences. Wilson notes that this gives students in earlier levels of the teacher education program a picture of what it will be like to teach a unit. This is one example of the many supports faculty build into their courses to prepare students to write a TWS. Teacher work samples are used in several graduate courses for practicing teachers and administrators. School principals in Robinson’s Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment course examine work samples as a way to work with their teachers and talk about teaching in a meaningful way. “UNI is a recognized leader in this area,” Robinson says. “Faculty from other states have visited UNI to see how TWS works and we’ve had multiple articles about TWS published in referred journals.” For more information and TWS examples, visit www.uni.edu/teached/students/tws.shtml.
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Faculty Awards
Alumni News Graduates – where are they?
Lee Weber, instructor of social studies at Price Lab School, was named a first place winner in the National Annenberg Foundation Classroom Lesson Plan Contest for creative and innovative lessons across eight different curricular areas. Weber’s lesson for high school American government classes was titled “The Constitution: The Foundation of a Great Condominium?” It compares the ratification struggle over the U.S. Constitution from 1787-1789 to a modern real estate advertising campaign for a new condominium. The winning lessons are posted on the Annenberg Classroom Web site as teaching resources at www. annenbergclassroom.org/Asset.aspx?Id=1360 Kurt Meredith, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, received The Orava Award recently from the Orava Association in the Republic of Slovakia. The award recognized Meredith service to education and to improving education for the young people of Slovakia. It is the highest award the Orava Association for Democratic Education bestows. Meredith worked with the Slovak Ministry of Education for five years to prepare teachers for schools in the new democracy.
A quick catch-up on some College of Education grads Christi Stoffer, ISEA, student chapter president, fall 2005
Susan Etscheidt, professor of special education, received the Winterstein Memorial Award for 2007-2008 from the Iowa Council of Exceptional Children for meritorious achievement in the field of special education. Mingshui Cai, professor of curriculum and instruction, is serving on the advisory committee of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The committee promotes the use of nonfiction children’s books in the classroom and selects the annual award See you at the Panther Union! recipient and up to five honor Have your friends invited you to Panther Union yet? Have you invited your friends? books. There are more than 3,000 alumni registered and more than 200 groups established by alumni on the Panther Union, the UNI Alumni Association’s exclusive online community.
Student Award
Cynthia Kenyon, doctoral candidate in the Curriculum and Instruction Intensive Study Area, received the Iowa Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Award at a four-state regional meeting of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences last March.
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You’ll find groups based on location, academic major, activities and professional interests including education majors and professionals. The Ultimate Frisbee Club, residence halls, SAA, and groups by academic, geographic or work location are already up and running. Can’t find what you are looking for? Start your own group! Panther Union allows you to: • Find a job, or fill a job opening • Find an apartment or rent out your own • Hear about UNI and other events in your area • Create and join groups to stay in touch or discuss specific topics • Share photos and blogs in a secure environment and MUCH MORE! Just register at https://pantherunion.unialum.org/, complete your profile with the information that you want to share, invite fellow Panthers that you know and trust, accept invitations from only those whom you want and join whatever groups you find of interest. It’s that easy! Panther Union is a free service sponsored by your Alumni Association.
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
After graduating in December 2005, Stoffer began teaching at Baldwin Intermediate School (grades 4-6) in Quincy, Ill. During the spring 2006 semester, she taught in a resource room and for the 2006-07 year she was a co-teacher in an inclusive classroom. This year she taught in a self-contained classroom for students with learning disabilities and worked closely with a teacher in assisting a student with behavioral disorders. As a special education graduate, Stoffer indicates that the special education department helped her prepare the most for teaching. “The multiple practicum experiences that we had in classrooms – especially those that weren’t ‘perfect’ classes – were great preparation,” she recalls. “My first practicum was at an elementary school where I was overwhelmed with a small group of six students with six different negative behaviors. My supervisor let me do what I thought best and then gave me constructive criticism and helped me learn from it. And one thing I did learn was that there are times in teaching when I need to back up if the students aren’t getting it.” She also remembers the help Frank Koehler and Amy Staples provided in handling students with various behaviors in a classroom. “They had very high expectations for us, and if not we did not meet them, we had to explain. But they were there every step of the way to ensure that we succeeded in our teaching.” Stoffer said she still contacts Koehler about certain situations in her teaching. “I’ve e-mailed him a few times and asked him for advice – he always gives it to me. Even if it is reaffirming what I am doing or giving me new ideas, that contact is priceless. All of my UNI
professors taught me how to teach and trust myself.” Teacher Education Convocation was another high point for Stoffer. “This event told me that UNI believed in me enough to welcome me into the College of Education. This was an amazing feeling to know that it was the first day of many to learn how to teach and support students.” Stoffer plans to teach in a selfcontained classroom at Baldwin Intermediate School next year.
Gina Nechanicky Feldt, Kappa Delta Pi president, spring 2006 Gina Feldt graduated from the UNI elementary education program in spring 2007 and received her first teaching job last fall as a fifth grade teacher at Sioux Central Elementary in northwest Iowa. She was married in March 2008. During her first teaching year, she says the multiple experiences she had at UNI in classrooms working with students and using the skills she learned prepared her for her own classroom. “One lesson
Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
I learned very quickly is to be ready for change,” she explains. “I have learned how to deal with small things that come up and how to keep going with the lesson plans.” Feldt says she also benefited from the leadership skills she used while KDP president. “I organized meetings and kept events going throughout the semester.” She uses those same skills in the classroom. “Students need structure to be successful and need to see that I care about the content being taught.” Her students have given her the opportunity to try every technique that she learned in college, she says. From this she’s reaffirmed that “it is important to remember that what works for one student may not work for the next. Treat each student as an individual and remember that each day is a new chance for the students.” Feldt also praises the College of Education faculty for going above and beyond in their help. “I received assistance on my resume, looking for jobs, and preparing for job interviews. The College of Education faculty members were always very helpful.” Her favorite event each year was the Celebration of Excellence where she met her scholarship donors. “I could talk about school forever. I feel like I have so much to share because I have learned so much my first year teaching,” Feldt concludes.
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Career Notes 1940s Frances (Cathcart) Dawson, 2 yr ‘44, taught second language English in Inner Mongolia, China. She has returned and lives in Melbourne, FL. 1950s Gordon Cawelti, BA ‘51, published an article documenting the damaging effects of the No Child Left Behind legislation on the curriculum in the nation’s schools. He and his wife spend winters in Delray Beach, FL and summers in Okoboji. 1960s Stephen France, BA ‘66, was inducted into the school of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services Hall of Excellence in 2006. He retired in 2000 after 34 years with the West Des Moines Community School District. Don Parker, BA ‘68, MA ‘70, was inducted into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo. The organization honors Iowa natives and their wrestling accomplishments. He has coached wrestling at the University of WisconsinEau Claire since 1977. Laura Feldman, BA ‘69, won a seat on the St. Charles, MO, city council. She recently retired from being a special education administrator. 1970s Jim Berry, MA ‘71, retired from coaching basketball at Columbus High School in Waterloo but will continue to coach the tennis team. He has been coaching for 47 years, including the position of head coach for UNI men’s basketball from 1974-1986. Carol (Wooden) Boyce, BA ‘72, teaches expanded learning program classes at Orange Elementary in Waterloo. The program aims to challenge students identified as academically gifted. She lives in Dysart.
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Randy Krejci, BA ‘76, received the National Contributor award from the National Federation of High Schools Association. The award was for interscholastic officiating in basketball, football and volleyball over the past 35 years. Since 2000, he has been commissioner of the Mississippi Valley Conference, which includes schools in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Iowa City and Waterloo. Michele (Case) McGuire, BA ‘78, is the admission counselor for Hinksen Academy in Moscow, Russia.
What’s up in your life? Share your news with your classmates and fellow Panthers by submitting your class note at www.unialum.org and hit the Update Your Record link. 1980s Jim Hurley, MA ‘80, received the 2007 Good Neighbor Award from the Iowa Association of Realtors. He taught chemistry, physics and forensic science for 35 years in the Waverly-Shell Rock School District. He lives in Shell Rock. Jim Thompson, BA ‘82, is outreach prevention specialist at Covenant Medical Center. He provides prevention, education and training services for problem gambling. He lives in Cedar Falls. Lisa (Wadle) Vanderlugt, BA ‘84, teaches third grade at Aquin Catholic Elementary in Cascade. She was recently awarded a McElroy Excellence in Education grant to introduce photography in her class. Susan (McIntee) Schwieger, MA ‘85, is director of graduate student life for the UNI Graduate College. She develops and directs a comprehensive student services program for graduate students including professional and career development, graduate student orientation, marketing, recruitment and retention, graduate
student surveys and academic related programming. Mark Farley, BA ‘87, MA ‘94, received the Sports Network’s Eddie Robinson Award as the top coach in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision. He has been head coach of the Panther football team since 2001. Jodi (Lingren) Tymeson, BA ‘88, retired from her position as deputy commander in the Iowa Army National Guard. She was the first woman to be promoted to the General Officer rank. She continues to serve as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives. Chris McCarthy, BA ‘89, works for Iowa Health-Des Moines. He is the project manager for the hospital’s Center for Healthy Communities. He works with other agencies to address the health needs of the Des Moines metro area and the state of Iowa. 1990s Jennifer (Else) Hartman, BA ‘91, MA ‘97, is principal at North Cedar Elementary in Cedar Falls. Christopher Rygh, BA ‘91, was featured as a “20 under 40” winner in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier for 2007. He is executive pastor at Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls. He held various teaching positions throughout the Midwest before becoming a pastor. He also worked in educational policy for a Minnesota state legislator. Jeanna North, BA ‘92, received the 2007 Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching. The award is co-sponsored by the R.J. McElroy Trust and KWWL Television. She is an upper elementary special needs/ resource teacher at Lincoln Elementary in Cedar Falls. Lori (Eilderts) Smith, MA ‘95, received the 2007 Gold Star Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching. The award is sponsored by the R.J. McElroy Trust and
University of Northern Iowa College of Education
KWWL Television. She teaches elementary physical education and health at Price Laboratory School in Cedar Falls. Willie Barney, BA ‘96, MA ‘01, EdD ‘07, is principal at Waterloo East High School. He was formerly principal of North Central Junior High in North Liberty.
Looking for Purple in your area? Check out the UNI alumni calendar of events at www.unialum.org and click on Events. Bret Greve, BA ‘96, received the 2006 American Star of Teaching Award. Only one teacher in each state receives this award each year. He has been teaching fourth grade at Harris-Lake Park Elmentary in Lake Park. Ken Vande Berg, MA ‘96, received the Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award from the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees. He is vice president of economic development services for Northeast Iowa Community College. Tricia (Breakenridge) Ortega, BA ‘99, earned her maste’s degree in counseling in 2007 from the University of Texas San Antonio. She is a counselor at Center Associates in Marshalltown. 2000s Joseph Fernau, BA ‘01, BA ‘03, is director of training and outreach for Special Olympics Iowa. He has an extensive background with SOIA and volunteered with the Winter Games for almost 10 years. He lives in Ankeny. Jeffrey Frost, MA ‘02, was selected Athletic Director of the Year by the Northeast Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association. He works at West High in Waterloo.
Emily Buss Jones, BA ‘04, MA ‘06, received the 2008 University of Georgia Graduate School Excellence in Teaching Award at the recent Honors Day Program. Jones is a teaching assistant in the Department of Kinesiology. It is the first time this department has had a recipient named out of the 400 graduate teaching assistants on the campus. Amanda Walston, BA ‘06, was recognized as New Nonprofit Employee of the Year at the 2007 American Humanics Nonprofit Awards. She is director of outreach for Community Foundation of Cedar Falls/ Waterloo and Northeast Iowa. She lives in Waterloo. Paul Waterman, BA ‘06, received the Graduate Student Rising Star Award from the Iowa Student Personnel Association. The award is given for demonstrating excellence in the classroom, leadership and potential for significant contribution in the professional field of student affairs. He is pursuing a master’s degree in postsecondary education: student affairs at UNI. Sarah Huffer, BA ‘07, participated in the Polar Master of Arts graduate program in Grundy Center. Students in the program integrate new technology into the physical education classroom at Grundy Center High School in addition to taking classes at UNI.
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Excellence in Education—Spring 2008
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Student Scholarship Recipients Meet tomorrow’s promising educators William Beyer Major: Music Education & Composition Hometown: Vinton, Iowa Why did you choose UNI’s teacher education program? UNI is close to my hometown so my parents can easily attend concerts and other events. Also a friend’s parents recommended UNI as the best college for education in Iowa. I also visited campus during high school for music activities and feel comfortable here. How has your College of Education scholarship created opportunities for you? It enables me to focus on my studies and practicing instead of wondering how I’ll pay my next u-bill. I have time to drive to Vinton during the week and help my high school band director with jazz band rehearsal and sectionals for saxophones, my main instrument. What experiences have had a major impact on you? In high school I took an advanced placement practicum in the Vinton Middle School working with the band instructor. That experience motivated me to teach even more. One particular experience really impacted me. I was working with a sixth grade student on a percussion rhythm. He tried so many times to get it right and when he finally did the look on his face was so rewarding. I love music and want to share it with everyone. What would you tell prospective music education students bout the teaching program? I know that UNI places 100 percent of the music education graduates who want jobs in Iowa. That’s a high recommendation. I also look forward to my education classes because I want to learn more about how children develop academically and musically and the psychology of working with students. What are your career plans? I want to start out teaching high school music. I’ll be certified to teach band, orchestra and choir. With composition, I’ll be able to write music for a high school band. Then I want to earn a master’s degree and possibly go on for a doctorate to teach music at the collegiate level.
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Anna Harkin Major: Elementary Education / Literacy Education minor Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa Why did you choose the UNI College of Education? For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a teacher. In Ankeny I had a number of amazing teachers who inspired me throughout the years. When I applied to UNI my cousin was a senior and told me about the many classroom opportunities she had in education. I think the hands-on experience at UNI is the most important part of the program. What academic experiences have had a major impact on you? In my remedial reading course I tutored a student in the Reading Clinic and our professors really pushed us to be great teachers. It was a lot of work and time, but so rewarding. It changed me as an educator. I also worked with Camp Adventure™ last summer in Germany at an Army base near Munich. I taught educational experiences to a pre-K class and learned a lot about behavior management. How has your College of Education scholarship created opportunities for you? It lets me focus on academics and do more teaching activities. I volunteer two days a week at two different area elementary schools through the Kappa Delta Pi elementary partnerships program. And I’m a Big Sister in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. In addition, I’m the secretary of the Student Reading Association. I like to take risks and UNI has given me a lot of opportunities. What are your career plans? I’ll student teach in a year and am applying for an urban Iowa community because I want schools with diversity so that I can learn about other cultures. After graduating, I want to apply to the Teach for America program where I would teach for two years in an under-served urban public school. I also plan to receive my master’s degree in education. What would you tell other students interested in a UNI teaching program? I’d tell them how amazing the elementary education professors are. We have small classes and they really care about students and want us to succeed. I’d suggest that students get involved, be in a classroom as much as they can, and go beyond classroom requirements.
University of Northern Iowa College of Education