E LEVATE DUCATION
The College of Education and Human Development Magazine, 2024
GRADUATES CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND EARN MAJOR ACCOLADES IN THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY (PG.3)
New Directions in Education
Interim Dean Tony Latiker cast a vision for the College of Education as a hub for strategic collaborations, research, evaluation, professional development, and excellence in teacher preparation.
FROM THE INTERIM DEAN TONY T. LATIKER
Few things excite me as much as a good story. For me, a good story must not only be entertaining, but insightful. I hope that our inaugural issue of the College of Education and Human Development’s Magazine –Elevate Education – provides each of you with insight into who we are as a college and what we value.
As you peruse this issue you will read about our innovative collaborations that are designed to meet the academic and professional development needs of students, teachers, school leaders and the broader community as a whole
One such initiative is a grow your own dual enrollment initiative called Count Me In: Future Teachers of Mathematics. This collaboration between the Mississippi Department of Education, Jackson Public School District and Jackson State University is designed to create a pipeline of mathematics educators for Jackson Public Schools by enrolling high school juniors and seniors in a newly approved Math Education licensure program with an Algebra and Geometry emphasis
In this issue, you will read about the amazing things that our alumni, students, staff, and faculty have been doing. We are particularly excited to spotlight some of our recent graduates who are using their training to make an impact on education. Mr. Tony Porter, winner of Blackburn Teacher of the Year Award and Ms. Maleah Briggs, recipient of an Education Fellowship with the Mississippi Museum of Art, are just two of the students you will learn more about in the Education Alumni Excel-Student Spotlights
I truly hope that you not only continue to follow our story, but that you choose to become an active part of the work that is happening in the College of Education and Human Development at Jackson State University. It will take all of us working together to Elevate Education in Mississippi and beyond.
Students, staff, faculty, and all of our partners in education, thank you for your ongoing support of the College Know that my door is always open, and I would love to hear your thoughts on how we can Elevate Education together
Tony T. Latiker, Interim Dean
ELEVATE EDUCATION OUR STORY AND EDITORIAL TEAM
Connect with the College of Education and Human Development community on-campus, online, or on social media.
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Phone: 601-979-2433
EMAIL: COE@jsums.edu
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The College of Education and Human Development magazine was developed from the collaborative efforts of JSU's talented students from the College of Education, the College of Business (Marketing), and the College of Liberal Arts (Journalism and Media Studies). Special thanks are extended to everyone who contributed ideas, feedback, and time to bring the magazine from concept to completion.
Elevate Education Editor: Deidre L Wheaton, PhD Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Director, School of Lifelong Learning Interim Associate Dean, College of Education
Phone: 601-979-8738
Email: deidre l wheaton@jsums edu
Graphic Designer: Terran Demeritte
Staff Writers: Deidre Wheaton Maleah Briggs
Photographer: Charles Smith
JSU's College of Education and Human Development is pleased to present the 2024 issue of Elevate Education (EE). EE is published for alumni, friends, and supporters of the College of Education. We value your input, so please share feedback and suggestions for future magazine topics using the Elevate Education QR Code.
TABLE OF Contents
EDUCATION ALUMNI EXCEL
Alumni Honored in JSU’s 40 Under 40
Maleah Briggs, Earns Graduate Fellowship.
Tony Porter, Teacher of the Year.
Felix Neal, Manager of Curriculum and Instruction
Alexandria Drake, Receives National Board Certification.
Tiffany Jones, EAFR MACTE Recipient
Jarvious Grayson, EAFR MACTE Recipient
RESEARCH INNOVATIONS
INNOVATIVE EDUCATION COLLABORATIONS
Count Me In: Future Teachers of Mathematics Middle College Program
Lifelong Learning Launches SEED Project
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER QUALITY
New Leadership in Teacher Quality: A Conversations with Mr. Michael Mozee
ELEVATE EDUCATION’S 2024-2025 RECOMMENDED READS 3 11 22
HBCU Math Education and Research Center
Stretching Towards Resilience: Faculty team up to investigate the physical, intellectual, and emotional benefits of yoga for young children.
EDUCATION NEWS 28
New Directions in the College of Education and Human Development
Elementary Education A+ in Literacy
Counseling Department Reaccredited
Health and Physical Education Launches New Concentration
Aspiring Educators Program Revived
EPHD celebrates 20-yrs
Lottie Thornton Early Childhood Center
Farewell to 2024 Retirees
EFAR Pilots Graduate Student Success Workshop Series
Dr. Walter Brown Executive Director, Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education 601-979- 4002 walter a brown@jsums edu
Mrs Juanita Johnson Director, Lottie Thornton Childcare Center 601-979-2396
juanita.e.johnson@jsums.edu
Dr. Tony Latiker Interim Dean, College of Education tony.t.latiker@jsums.edu
Dr. Albert Carter Interim Chair, Educational Admin, Foundations, & Research 601-979-2351 albert.w.carter@jsums.edu
Dr Sam Mozee Director, Mississippi Urban Research Center 601-979-1386 sam.mozee@jsums.edu
Dr. Stephanie Davidson Chair, Elementary and Early Childhood Education 601-979-2341 stephanie.r.davidson@jsums.edu
Mr Michael Mozee Coordinator, Center for Teacher Quality 601-979-8666 michael t mozee@jsums edu
ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Dion Porter Chair, Counseling, Rehab, and Psychometric Services 601-979-2361
dion.porter@jsums.edu
Dr. James Robinson Chair, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation 601-979-2768
james.h.robinson@jsums.edu
Dr. Dennis Williams Educational, Multicultural, and Exceptional Studies 601-979 2439
dennis.d.williams@jsums.edu
Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton Interim Associate Dean and Director of Lifelong Learning 601-979- 8738
deidre.l.wheaton@jsums.edu
EDUCATION Alumni xcel
Education Alumni Excel
College of Education and Human Development Graduates take top Honors in JSU’s 2023-2024 Top 40 Under 40
In Jackson State’s Alpha Cohort of the 40 Under 40 recognitions, College of Education and Human Development graduates were honored for their exemplary contributions to the field of education. Ten of the 40-honorees earned either undergraduate or graduate degrees in a variety of different education related fields. Join us in continuing to honor and celebrate these educational leaders for all of the great work that they have done, are doing, and will continue to do as they advance in their careers.
Mr. Michael D. Adams, Ed.S.
Dr. De’Suan Dixon
Dr. Laquala C. Dixon
Dr. Tara Dunn Ross
Dr. Will Smith
Dr. Arron LeMarkus Richardson
Dr. Arianna C. Stokes
Ms. Terrica Jenkins, MS Ed.
Mr. Terrance Hill, Ed.S.
Dr. Adrian Dwayne Hammitte
Education Alumni Excel
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION
MALEAH BRIGGS
Congratula recent Mag Jackson Sta through he Museum of full-time Po Education s Bachelor of Science in t
While attending JSU, she participated in many professional development opportunities and internships, which sparked her continued interest in developing educational experiences at the intersection of arts, history, and community
The impressive list of internship opportunities she completed as a student at JSU include: the Center for Art and Public Exchange at the Mississippi Museum of Art as a CAPE Intern; the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers as a Licensing Intern; and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History as an Education and Programming intern.
Her final se fulfilling as Teaching F of Art, atten Possibility S of 50 HBCU attended th Studies’ ann
Education Alumni Excel
TONY PORTER
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, in 2021, Tony Porter describes his undergrad experience as one that challenged his mind, organization, and time management skills. In his profession, Porter continues to strive for a deeper understanding of education, and in December 2023, he received a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. Currently, Porter teaches 8th grade ELA at Blackburn Middle School, but his time at Blackburn preceded his hire. As an undergraduate student, he completed his fieldwork and student teaching at Blackburn.
FELIX NEAL
Felix Neal has been dedicated to scholarship and achievement with each academic position he’s stepped into. Starting as a Teacher Assistant at Jackson Public Schools, Neal began working for Republic Charter Schools at Smilow Collegiate as a Kindergarten teacher after his undergraduate studies. While at Smilow, he led the Kindergarten team ablaze in reading achievement for three consecutive years and successfully advanced 85% of his students. In the coming year, Neal is set to bring his academic acumen and six years of educational experience to leadership in Atlanta, Georgia as the Manager of Curriculum and Instruction (K-2) at Ethos Classical Charter School. #THEEATL
In his first official year of teaching at Blackburn, 2022-2023, Porter set high goals for himself. That year he received outstanding accolades like “Teacher of the Month,” and Blackburn’s “Teacher of the Year 2023. ”The following school year brought continued excellence as he was awarded his second “Teacher of the Month” award and made district headlines after being elected to the “TeachPlus: Fellowship Policy Makers” program, all the while on the path to obtaining his Doctorate. When asked how he would describe his future in education, Porter had one word...”Limitless!”
Education Alumni Excel
ALEXANDRIA DRAKE
Ms Drakehasbecomeaforcewithinsecondary educationasaforward-thinking historyteacher.AfterreceivingherBachelorof ScienceinSocialScienceEducation,the2014 graduateofJacksonStateUniversity,returnedto Jackson,MSin2016toteachU.S.Historyand in2019,shebeganteaching10thgradeSocial StudiesattheJPS-TougalooEarlyCollegeHigh School(JTECHS)
While at the JTECHS, Alexandria has flourished in an environment propelling her toward her dream of becoming a highly qualified and innovative educator, providing opportunities for her students’ self-discovery and communities through exploring history. For the past two years, 100% of Ms Drake’s scholars have achieved proficiency on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) U.S. History state exam. However, excelling on high-stakes exams is not the only goal she has for her students. Ms. Drake has received numerous awards and lades for her dedication to excellence in the room including “Mississippi: History her of the Year” by the Mississippi Historical ety (2023); “JTECHS Teacher of the Year” 3 and 2024); “JPS Rockstar Award” (2023 2024); and “Patricia Behring: Teacher of the ” Nominee (2024). Of her accomplishments, s most proud of achieving a goal set while ent teaching as an undergraduate at Jackson e, attaining the National Board Certification, in the fall of 2023 she did just that.
Ms. Drake furthers her professional development as a “Learning for Justice” Teacher Trainer, Fellow with the Southern Poverty Law Center, MS Teacher Advisor Council member, and now a fellow with the Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Institute. She hopes to use her classroom as a cultivating space where students find their voice and make change in their communities; all the while, leading by example- using her position as an educator to advocate on her students’ behalf.
Education Alumni Excel
TIFFANY JONES
Mrs. Tiffany Jones currently serves as the McKinney-Vento Manager for the Jackson Public School District where she aims to ensure the student population experiencing homelessness receives additional support for academic success.
Mrs. Jones has 24 years of experience in education in various capacities. She worked as a high school science teacher for 7 years in the Canton Public School District. In 2006, she became employed with the Mississippi Department of Education until 2021. During that time, Mrs. Jones gained more knowledge and experience while working in the Mississippi Teacher Center as a teacher recruiter and Director of Teacher of Recruitment.
In the Office of Student Assessment, she served as the Program Coordinator for the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP), Biology I, U S History, and 5th and 8th grade science assessments. Within the Office of Federal Programs, she served as the Program Coordinator for Homeless Education, Neglected and Delinquent, and Title II.
Her educational journey includes a B.S. in Biology from Dillard University, New Orleans, LA, a B.S. in Biology Education from Mississippi College. In May 2024, she received her Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Jackson State University.
Education Alumni Excel
JARVIOUS GRAYSON
ve of Tutwiler, MS, enada MS. He is a est Tallahatchie High his education at The he received a on Mr Grayson ts in Education from rn Colorado nued his study on Administration Love” Jackson State yson is enrolled at niversity completing nistration and
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beautiful wife Adrian n have three amazing d Hailey.
Education Alumni Excel
nnovative Education CollaborationsI
New Partnership Produces Pathways for Future Mathematics Educators
Jackson State University (JSU) has joined forces with the Jackson Public School District (JPSD) and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to launch the “Count Me In: Future Teachers of Mathematics Middle College Program.” This collaborative effort, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, marks a significant step towards nurturing homegrown talent in the field of mathematics education.
The Count Me In program offers a dual enrollment opportunity for high school juniors and seniors within the Jackson Public School District who are committed to pursuing a degree in math education at Jackson State University. In exchange for their dedication to teaching in the Jackson Public School system for a period of three years postgraduation, participants are granted a waiver of tuition fees for their final two years at JSU. The inaugural cohort, consisting of 16 motivated students, embarked on their journey during the 2023-2024 academic year. Cohort II began their time in the JMC Program during summer 2024.
In addition to working toward the completion of their remaining high school graduation requirements, these students have been actively engaged in co-curricular activities, professional development for aspiring teachers, and they have simultaneously been working toward completing their general education requirements for their undergraduate degrees
Leadership Team
Under the adept guidance of JPSD Assistant Superintendent of High Schools, Laketia MarshallThomas, Middle College staff members, Ms. Victoria Scantlebury and Mrs. Rhonda MurphyJohnson, the initiative has flourished
They are supported in their efforts by College of Education and Mathematics Department faculty and staff -- Dr. Deidre Wheaton, Ms. Alecia Jefferson, and Dr. Shirley Burnett just to name a few. The leadership teams’ commitment to making this Dual Enrollment project successful has been instrumental in shaping the program’s curriculum and ensuring its smooth execution.
INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
“As someone who's been a lover of HBCUs, I've enjoyed my time here at Jackson State. The college has been very accommodating to my needs. I can say that this program has given me many opportunities, and I look forward to continuing to work with my future professors and JPS staff as I continue to succeed in this program.”
During their first year, Middle College scholars diligently completed the foundational requirements of the newly designed Math Education curriculum, focusing on Algebra and Geometry. The creation of the Math Education Algebra and Geometry Track assists in addressing the critical need for math teachers in Mississippi and beyond by providing a more accessible pathway to becoming a math educator. Students on this track take more math coursework aligned with the content taught in algebra and geometry classrooms in middle and high schools Interim Dean, Dr Tony Latiker stated, “I believe that this option will greatly increase the pool of math teachers completing traditional education programs and I am proud that the faculty of the CEHD, Math Department, and Jackson Public Schools had the vision to develop the curriculum and petition the Mississippi Department of Education to change their policy to allow teachers in Mississippi to be prepared specifically to teach algebra and geometry ”
Additionally, participants are granted access to exclusive college and career readiness resources through a comprehensive two-week summer immersion experience developed by Dr Deidre Wheaton, Ms. Scantlebury, Ms. Murphy-Johnson, and Dr. Desuan Dixon. This immersive program is designed to equip students (many of whom are first generation college students) with essential skills for navigating college life, including insights into financial aid, writing effective scholarship essays, getting access to available academic and student support services, and of course, opportunities to network with current mathematics educators
Count Me In
The Count Me In Future Teachers of Mathematics Middle College Program stands as a shining example of the possibilities for future collaborations that focus on the pressing need for math educators in Mississippi.
Karigan Thompson, Provine High School
rn more about the Count : Future Teachers of ematics Middle College am or if you are interested porting this collaborative contact either of the ing project leads: helita Brown n@jackson.k12.ms.us
The School of Lifelong Learning Forges Key Partnership with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
The School of Lifelong Learning formalized a strategic partnership with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to implement a 2-year project -- Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Project. With an investment of $300,000 from the NBPTS, the Project Director, Dr. Gloria Smith along with a stellar team of National Board Certified Teachers--Dr. Phatasis O’Harroll, Carolyn Tillman, Dr. Tawanza Domino, and Vanetta Kenerson are poised to work closely with College of Education and Human Development administrative leaders and faculty to integrating the National Board Standards into the College of Education’s curriculum. The SEED Project team will also bring to the CEHD faculty, educator preparation staff, and students a varied of professional learning opportunities that build awareness of the standards of excellence in teaching.
Spring 2024, marked the start of this collaboration. Project SEED staff initiated their engagement with the College of Education by providing faculty and adjunct instructors free access to the National Board’s ATLAS Video Library. This library of more than 1,400 samples of effective instruction, includes authentic videos featuring National Board Certified Teachers engaging in classroom teaching and learning. More than 34 JSU faculty, adjunct instructors, and student users have activated accounts, and they have viewed 276 videos of exemplary classroom teaching.
INNOVATIVE EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
Looking Ahead to Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Project SEED staff will expand their work in the College of Education with three key initiatives for academic year 2024-2025: a) Pre-Service Teacher Online Mentoring; b) Professional Learning Workshops for Faculty/Adjuncts; and c) Special Education Curriculum Integration.
Pre-Service Teacher Online Mentoring. College of Education juniors and seniors will be able to take advantage of small group mentoring and co-curricular professional learning with National Board Certified Teachers. Beginning fall 2024, SEED Project Staff will host monthly webinars in which preservice teachers will discuss topics such as: Defining Accomplished Teaching, Understanding Students, The Learning Environment, and Differentiation. These webinars will afford students a unique opportunity to get valuable insight from highly skilled educators while also connecting with their peers who are preparing to enter into a successful clinical teaching internship experience
The SEED Project encompasses workshops for faculty and curriculum integration initiatives all focused on exemplary teaching.
Professional Learning Workshops for Faculty. The SEED Project staff has also developed a slate of engaging online professional development workshops for faculty and adjunct instructors in the College of Education. The online professional development focuses on exposing faculty to the standards of accomplished teaching, further enhancing their pedagogical prowess and instructional effectiveness. The official launch of the professional development workshop series will take place Fall 2024 and will cover topics including the following:
Getting Started with Atlas Video Analysis and Case Studies
Defining Accomplished Teaching Diversity, Equity and Differentiation
The Role of Metacognition and Self Reflection Engagement in the Classroom
Special Education Curriculum Integration. SEED Project staff are integrating National Board for Professional Teaching Standards into the Special Education master’s degree program to ensure graduates have top-tier instructional expertise.
The process involves aligning NBPTS Exceptional Standards with the MS Exceptional Curriculum and embedding NBPTS Core elements into Special Education courses.
Dr. Twanza Domino, has been reviewing the SPED curriculum and identify courses and assignments that would be ideal sits for integration of the NBPTS into the graduate level content. The next steps for integration include engaging in dialogues with Special Education faculty and adjuncts to discuss recommendations for integration, assessment of needs to determine the type of professional development that will be needed to support faculty/adjunct in the effective intergration on of the National Board Standards, and determining how to most effectively assess the impact of the integration.
College of Education faculty and students are encouraged to get involved in Project SEED.
Do you want your students to join Project SEED mentoring group?
Do you want to expand your capacity to expose students to the expectations for exemplary teaching?
Do you want to contribute to program and curriculum development?
Connect to Project SEED!
Contact:
Dr. Phatasis O’Harroll poharroll@gmail.com
Dr. Twanza Domino tcdomino99@gmail.com
or Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton for information on Project SEED. deidre.l.wheaton@jsums.edu
cellence Teacher QualityEIN
Excellence in Teacher Quality
NEW LEADERSHIP IN THE CENTER OF TEACHER QUALITY
A Conversation with Mr. Michael Mozee
Jackson State University is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Mozee as the new Director of the Center for Teacher Quality – our office of educator licensure, and field and clinical experiences. With a distinguished background in education and a commitment to fostering excellence, Mr Mozee brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for education that was nurtured right here at Thee I Love.
Elevate Education (EE) sat down for an exclusive interview with Mr. Mozee to gain insight into his vision for teacher education at Jackson State University and the exciting opportunities for growth that lie ahead.
Elevate Education: Mr. Mozee, please begin by explaining your role and responsibilities as the Director of Teacher Quality?
Mozee: As the Director of Teacher Education, I have multiple roles and many different responsibilities all of which are aimed at supporting the various academic programs in the College of Education and Human Development. My primary focus is on developing comprehensive support systems for teacher candidates, including mentorship programs, training initiatives, and additional resources, to ensure their success within our program, thereby guaranteeing the training of quality educators. I help ensure that the College of Education’s guidelines and protocols related to teacher preparation programs are in alignment with both state and national standards, fostering a culture of excellence and adherence to best practices.
What I am most passionate about, however, is the work that I get to do related to direct recruitment for educational programs and providing ongoing professional development opportunities for current and prospective educators. Each day I get the privilege of talking to young people about the opportunity to become an educator through regular visits to local public, private, and charter schools.
Excellence in Teacher Quality
Mozee:By developing these relationships with students, school counselors, and principals, I get to help the College of Education nurture a diverse and skilled pool of talent. The recruitment work is closely tied to establishing mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships with school districts and educational organizations. We need strong relationships with local school districts so that we may give our teacher candidates diverse internship placements while also leveraging the expertise of the public school administrators to elevate our teacher development efforts and to support continuous program improvement.
Additionally, I serve as JSU’s Licensure Officer, overseeing licensure recommendations for students throughout our program, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating the licensure process. In essence, this multifaceted role aims to elevate the quality of teacher education, foster strategic partnerships, and empower educators to thrive in their profession, ultimately contributing to the advancement of education within our community.
Elevate Education: You certainly do wear quite a few hats in the role of director. Can you share with our readers your story? How have your prior experiences uniquely equipped you to excel as JSU’s next Director of Teacher Quality?
Mozee: My professional journey, to the Director of Teacher Quality position, really comes full circle because I began my educational pathway at Jackson State University, as an undergraduate student. I chose education as my academic path because I am a person who naturally is drawn to helping and supporting. Education seemed to be the perfect fit! While attending JSU, I had various opportunities to visit local YMCAs, childcare centers, elementary and middle schools, where I was afforded the opportunity to engage with and mentor young people and support their intellectual and personal growth.
Excellence in Teacher Quality
My mind was fixed and focused. With the support of my family and professors, I earned my bachelors degree in Elementary Education and began my teaching career. After 7 years as a PreKindergarten and Kindergarten Lead teacher, I spent the next two years working as an Assessment/Accountability coordinator for Jackson Public Schools My focus in that role was on understanding students’ test performance across our district and generating recommendations on how we could implement procedures and strategies to better support our students and teachers.
My next opportunity came as the Early Childhood Coach/Professional Development Specialist for the Mississippi Community College Board (focusing on supporting infancy through 4-year-old teachers across the state of Mississippi). Two years later, I transitioned to the Mississippi Department of Education as an Early Childhood Specialist servicing multiple districts across the state.
All of the stops on my educational and professional journey have led me to this place at this very exciting time at Jackson State University. I am back to my dear ole college home. The knowledge, skills, and networks that I have established at the state and district level over the years have given me a solid foundation for the work that I do now with our teacher candidates, site supervisors, and university supervisors.
Elevate Education: With your skill set and background, I am sure that you could have had a very vibrant career at the state level or functioning in the educational consultant realm Why did you choose to return to JSU to take on the role of director? Why are you passionate about the work of teacher quality?
Mozee: My passion comes from knowing how much we mean to children across the state of Mississippi. People say it so nonchalantly, but teachers absolutely play a vital role in the development of a child. Parents entrust their children to us each day and they deserve the very best that we have to offer. With that in mind, I choose to invest as much attention as I can into fostering an environment in which future teachers may learn and grow. They are directly responsible for student outcomes Theodore Roosevelt said it best “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care ” . To me, that means the quality of our program and the type of educators we as a university distribute to the community and throughout the state, should speak volumes for the university in the most positive light.
Elevate Education: What is your vision for the Center for Teacher Quality at JSU?
Mozee: I strive to work in step with the leadership of the College of Education and Human Development and in support of the licensure granting academic units to firmly establish Jackson State University as an exemplar in the production of highly skilled and dedicated educators. I envision the College of Education and Human Development being known not only for high numbers of graduates, but more importantly for producing teachers, coaches, school leaders, and counselors whose presence in school buildings and districts translate to positive shifts in academic performance and overall elevation of the school’s culture and climate for students and staff.
Excellence in Teacher Quality
Bringing this vision to fruition will require consistent and collaborative efforts to use our internal data, feedback from our external partners, and emerging research from within the College of Education to:
Refine our recruitment and teacher retention efforts to attract the best and brightest traditional and nontraditional students to the education profession and to support them through their pivotal first 3-years of teaching.
Expand our efforts to integrate licensure examination preparation into the overall EPP cocurricular offerings in order to help students succeed on the various Praxis examinations, a step in the teacher preparation process that has historically been a barrier to traditional licensure.
Fine tune the types of curricular and co-curricular professional training that we provide to preservice teachers to ensure that they are ready to positively impact student learning on day one of their first full-time teaching appointment.
As we do these things, we will begin to see a shift in the tide. As highly skilled and fully certified teachers matriculate through JSU’s College of Education and enter into the PK-12 school ecosystem, school leaders will be inquiring about how to get JSU’s teacher candidates assigned to their schools As we tell our story through published research and personal relationship building, the work that I aim to do at JSU – with the help of my colleagues will help lay a solid foundation for the next generation of JSU trained educators.
Elevate Education: Thank you Mr. Mozee for sharing your vision for the Center for Teacher Quality with the readers of Elevate Education. We appreciate you taking time to have this conversation, and we look forward to hearing more about the good work that you have planned for the future.
Michael Mozee Director of Teacher Quality & Adjunct Professor
Research Innovations
After School YOGA Research Project
Dr. Joon Young Lee, Dr. Tierra Flowers, Dr. Doreen Myrie
STRETCHING Toward Resilience
Spring 2024, marked the start of a creative collaborative research initiative by Dr. Joon Young Lee, Dr. Doreen Myrie, and Dr Tierra Flowers These early career scholars integrated their expertise in Physical Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education to launch an After-school Virtual Yoga Program and research pilot study aptly titled Stretching Toward Resilience. Dr. Lee explained that the purpose of the study was to examine the impact of integrating virtual yoga into existing afterschool programs and to determine the extent to which the virtual yoga contributed to improved mental health and educational outcomes for African American children Elevate Education connected with this multidisciplinary research team to learn more about the Stretching Toward Resilience Research and After-School Program
Research Innovations
Elevate Education: Why does your research team believe that this Stretching Toward Resilience research is so important?
Dr. Lee: We're facing a critical situation with our kids' mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are on the rise among elementary students, hitting a staggering 20% of children in the US, with these issues often starting as early as in their first years at school. This problem hits harder for kids from racial and ethnic minorities, especially Black/African American children, who not only have to deal with tougher mental health battles but also struggle more to get the help they need.
Yoga's coming up as a shining light, offering a beacon of hope by helping to dial down anxiety and depression, make emotions easier to manage, and boost overall happiness. But, here’s the thing: we barely know how well yoga really works for school-aged kids, especially those from minority backgrounds. We need to dig into this gap, because understanding how yoga can lift these kids' spirits could be a game-changer in making sure every child has the support they need to thrive mentally
Elevate Education: What sparked your team’s interest in implementing this project at JSU?
Dr. Lee: My deep interest in the connection between physical activity and mental health is the foundation of this Afterschool Virtual Yoga Project initiative. A pivotal moment was when Ms. Alexia P. Hammonds, a graduate student specializing in Sport Science within our department, expressed her eagerness to delve into research as she prepares for her Ph.D. program. Being a certified yoga instructor, Alexia was the ideal candidate to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. This inspired me to leverage yoga's therapeutic potential for mental health improvement in educational environments. My pursuit to explore this further led me to collaborate with colleagues who share a passion for fostering holistic student development. Dr. Flowers, with her expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy, and Dr. Myrie, who specializes in inclusive education for children with special needs, were natural fits for this project. This interdisciplinary team has created a synergy that propels us forward, setting the stage for the successful initiation and expansion of our project. Our collaborative spirit is the heartbeat of this endeavor, ensuring that we bring about meaningful change in the communities we serve.
Students in JSU's Kids Kollege afterschool program strike the warrior pose during the virtual yoga session.
Research Innovations
Dr. Myrie: As an educator dedicated to both research and community involvement, our yoga project holds a special place in my heart Offering free yoga sessions in a supportive setting allows us to meet community needs while fueling our love for working with children and conducting practical research Beyond just physical activity, yoga enriches academic skills like focus, concentration, and emotional regulation, while also fostering social bonds. In after-school programs where everyone is included, yoga becomes a powerful tool for building confidence and reducing anxiety among students with disabilities. By integrating yoga into these programs, we’re demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity and community care, prioritizing the holistic well-being of all students
Elevate Education: What have you learned so far, and how do you expect this project to inform future projects or educational practice?
Dr. Lee: We've observed that the participants, the kids, absolutely love the yoga project! Additionally, we've received positive feedback from teachers and staff regarding changes in students' behavior and engagement in the classroom. We've successfully completed the baseline tests, and we're eagerly anticipating the findings from the post-tests after concluding all 12 sessions of the yoga project. Through this pilot project, we've explored ways to enhance effectiveness, one key strategy being the engagement of teachers in the yoga project alongside the students.
Dr. Myrie: When we initiated this research project, my focus was primarily on the academic aspects such as procedures and results. However, we've encountered additional benefits along the way, which I’m excited to highlight: The project has broug together three distinct departments that previously operated separately, providing firsthand insight into how collaboration across educational disciplines can benefit children. We are demonstrating effective teaching techniques to our preservice teachers, allowing them to observe behavio redirection and interactions with children firsthand, which they may not have experienced in their own classes. Afterschool teachers, who are education majors themselves, are also developing strong connections with us through this endeavor.
Elevate Education: What’s next for the Yoga Research Study?
Dr. Lee: Through virtual yoga, we aim to break down barriers of cost and accessibility, especially for minority racial and ethnic groups. This project is only the starting point. I envision expanding this pilot virtual yoga initiative to encompass Jackson Public Schools and various community centers, ultimately making it accessible to individuals of all ages. It's about creating lasting change and ensuring that wellness and mental health support are universally accessible.
Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents of our young participants for supporting our research projects, as well as the staff and teachers at Kids Kollege Without their support, this project would not have been possible.
For more information on how to get connected to the Stretching Toward Resilience Research Project, contact the Project PI, Dr. Lee or co-PIs, Dr. Myree and Dr. Flowers.
The research team and interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Tony Latiker, Ed.D, (Far Left)
Research Innovations
HBCU Mathematics Education and Research Center
Piloted at JSU
In a new endeavor to elevate mathematics education within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Jackson State University’s College of Education and Human Development and College of Science, Engineering, and Technology have been selected to pilot an HBCU Math Education and Research Center. This initiative, led by Virginia State University (VSU) and funded by the National Science Foundation, represents a collaborative effort among a select group of six well-known HBCUs – VSU, Virginia Union University, Dillard University, Xavier University, Tougaloo College, and Jackson State University. From among this group of HBCUs, JSU was selected to pilot the initial HBCU Math Center.
Professor Reginald Hopkins from Virginia State University (VSU), along with project leads Dr. Kamal Ali and Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace from Jackson State University, Mr. David Dennis from the Southern Initiative Algebra Project, and education partners from Jackson Public School District, aim to transform mathematics education and broaden the participation of minority populations in STEM disciplines.
According to the project summary, “the HBCU Math Education and Research Center is dedicated to implementing and assessing the effectiveness of K-12 mathematics interventions, drawing upon the pedagogies of the Algebra Project and the Southern Initiative Algebra Project” (SIAP). Through mathematics outreach centers established at the six participating HBCUs, the center seeks to improve students’ mathematical performance and engagement in school districts neighboring those universities.
Professor Reginal Hopkins noted, “We are thankful for this opportunity to partner with Jackson Public Schools and Jackson State University to contribute to their ongoing success in improving student performance in math and science.” The HBCU Centers that Hopkins and his colleagues have envisioned will be developed using a four part approach:
1.Professional Development for Mathematics teachers in the Lanier High School Feeder Pattern.
2.Training for Jackson State University college students to become SIAP math tutors and campus/community leaders.
3.Collaborating with community partners and stakeholders who support local schools through afterschool programs.
4.Leadership Training for college students.
Central to the center’s mission is the cultivation and nurturing of resilient college students and the development of confident and competent K-12 algebra and geometry teachers. By enhancing K-12 students’ willingness and readiness to persist in STEM disciplines, the center aims to foster a new generation of STEM leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.
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Research Innovations
During the initial planning phase, the leadership team at Jackson State University has actively engaged with K-12 math teachers, university-level math faculty, parents, and local education stakeholders through virtual listening sessions and on-campus convenings. These collaborative efforts have facilitated the exchange of ideas and strategies to inform the implementation of effective mathematics interventions.
Interim Dean, Dr. Latiker, stated, “I am both proud and excited to be associated with this initiative which is grounded in the work of civil rights leader and educator, Bob Moses. The HBCU Math Education Center and the research that will come from it embodies the spirit of our vision to empower educators with practical research and innovative teaching. We will be able to implement and study the present day impact of educational models developed by and for communities.”
As the pilot initiative progresses, Jackson State University remains committed to fostering meaningful partnerships and driving impactful change in mathematics education. With the support of the National Science Foundation and the collective expertise of the participating institutions, the HBCU Math Education and Research Center is poised to make significant strides in promoting equity and excellence in STEM education.
The selection of Jackson State University to pilot the HBCU Math Education and Research Center underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, the center aims to empower students, educators, and communities alike, fostering a brighter future for mathematics education and STEM participation among underrepresented populations.
If you are interested in supporting the HBCU Math Center @ JSU, contact the Project PI/coPIs Dr. Kamal Ali and Dr. Jennifer Young-Wallace (jennifer.k.young@jsums.edu)
EDUCATION News
New Directions in the College of Education and Human Development
The College of Education and Human Development has prepared educators and other professionals to be leaders in their respective fields for many years We have produced graduates that have gone on to make a considerable difference at every level imaginable, from Dr. Roderick Paige serving as the 7th United States Secretary of Education to recent graduate Felix Neal excelling in Kindergarten classrooms in his local community. We strive to build on this legacy of excellence and continue to grow our footprint in education, mental health, health related professions and enhancing professional skills across disciplines.
In spring 2024, we embarked on a journey to re-imagine the College of Education and Human Development and chart our pathway forward We surveyed and conducted focus groups with students, faculty, and other stakeholders in order to identify our strengths; weaknesses; student, faculty, and community needs; and opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations. We were able to utilize this information in order to formulate a vision for the College as a hub for strategic collaborations, research, evaluation, professional development, and excellence in teacher preparation. We see the College as a place to develop, pilot, and study innovative initiatives such Jackson Middle College. We see it as a place for faculty, students, and stakeholders with expertise to be able to come together on our campus to share knowledge and grow together. This idea drives our new "Teaching Tuesday" and "Training Thursday" professional development sessions where our students, faculty, and stakeholders will be able to facilitate and participate in professional development sessions
We envision the College as a place where both our graduate and undergraduate students have opportunities to participate in research studies and intern like our recent graduate, Maleah Briggs, did with multiple agencies. We envision our College as a place where we build upon our existing partnerships with entities such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Kidney Foundation, Southern Initiative Algebra Project, Regional Education Laboratory Southeast, and Jackson Public School District and continue to forge new mutually beneficial partnerships with other stakeholders.
Finally, we believe that we have the responsibility to utilize our internal expertise to continue to build our College's capacity for greatness Proper utilization of the talents of our faculty and collaboration between our centers like the Mississippi Urban Research Center and the Center for Professional Development will enable us to continue to consistently improve overtime and "elevate education."
Tony Latiker, Ed.D. Interim Dean
Education News
DepartmentofElementary
andEarlyChildhoodEducation ExcelsinLiteracy
The Jackson State University College of Education and Human Development’s Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education (EECE) was awarded the inaugural Science of Reading Excellence award by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) JSU is the first and only public university to receive this award in the state. The EECE department also received an A+ distinction from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for going above and beyond the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. In addition to these two prestigious recognitions, the college became one of 41 educator preparation providers to receive accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Being recognized as having Science of Reading excellence demonstrates the EECE department’s dedication to researching the science of reading and gaining validated methodologies to apply in the classroom.
ProfessorsintheEECEdepartmentattended professionaldevelopmentandtrainingcentered aroundthescienceofreadingtoimplementthe latestmethodsintheirclassrooms.Professors TrashondaDixon,Ed.D.andTierraFlowers, Ed.D.,werepraisedforattendingalmostevery professionaldevelopmentworkshopthatMDE offeredatthestatelevel.“Thesignificanceofthis awardhighlightsthecommitmentofthefacultyin theDepartmenttoensurethatourpre-service teachersarebeingtrainedinevidence-based readinginstruction,”saidFlowers,assistant professorofEECE.Since2013,MDEhasbeen promotingtheshifttothescienceofreadinginMS K-3classroomsandhasobservedsignificantgains inliteracyratescomparedtootherstates nationwide.Therehasbeencollaborationbetween MDEliteracycoachesandEECEprofessorsto ensurestudentsatJSUareknowledgeableand preparedtoimplementthescienceofreading practiceswhentheyenterclassroomstoteach.
Ed.D. (left) and Trashonda Dixon, Ed.D. (right) explain what receiving this recognition means to the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. (Photo by Anthony Howard/JSU)
Education News
Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Psychometric Services
Faculty Complete CACREP Accreditation Process
Dion F. Porter
We are thrilled to announce that the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Psychometric Services at Jackson State University completed its' Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) re-accreditation site visit process this past February 2024. The Department has had this prestigious designation since spring 2007, which underscores the Department’s commitment to excellence in counseling education and professional preparation.
With the current CACREP accreditation, our academic master's programs are recognized for meeting rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness, and our faculty’s commitment to providing students with educational experience that prepares them to excel as ethical, skilled, and culturally competent professionals in the field of counseling is also highlighted. To have three CACREP accredited Master's programs speaks to the dedication of our faculty to prepare and train competent and qualified counseling practitioners to serve a very diverse and complex society.
We would like to first thank the Departmental CACREP liaison, Dr Lakitta Johnson for her tireless leadership during this endeavor, the entire counseling faculty and staff for all of their hard work and commitment to the process, the participating students, alumni, site supervisors, advisory board members and community partners. A special thanks goes to the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Dr. Tony Latiker for all of his assistance, as well as support and participation from Academic Affairs, and all of the JSU staff who participated in the site visit interviews.
Finally, the charge of the Department next is to complete the site visit team recommendations, and then move forward in preparing the accredited programs according to the new 2024 CACREP Standards which the three accredited programs will now be governed and measured under. We look forward with great anticipation to educating and elevating the Counseling profession for years to come.
Farewell to Our College of Education 23-24 Retirees
Millard Bingham, Associate Professor
of Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. Millard Juette Bingham dedicated more than 20-years of service to Jackson State University. He has held leadership and administrative positions with the Mississippi State Personnel Board, the Mississippi Department of Education, and Jackson State University (JSU). His research interests included: continuing education, workforce development, and higher education administration.
Gloria J. Smith, Associate Professor and Director of Student Support Services
Dr. Gloria Stamps Smith has devoted more than 23 years of service to Jackson State University. During this time, she has dedicated herself to supporting the academic achievements of non-traditional adult learners. Her research interests included: Factors Influencing Nontraditional Students’ College Success and Online Learning and Adult Students.
Dr. William Brown Elementary Education faculty member and longtime JSU supporter and advocate retired Fall 2023.
As Dr. Bingham, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Brown embark on this new chapter of their lives, we extend our sincerest gratitude for years of service and dedication to the field of education. On behalf of the entire College of Education community, we extend our warmest wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, and may the years ahead be as rewarding as the ones you spent in service to education.
Health , Physical Education, and Recreation Department Launches New Concentration
Health and Physical Education Non-licensure Concentration
The Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) department is excited to announce the introduction of a new Health and Physical Education Non-licensure concentration. This concentration is designed to cater to students who aspire to pursue careers in diverse fields such as Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Clinical Exercise Physiology. This innovative program will provide students with a robust foundation in health and physical education, complemented by specialized coursework tailored to their specific career interests.
Curriculum. The curriculum for the Health and Physical Education Non-licensure concentration is structured to ensure a well-rounded education while allowing for specialization. It includes core courses in health and physical education, along with elective courses tailored to the student's career path. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Career Pathways Graduates of the Health and Physical Education Non-licensure concentration will be well-prepared for a variety of careers, including but not limited to: Kinesiology: Understanding human movement and applying this knowledge to improve health and performance.
Exercise Science: Analyzing and implementing exercise programs for diverse populations.
Athletic Training: Preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries.
Physical Therapy: Assisting patients in recovering from injuries and improving mobility.
Occupational Therapy: Helping individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives.
Clinical Exercise Physiology: Working in clinical settings to improve patient health through exercise.
To learn more, contact the HPER Department or visit the HPER Website by scanning the QR Code.
Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education
For more than two decades, the Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education has prepared learners to assume senior leadership roles in post-secondary institutions of higher learning as well as other professional organizations. The EPhD Program aims to develop scholars, practitioners, researchers who desire to gain advanced knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and have a positive influence on the operations of urban institutions of higher learning. If you are an experienced administrator or faculty member involved in a leadership role, the Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education at JSU is your next logical step toward advancing your career
EPhD Program Recent and Upcoming Activities
The EPhD Annual Student Conference was held August 2-3, 2024 at the Mississippi e-Center. Current students, faculty, and Higher Education experts gathered for another engaging intellectual exchange.
The EPhD Program's 20th Year Celebration is currently scheduled for December 7, 2024, at the Jackson Convention Center from 6pm to 9pm
To learn more about the Executive PhD in Urban Higher Education, contact:
Phone: 601-979-3743
Email: ephd@jsums.edu
Visit us at: www jsums edu/ephd
Elementary Education Faculty Revive the Aspiring Educators Program
The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership has granted the Departme Elementary and Early Childhood Education authorization to reactivate the JSU of the Student Education Association, also known as the Aspiring Educators Program for the 2024 2025 academic year. The Aspiring Educators Program supports, develops, and empowers diverse, pre-service teachers with the resources, networks, and opportunities to excel as educators and leaders, both as students and throughout their career It is the goal of the JSU chapter of the Aspiring Educators program to increase awareness and interest in education related careers, ultimately increasing the number of teacher education majors at the university. The advisors for the organization are Drs. Kanesha Bennett, Kenya Horne, Stephanie Davidson-Herndon.
Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Leadership Pilots Workshop Series to Support Graduate Student Success
In Spring 2024, the Department of EAFR held a series of workshops for students. The first workshop was the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) training. Educational Leadership candidates must pass the SLLA in order to obtain a principal/administrator certification. Candidates engaged in a 2-part workshop that provided them with in depth training on all components of the SLLA with Dr. Dennis Bunch. The second workshop focused on the Dissertation process. PhD candidates were able to get hands-on training and guidance on developing their topics and chapters of the dissertation. The facilitator was Dr. Thelma Roberson.
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