A
MESSAGE
FROM THE DEAN
I am humbled and honored to serve in Liberty University’s School of Education, where we believe that teaching is not just a career — it’s a calling. It requires heart, knowledge, skill, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
As I look around at Liberty’s campus, I am impressed with our facilities and simulation classrooms. I am amazed by the depth and variety of our academic programs that range from associate to doctoral degrees, many with teacher licensure and additional credentials available. I am excited about our cutting-edge curriculum, handson opportunities, and professional network that places graduates around the globe.
But it is not our facilities, programs, or even our network that make Liberty University’s School of Education stand out. It is our dedicated, experienced, innovative, and passionate faculty who emulate the Master Teacher, our Heavenly Father, as they train our students to become Champions for Christ
This newsletter is special. It shares information about individuals and initiatives that are changing lives. I pray you enjoy reading it. Please join me in keeping our faculty, staff, students, and alumni in your prayers as they live out the Great Commission. To God be the glory.
Shawn M. Bielicki, Ed.D. INTERIM DEAN
FALL 2025
Aug. 18 Classes Begin for Fall Semester
Sept. 18–20 College For A Weekend
Oct. 9–10 Fall Break
Oct. 28 ACSI Career Fair
Oct. 31–Nov. 1 Homecoming Weekend
Nov. 3–5 ACSI Site Visit
Nov. 6 @ 2:30 p.m.
Book signing with Dr. Becky Clark, LU alumna, for I’ll Be the Teacher in Liberty University Barnes & Noble Bookstore
Nov. 6–8 College For A Weekend
Nov. 24–28 Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 5 Last Day of Classes
Dec. 8–11 Final Exams
Dec. 13–Jan. 11 Winter Break
SPRING 2026
Jan. 19 Classes Begin for Spring Semester
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Feb. 19–21 College For A Weekend
March 16–20 Spring Break
March 25 Annual Assessment Day
April 6 Easter Holiday
April 9–11 College For A Weekend
May 5 Last Day of Classes
May 6 Reading Day
May 7–12 Final Exams
May 14–16 Commencement Weekend
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
DR. NANCY K. DEJARNETTE
Director of Accreditation and Assessment
Known for her conscientious nature and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Nancy K. DeJarnette is deeply committed to academic excellence and institutional integrity. She serves as the director of accreditation and assessment for Liberty University’s School of Education (SOE), a role she has held since joining the university in the spring of 2022. In this position, she ensures that SOE’s curriculum aligns with national and regional accreditation standards. She also leads initiatives to capture and analyze student data for continuous program improvement. Dr. DeJarnette finds great fulfillment in mentoring both college students and faculty, guiding them to reach their highest potential as educators.
She completed her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Teaching & Learning at Liberty University in 2009, with her dissertation research focused on writing instruction. Before rejoining Liberty as a faculty member, she served as the director of the education department at a private university in Connecticut, where she led strategic initiatives to strengthen teacher preparation programs, support the development of future educational leaders, and guide the expansion of a rapidly growing doctoral program. She credits the Lord for faithfully directing
her path and equipping her with the experiences and skills that now serve her well in her current role.
Her research interests are rooted in a desire to elevate teaching practices and enhance student engagement. She has conducted extensive research on implementing STEM education in PK–8 classrooms, with a particular focus on children’s engineering. Notably, she collaborated with engineering faculty at two other institutions to develop a “STEM on Wheels” mobile laboratory, bringing hands-on STEM experiences directly to K–12 schools. In addition to her work in STEM, Dr. DeJarnette has explored research topics aimed at enriching the preparation of pre-service teachers, such as culturally responsive teaching, writing instruction, and service learning.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. DeJarnette is a devoted wife and mother of four children, ranging in age from 16 to 25. She finds joy in the outdoors and cherishes time spent with her family camping, hiking, and biking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her life and work are guided by a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and she strives daily to serve with excellence for an “Audience of One.”
Staff Spotlight
DARNELLA SIMS Director of Student Teaching
A Liberty University alumna, Darnella Sims joined the School of Education in July 2024 with 35 years of experience as a public school educator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary & middle school education from Liberty and received her master’s degree from the University of Lynchburg in school leadership & administration. Over the years, she has served as a teacher, a principal, a director of teaching and learning, and a director of school improvement in three school districts across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sims is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction at Liberty. She considers this time in her life “a full circle moment.” Just as teachers poured into her during her years as a young student, she has returned to Liberty to help train the next generation of Champions for Christ
She has two daughters, Erica and Mallory. Her eldest, Erica, graduated from Liberty in the spring of 2025 with a master’s degree in public health, and Mallory is a high school teacher in the North Carolina public school system.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
BY DR. SANDY BATTIGE
Mary Jane Holland’s Calling to Celebrate Every Child Earns Her the “Beginning Teacher of the Year” Award
When you step into Mary Jane Holland’s classroom, you feel the kind of joy and warmth that tells every child, “You belong here.” So it’s no surprise that Holland was recently named “Beginning Teacher of the Year” at Pole Green Elementary. During her first full year of teaching, she has made an indelible impact by creating a learning environment where relationships come first and every student is known, loved, and expected to grow.
Her second and third grade special education classroom is a place where students thrive — not just because of academic instruction but because of the community she’s built. “Getting to celebrate the little wins when something finally clicks or a student realizes they can do it is the sweetest part of my every day,” Holland shares.
Even before graduation, Holland’s promise as an educator was clear. She was named one of Virginia’s Teachers of Promise, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding prospective teachers from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Selected through Liberty University, she participated in the Teachers of Promise Institute — a program designed to elevate, encourage, and connect the next generation of educational leaders.
Holland credits Liberty University for preparing her well: “My professors made me feel seen and cared for, which is something I now try to create for my own students.”
Grounded in Colossians 3:23, she sees her work as worship. “I strive to approach each day with the mindset of working with all my heart, not for recognition, but because I know this work matters to the Lord.”
The School of Education is proud to celebrate Mary Jane Holland and the extraordinary light she brings into the lives of her students.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION UPDATES AND INNOVATIONS
The School of Education Opens New Simulation Classroom
Starting this fall, School of Education students can immerse themselves in a real-world classroom setting thanks to our new simulation room. This innovative space helps prepare future educators to lead classroom activities and navigate various classroom scenarios — without the pressure of teaching a real class.
READ THE NEWS STORY
Liberty University Launches New B.Ed. in Special Education — Adapted Curriculum Program
BY DR. SANDY BATTIGE
Liberty University is proud to announce the launch of a new Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education — Adapted Curriculum program, now available in both residential and online formats. This degree program helps future educators prepare to serve students with severe disabilities and reflects Liberty’s commitment to fulfilling the biblical mandate to include even “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
The program has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), and candidates who successfully complete all requirements will be eligible for licensure in adapted curriculum. Designed to meet rigorous academic and professional standards, the program prepares educators to provide individualized instruction, develop comprehensive IEPs, and work collaboratively with families and service providers.
As the chair of Special Education and the faculty member who spearheaded this initiative, I expressed the heart behind the program by saying, “Students with significant support needs deserve educators who are specifically trained to meet them where
they are and help them grow. This program is our response to that calling — anchored in compassion, excellence, and faith.”
Offered on campus and online, the program provides flexible access for aspiring teachers nationwide. Students will engage in coursework grounded in evidence-based practices, complete field experiences in real-world settings, and graduate ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need it most.
With the launch of the B.Ed. in Special Education — Adapted Curriculum, Liberty University continues to emphasize teacher preparation — meeting critical state licensure standards, addressing national special education shortages, and advancing its mission to Train Champions for Christ
SCAN HERE TO APPLY TO THIS NEW PROGRAM.
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Bachelor of Education in Special Education program at Liberty University helps equip candidates to lead inclusive, Christ-centered classrooms for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Combining evidence-based practices with a biblical worldview, the program emphasizes collaboration, individualized instruction, and spiritual formation. Graduates can emerge prepared to foster growth and belonging for every learner they serve.
STUDENT CLUBS HIGHLIGHTS
Council for Exceptional Children Club
SPONSORED
BY
DR. SANDY BATTIGE
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Club had an active spring semester focused on serving others. Our students partnered with iKids, the special needs ministry at Thomas Road Baptist Church, on several occasions. The club helped host an iKids Easter egg hunt, where over 50 volunteers served as family buddies and helpers, making the event a huge success. Members also volunteered at two iKids respite nights, where parents could drop off their children to be cared for while they enjoyed a date night.
CEC partnered with the Professional Association of Christian Educators and Kappa Delta Pi clubs to show appreciation for faculty and staff. They delivered heartfelt cards and decorated the School of Education with balloon arches and streamers in support of the SOE staff. CEC is looking forward to more community outreach events in the fall semester.
Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Sigma Chapter
SPONSORED BY DR. PAM GRIFFIN
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), Pi Sigma chapter, had a successful spring semester. At monthly chapter meetings — designed to provide enriching stories and guidance to current SOE students and members — the club explored topics such as classroom management, school safety, and the mental health of teachers. Members also heard from a panel of current student teachers.
Focusing on KDP’s mission of teaching excellence, the club set out into the community ready to make an impact. KDP hosted its yearly Literacy Alive Day at Forest Elementary School, where members provided first grade students with read-aloud and writing activities, crafts, and a break from their normal routine.
Instructional Technology for Future Educators Club
SPONSORED BY MR. MARK GRANGER
This past spring, the Instructional Technology for Future Educators Club continued to blossom as a new Student Government Association-sponsored club in the School of Education. The club’s mission is to prepare future teachers to use the technology of tomorrow to engage in effective instructional practices.
Led by President Hannah Goodyear, the club explored different innovations that future educators will encounter in their classrooms, such as artificial intelligence, along with a variety of educational platforms upcoming teachers can utilize to meet student learning needs. These discussions gave students a clearer understanding of how to use technology effectively in the classroom. One special meeting featured Cat Phillips, the instructional supervisor for instructional technology at Lynchburg City Schools. Phillips challenged future educators to enter the classroom technology-ready and provided helpful tips on how students can meet this reality head-on.
Urban Education Club
SPONSORED BY DR. MONICA HUBAND
The Urban Education Club had a successful spring semester focusing on trauma-informed teaching. Members learned from veteran school counselors, administrators, and teachers who explained how to support students who may have experienced trauma. Students also worked through scenarios to consider how their students might handle difficult situations in the classroom. Club members completed service hours at Jubilee Family Development Center and wrapped up the semester by packing backpacks for local schools.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND NOTABLE NEWS
Rachel Jones Receives
Inaugural SOE Service Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service
BY DR. SANDY BATTIGE
The Liberty University School of Education has named Rachel Jones as the first recipient of the newly established SOE Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication to the school’s mission.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Rachel has faithfully served the School of Education in multiple leadership roles. For two years, she worked as my student assistant, demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and reliability in every task. She also served as president of Kappa Delta Pi, fostering academic and professional excellence among her peers.
Most notably, Rachel represented the School of Education on the Liberty University Student Senate. In this capacity, she served as a tireless advocate for education students and played an active role in meetings with university donors. She communicated the mission and needs of the school with clarity and conviction, demonstrating strong leadership and a deep commitment to her peers.
Rachel was also an active member of the SOE Convocation team and volunteered for many school events and initiatives, such as College For A Weekend (CFAW), Experience LU, the SOE Club Carnival, numerous student panels, and Staff/Faculty Appreciation Day. She is best known for her joyful spirit and willingness to serve wherever needed — always with a smile and a heart to bless others.
In addition to this recognition, Rachel was recently named a Virginia Teacher of Promise, a distinction awarded to outstanding pre-service educators. She will begin her student teaching in the Danville public school system this fall.
Rachel Jones exemplifies the mission and values of the School of Education at Liberty University. Her servant’s heart, combined with principled leadership, has established a legacy of excellence and encouragement. The School of Education is proud to honor Rachel and anticipates the continued impact she will make as an educator.
Jordan Carter — Research Week Presenter
School of Education student Jordan Carter was approved as a presenter at Liberty’s 2025 Research Week. Jordan’s research, titled “Classroom Management: Observations at the Secondary Level,” began as an honors project in her EDUC 350 course. Her work involved connecting theory and practices in the field, including a partnership with Dr. Amy Love and Liberty Christian Academy (LCA) secondary staff.
THE TEACHERS OF PROMISE INSTITUTE
The Teachers of Promise Institute was established in 2004 to identify and recognize the best prospective teachers from college and university schools of education across Virginia.
The chosen recipients meet at the institute, located in Midlothian, Va., to celebrate and elevate the profession of teaching. They are paired with a veteran mentor teacher
who is typically the winner of a prestigious teaching award, such as the Milken, McGlothlin, or State Teacher of the Year.
The School of Education chose the following eight recipients from Liberty University to be honored at the 2025 Virginia Teachers of Promise Institute:
Peyton Brown
Makayla Crowder
Rachel Jones
Zachary Lingenfelter
SOE Students Partner with Faith Christian School for Math Day
Liberty students took advantage of a hands-on learning opportunity and hosted Math Day for elementary students from Faith Christian School in Hurt, Va. The teacher candidates organized lesson plans and used creative techniques to teach the students various math concepts.
READ THE NEWS STORY
Skylar Loterzo
Benjamin Newman
Ella Otto
Madison Thomas
READ THE NEWS STORY
BURNING BRIGHT: FACULTY
AND ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The contents of the materials referenced are not necessarily the views and opinions held by Liberty University.
Faculty Accomplishments
MELISSA BENGDS
Melissa Bengds, Ed.S., presented at the Autonomous Learning World Caucus at Oxford University from March 10–13, 2025. She presented the research supporting her dissertation, The Impact of Mindfulness Breathing with Biofeedback on Academic Performance. She completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Regent University in August 2025.
DR. ANNA CATES
Dr. Anna Cates won second place in the Ohio Poetry Association’s Odes of October contest for her poem “Scarecrow” (2024) and authored a new book entitled The Ark: And Other Fantastic Tales, a science fiction, fantasy, and fairy tale short story collection with inspirational themes.
DR. BECKY CLARK
Dr. Becky Clark published an article in the April/May/June edition of Literacy Today. This was her first international publication, published by the International Literacy Association. She also published an article in the Spring 2025 edition of the Tennessee Literacy Journal and published her debut children’s book, I’ll Be the Teacher
DR. ROBERT J. DOAN
Dr. Robert J. Doan co-wrote the article “Effects of a hip-hop dance intervention on psychological and cognitive measures for adolescent females,” which was published in Research in Dance Education
Alumni Accomplishments
MARY JANE HOLLAND
Mary Jane Holland, a recent Liberty alumna, was awarded the “Beginning Teacher of the Year” award at her school, Pole Green Elementary.
LAUREN ISAACSON
Lauren Isaacson published a book titled 5 Simple Steps to Understanding Special Education (2025) and launched an online learning platform, The Tutoring Hub: Tutoring and Advocacy, in February 2025. This platform connects students with high-quality tutoring services and offers students flexibility, personalization, and interactive tools they can utilize while learning a variety of subjects.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
Shawn Bielicki, B.S., M.S., C.A.S., Ed.D., Interim Dean
Michelle Goodwin, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D., Associate Dean of Licensure and Residential Programs
Laurie Rice, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., Associate Dean
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION FACULTY
Esther Alcindor, B.S., M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D., Chair of Early and Elementary and Middle Education Programs, Professor
Sandy Battige, B.M.E., M.Ed., Ph.D., Chair of Special Education Programs, Associate Professor
Melissa Bengds, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Maria Spaulding Carr, B.S., M.Ed., Ph.D., Associate Professor
Alisha Castañeda, B.A.S., M.A., Ed.S., Ed.D., Qualitative Research, Professor
Russell Claxton, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., Online Chair, Professor
Nancy DeJarnette, B.S., M.S., Ed.S., Ed.D., Director of Accreditation and Assessment, Professor
Robert J. Doan, B.S., M.S., M.A., Ph.D., Quantitative Research, Professor
Lisa Foster, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Professor
Mark Granger, B.A., M.S., Instructor
Pam Griffin, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Chair of Secondary Education, Assistant Professor
Monica Huband, B.A., M.A.T., Ed.D., Online Chair, Associate Professor
Melanie Hudson, B.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., Online Chair, Assistant Professor
Harvey Klamm, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Associate Professor
Shawn Ruiz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Anita Satterlee, B.S., M.A., Ed.D., Administrative Chair of Research and Doctoral Programs
Virginia Shank, B.S., M.Ed., Ed.D., Assistant Professor
Samuel Smith, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Professor
James Swezey, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Professor
Michele Worley, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.D., Assistant Professor
Training Champions for Christ since 1971 The