2019 Academic Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM THE
DEAN The Liberty University School of Education (SOE) is fortunate to have a talented team of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who reflect our mission of Training Champions for Christ in the many fields of education. We are so thankful for the numerous ways that these individuals represent our department, and we are excited to highlight their diverse honors and achievements. SOE continually seeks excellence in our academic programs to thoroughly prepare today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders. We are excited to offer undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue the newly created Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program. The B.Ed. is an exclusively online, state-approved teacher preparation (licensure) program which — upon program completion — allows students to obtain a teaching license in Virginia or another state through reciprocity. Furthermore, SOE now offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program that includes an applied research capstone project in lieu of a dissertation. This project is designed to be applicable to a student’s professional experience and is an excellent option for those seeking to further develop their research skills within their current school or organizational setting. These new programs reflect the SOE goal of offering a variety of options to meet the varying professional aspirations of students. The investments of time, instruction, and operational support provided by SOE faculty and staff members are integral to the academic and spiritual success of our students and alumni. We look forward to all that the Lord has in store for the upcoming academic year! Dr. Deanna Keith Dean
JOIN US in supporting our future champions by donating to Liberty University’s School of Education. Give at Liberty.edu/ SupportEducation
Faculty Achievements Name
Degree
Description
Status
Title
David R. Abraham
Ph.D.
Associate Editor
Appointment
International Journal of Web-based Learning and Teaching Technologies
Kristina DeWitt
Ph.D.
Community Outreach: Future Me 5th Grade Career Day
Grant
Illuminate Grant
Lisa Foster
Ph.D.
Awards Chair of Research
Appointment
Superintendency for the American Educational Research Association
Ken Gossett
Ph.D.
Peace Missions to Karen and Shan Migrants from Myanmar in Southeast Asia
Co-authored/ Published
Spring 2019 International Journal of Frontier Missions
Sarah Pannone
Ed.D.
Homeschoolers’ Experiences with the Public Library
Authored/Published
Children and Libraries (a scholarly journal)
Victor Wang
Ed.D.
Handbook of Research on Transdisciplinary Knowledge Generation
Authored/Published
IGI Global publications
Student and Alumni Achievements
4
Name
Graduated
Degree
Description
Action
Location
Ashley Bullock
2019
M.Ed.
Top Teacher Award, Sandusky Middle School, Lynchburg Living Magazine
Award
LU Research Week
Taylor Caldwell
Current B.S.: Special Education
Theoretical proposal: Tech for Understanding: An Introduction to Assistive Technology in the Classroom
1st place
LU Research Week
Dolores Carr
2013
Her organization offers a short-term highimpact program to increase academic achievement, reduce dropout rate, prevent encounters with the justice system, and reduce frequent instances of suspensions and detentions.
Opened
2019 AERA Conference in Toronto, Canada
Ed.D.
Name
Graduated
Nancy 2009 DeJarnette
Degree
Description
Action
Location
Ed.D.
Educator Preparation Programs’ Advancing Pre-K-12 Student Learning
Copresented
Liberty University
Named a 2018-19 Pre-K Teacher of the Year in Georgia
Publication
Liberty University
Named assistant superintendent of Tupelo Public School District
Promotion
Education Transformation Centre
Theoretical proposal: Special Education in China: How Culture Affects Special Education
2nd place
Liberty University
Cristina Marie Dube
Current Ed.D.
Brock English
2014
Melissa Hosek
Current B.S.: Special Education
Orlando Lobaina
2016
Ed.D.
Helping the Struggling Student Gain Academic “Altitude”
Presented
National Organization of Student Success Conference
Andrew Napierkowski
2016
B.S. Math
Lynchburg City Schools Teacher of the Year
Award
International Dyslexia Association
Susan Stanley
2018
Ed.D.
Chair of a program review team
Appointment
Jessica Talada
2007
Ed.D.
Grant coordinator for innovative approaches to literacy federal grant
Appointment
School District of the City of Elmira, N.Y.
Susan Terranova
2019
Ed.D.
Three Minute Thesis: A Smart Choice
2nd place
LU Research Week
Stephanie Westhafer
Current Ed.D.
Georgia PreK Teacher of the Year
Award
Ed.D.
School of Education
5
2019 Research Week DR. KURT MICHAEL
Research Week 2019, sponsored by Liberty University’s Center for Research & Scholarship, saw undergraduate and graduate School of Education students from both online and residential programs present their research in person and via video conference. The School of Education made a great showing with 11 entries, three of which placed in their categories. WINNERS INCLUDED: Susan Terranova, a doctoral student, earned second place in the Three Minute Thesis category on her research presentation titled A Smart Choice. Taylor Caldwell, an undergraduate student, earned first place in the Theoretical Proposal category for his research on Tech
for Understanding: An Introduction to Assistive Technology in the Classroom. Melissa Hosek, an undergraduate student, earned second place in the Theoretical Proposal category for her research on Special Education in China: How Culture Affects Special Education.
Faculty Spotlight: Michelle Goodwin Dr. Michelle Goodwin began teaching at Liberty University in 2001 and currently serves as an associate dean in the School of Education. Dr. Goodwin works with candidates who are enrolled in licensure programs, studying to become teachers, reading or math specialists, and school administrators. She began her education career in the Tidewater, Va., area teaching in Newport News
6
Public Schools and then moved to Central Virginia to teach in Lynchburg City Schools. After teaching in various elementary classrooms, Dr. Goodwin then transitioned to an instructor position at Liberty. Later, she moved into an assistant dean (and later associate dean) position where she currently enjoys collaborating with faculty, staff, candidates, and the community to pursue excellence in our education programs. She helps prepare students to effectively lead the schools and classrooms of the future. Dr. Goodwin also enjoys researching instructional strategies, differentiation, urban education, teacher preparation, and teacher effectiveness. She is loved by our school and brings joy, commitment, and excellence every day.
B A C H E L O R O F E D U C AT I O N I N E L E M E N T A R Y E D U C AT I O N U P D AT E D R . M A R I A S PA U L D I N G
The School of Education is in the process of transitioning online and residential undergraduate licensure programs to the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Elementary Education degree programs, which are designed to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to meet the needs of students in the general education classroom. Courses in the program are designed to emphasize current research trends, such as differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and support for diverse and exceptional learners in the classroom. Graduates will gain knowledge of evidence-based practices and pedagogical theory in all content areas to assess, plan, and teach elementary students.
The Elementary Education Program is aligned with the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, and the subject method courses address specific standards outlined within the professional organizations, i.e., International Literacy Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Council for the Social Studies, and National Science Teachers Association. After completing the required program coursework — including student teaching — and passing licensure tests, graduates from this program will be eligible for a Virginia state teaching license in elementary education.
D O C T O R A L P R O G R A M U P D AT E KURT MICHAEL
The School of Education’s doctoral programs have seen tremendous growth with over 2,300 students enrolled in the Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs, 600 of whom are candidates actively conducting research for their dissertation.
Education. Ed.D. candidates can now pursue research in qualitative, quantitative, or applied research. In addition, the Ed.D. program recently introduced an applied research track to its repertoire of research methodology.
To meet the future needs of students, the School of Education added four new specializations to its Ph.D. in Education program. These specializations include: Curriculum & Instruction, Instructional Design & Technology, Organizational Leadership, and Special
This year, the School of Education boasted 203 candidates who successfully defended their dissertations and graduated with their doctoral degrees.
School of Education
7
Jamaica Mission Trip DR. KRISTINA DEWITT
For the past seven years, School of Education teacher candidates have traveled to Jamaica to teach and serve in Jamaican public schools. This spring, 18 candidates prepared culturally relevant lesson plans and devotions to teach in three schools in Jamaica (primary and secondary levels). Each candidate taught two lessons at each school and assisted with instruction throughout the school day. The days were filled with teaching 30-50 students in one cramped classroom, working with no supplies except for what was brought from the U.S., and lots of noise in a cinderblock-type building.
In preparation for the trip, candidates also collected and donated 1,064 books, 16 backpacks full of school supplies for Hazard Primary School, and a sizable monetary donation to a local girls’ home. Candidates wrote the students’ names in each book, hand delivered books to the classrooms, and read with them. Partnering with the Jamaica Ministry of Education provides real-world experiences and opportunities to directly share the Gospel in the classroom.
Rwanda Mission Trip DR. MEGAN L. CORDES
For the second consecutive year, School of Education (SOE) undergraduate students traveled to Rwanda to serve at a Compassion International Center and Star City Schools. Students were quick to adapt to a schoolroom where the only supplies were a chalkboard, a notebook, and a pencil for each student. SOE students were challenged to overcome language and cultural barriers, often making adjustments to lessons as they taught. While in Rwanda, the students and I were overcome by the forgiveness on display in the country. Perpetrators of murder and rape live in harmony with their victims in Reconciliation Villages, largely due to numerous Christian organizations who teach the grace, love, and forgiveness in Christ as the foundation for living. Students were challenged by the depth of forgiveness displayed and discussed personal applications for living in the freedom given to us by the grace, love, and forgiveness of Christ.
8
GROWING THROUGH GOING
The School of Education undergraduate students will return to Rwanda over Spring Break in 2020. Graduate students will have the opportunity to explore Rwanda in the summer of 2020. FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Esther Alcindor ealcindor@liberty.edu | undergraduate trip Dr. Meg Cordes mcordes@liberty.edu | graduate trip
Alumni Spotlight: Shawn Trosper, Ed.D.
In my career, I have been a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school level. The job of a school administrator is rewarding but full of challenges. The great struggle is to maintain an appropriate balance of leading versus managing. Leading means setting a long-term vision for the school, aligning knowledge and resources to achieve this vision, and reflecting on progress. Managing a school means running the day-to-day operations of the school. To be effective, an administrator should spend time working toward the future while being involved in day-to-day activities. The best part of being a principal is helping teachers and students achieve school goals. Aligning resources, attitudes, and values is a collaborative process where each person arrives at a different pace. However, when everyone is in agreement about where we are going and how they will contribute, it is a joy to behold. There is nothing more satisfying than watching teachers and students celebrate together.
However, achieving goals requires long hours. I spend many late nights covering athletic events or performances, and I am often working from home answering emails, completing projects, planning for meetings, or any number of tasks. This can be difficult to manage, especially with three children under the age of 7. But, while these issues can be exhausting, helping teachers and students succeed is energizing, and the joys outweigh the challenges.
Dr. Trosper was recently named principal of Liberty High School in Bedford County, Va.
F I F T H G R A D E “F U T U R E M E ” F I E L D T R I P F OR LY N CH BU R G CI T Y S CHO OL S DR. KRISTINA DEWITT
This spring, the School of Education and the Office of Equity & Inclusion hosted 130 fifth grade students from Perrymont and Linkhorne Elementary Schools in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom. The fifth grade students were exposed to college life through touring campus and learning about careers from different schools on campus. The School of Nursing, School of Business, and Helms School of Government provided opportunities for students to explore careers in each of
their disciplines. Over 35 teacher candidates in the undergraduate teacher licensure program also participated in the event. Students enjoyed visiting with the schools, a rap session with Jiggy M., a local rapper/comedian, and a surprise visit from Sparky. They also took part in mock career interviews, which allowed each fifth grade student to sit down with a Liberty student to answer authentic job interview questions. Students even came prepared with a mock résumé to share, which also served as a pivotal writing assignment from their classroom teachers. Students boarded the buses at the end of the day enthusiastic, grinning, and sporting Sparky logo T-shirts. This event is the result of professors and staff, teacher candidates, and local school administration and teachers working together. Bringing elementary students to visit campus allows young minds to envision the possibilities for their future. Dr. DeWitt continues to work with local teachers to provide opportunities for students in Lynchburg.
School of Education
9
School of Education Selects Teachers of Promise M I R A N DA A R N O L D
Educators often do not receive the accolades they deserve, so the School of Education is thrilled to participate in The Teachers of Promise Institute (TOP) each spring to promote early recognition in the field of education. The Institute acknowledges Virginia teacher candidates that demonstrate a promising career. Candidates attended two days of professional development workshops and sessions where they learned and networked under the mentorship of an expert educator, while also collaborating with teacher candidates from other Virginia institutions. Mentors included educators from the National Teacher Hall of Fame, Milken Educator Award winners, and many with other distinguishing honors.
10
Our Spring 2019 representatives were Joshua Adams, Aaron Anuszewski, Santino Buonamici, Jessica Falwell, Hannah Gaston, Natalie Hahn, Joelle Swezey, and Skylar Sharpe. As part of the Institute, the selected award recipients were honored with a banquet and a pinning ceremony. The TOP pin and medallion identifies candidates as Teachers of Promise and can be worn with graduation regalia. This group of teacher candidates had a unique opportunity to meet Mr. Rodney Robinson, Virginia’s 2019 Teacher of the Year, who was named the 2019 National Teacher of the Year a month later. Congratulations to our Spring 2019 TOP recipients. We are so proud of your commitment to teach, and we are excited to see where your teaching career leads you!
ST UDENT CLUBS HIGHLIGHTS DR. KRISTINA DEWITT
Professional Association of Christian Educators As a part of the Association of Christian Schools International, student members of Professional Association of Christian Educators (PACE) work to develop an awareness of, and support for, God’s global work in K-12 Christian schools. PACE serves as an organization for future educators to grow spiritually and professionally as they collaborate with future and current educators, integrating a passion for teaching with a passion for Christ.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Autism Speaks photo taken by Joshua Wanderer
Autism Speaks Autism Speaks University (ASU) exists to create an environment for structured and casual connection for Liberty students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their peers. With the goal of increasing understanding and awareness of ASD at Liberty and beyond, this student-led club hosts on-campus socials, outings in the community, fundraisers, and leadership and self-advocacy opportunities.
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) is a club for online students that supports educators through their teacher preparation programs until their last days in the classroom. The goal of ASCD is to empower educators to achieve excellence in learning, teaching, and leading so that every child is safe, healthy, engaged, supported, and challenged. Teacher candidates who join ASCD have access to books, publications, and events related to a large number of educational topics and themes.
Urban Education Club The Urban Education Club is excited to begin another academic year in partnership with Lynchburg City Schools. Club members take part in a book study and engage in interactive presentations from experts in the field of urban education. In the fall semester, they will focus on social issues that impact some families in urban communities, such as poverty, trauma, and violence.
Council for Exceptional Children The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) provides support to children with disabilities, their parents, and those who work with these children in our community. There are also multiple opportunities across each term for students to participate in service projects and outreach opportunities to support children with disabilities and their families in the local community.
Kappa Delta Pi Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in education with the purpose of promoting excellence in future professionals and recognizing the outstanding contributions made to education. The Pi Sigma Chapter at Liberty University was founded in 1984. The organization endeavors to maintain a high degree of professional fellowship among its members, quicken professional growth, and honor achievement in educational work.
Kappa Delta Pi
School of Education
11
location-arrow Liberty.edu/Education instagram /LUSchoolOfEducation Training Champions for Christ since 1971
Accredited by NCATE through CAEP