Fall 2021 Academic Newsletter
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 5 6 7
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Calendar of Events Alumni and Student Achievements Research Week Scholarly Contributions Spotlight Article: ACSI Accreditation Faculty Spotlight: Harvey Klamm, Ed.D.
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Alumni Q & A
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President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Samuel J. Smith Dr. Karen L. Parker Future Educator Excellence Award
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Doctoral Program Highlights
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Student Clubs Highlights
Programs/Endorsements Highlights
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
DEAN The team of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who represent the Liberty University School of Education (SOE) continue to excel professionally and academically in the many realms of education in which they serve. We are immensely grateful for the many ways they reflect Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ, and I am humbled to work alongside them. It is with great enthusiasm and appreciation that we recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. SOE students and faculty display a strong commitment to engaging in scholarship, advancing research in the field, and participating in meaningful community involvement. Through these activities, SOE representatives continue to promote excellence in all they do while seeking to honor and glorify the Lord through their interactions and achievements. The SOE continually strives to offer new programs tailored to specific areas of study. We are excited to have increased our offerings to over 100 unique programs of study. This provides opportunities for students with a multitude of backgrounds, interests, and goals to make a profound impact in the field of education. In looking forward to the upcoming academic year, my prayer for our entire SOE team is that we would continue to wholeheartedly pursue our goals — seeking above all else to bring honor and glory to the name of Christ.
Dr. Deanna Keith Dean
Calendar of Events AUG. 11
Registration Deadline for Online Fall Semester A & B Sub-terms
OCT. 28-30
College For A Weekend (CFAW)
AUG. 23
Residential and Online Classes Start
OCT. 30
Family Weekend
SEPT. 16-18
College For A Weekend (CFAW)
NOV. 22-26
Thanksgiving Break
OCT. 8-9
Homecoming Weekend
DEC. 7
Last Day of Residential Classes
OCT. 13
Registration Deadline for Online Fall Semester D Sub-term
DEC. 17
Fall Semester Ends
OCT. 14-15
Fall Break
DEC. 18-JAN. 2
Winter Break
Alumni and Student Achievements
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Name
Graduation Year
Degree
Accomplishment
Dafne Almazan Anaya
Current student
Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction Special Education
Dafne Almazán Anaya, the youngest Mexican to complete a master’s degree at Harvard University, has now launched herself publicly as a singer and composer.
Jason Atkinson
2020
Ed.S. in Ministry – Worship
Dr. Jason Atkinson was recently chosen as the new superintendent of Bladen County School District in Bladen County, N.C.
Name
Graduation Year
Degree
Accomplishment
Katelynn Batzer
2019
M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning Elementary Education
Katelynn Batzer has released “The First Catch,” a 34-page, fully illustrated children’s book that follows a girl, her father, and their trusty dog, Huck, on a fly-fishing adventure.
Taylor Caldwell
2021
B.S. in Elementary Education & Special Education
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Ashley Gillespie
2021
B.S. in Special Education
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Natalie Hahn 2020
B.S. in Elementary Education – Social Sciences
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Melissa Hosek
2020
B.S. in Special Education
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Deborah Kennedy
2015
Ed.D.
Dr. Deborah Kennedy, New River Community College (Dublin, Va.) administrator and dean of student services, was recently honored with a Distinguished College Administrator Award by the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Karen Kirchner
2021
B.S. in Elementary Education – English
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Cole McQuaid
2021
B.S. in Elementary Education – Math
Teacher Education Award Recipient and Dr. Karen L. Parker Future Educator Excellence Award for 2021
Ashley Puskar
2020
B.S. in Elementary Education – Social Sciences
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Madelaine Shreeman
2021
B.S. in Secondary Education – English
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Jaron Snavely
2021
B.S. in Secondary Education – History
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Desiree Van Hoven
2021
B.S. in Elementary Education
Teacher Education Award Recipient
Murray J. Williams
2013
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Education Specialist
Dr. Murray Williams has been officially named as the new president of Roanoke-Chowan Community College.
M.S. in Business Administration
School of Education
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2021 Research Week KIRSTEN HOEGH, PH.D. Liberty University’s 2021 Research Week, sponsored by the Center for Research & Scholarship, was a great success. Undergraduate and graduate students from both online and residential programs converged on the Jerry Falwell Library and presented their research in person and by video conferencing. The School of Education made a great showing with 20 students presenting their research (see below for list).
T H E S C H O O L O F E D U C AT I O N I S P R O U D O F A L L I T S S T U D E N T S W H O PA RT I C I PAT E D I N R E S E A R C H W E E K A N D C E L E B R AT E S T H E I R SCHOL ARLY CONTRIBU TIONS.
A Deeper Look at the Literacy Achievement Gap – Anna Alden Recording the Skills of Studying the Past: A Case Study on Historical Thinking Skills Developed Through Student-Generated Video – Jerrod Boggs Middle School Students’ Perceptions of Teacher Empathy in Christian Schools: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study – Harold Brackins Surviving or Thriving? A Phenomenological Study of the Well-Being of Experienced Special Education Teachers – Katherine Carpenter-Ware
Caregivers’ Insights Concerning Visual Efficiency Skills of Their Child Diagnosed as a Fetus Exposed to Noxious Substances in Relation to Early Childhood Development – Patricia Myers Collaboration between Military Families and Special Education Faculty in Colorado Springs – Jasmik Parra Garcia CTE Learning Outcomes, Pathways, and Programs – Meagan Plass
A Phenomenological Study of the Factors that Motivated Black Students’ Enrollment in AP Courses – Konova Cornelius
Preschoolers, Emergent Literacy, and Technology – Patricia Scalf
Locus of Control and Support for or Opposition to Concealed Carry on Campus: A Correlational Study – William Crawford
A Collective Case Study of Factors That Promote Academic Motivation Among High-Performing, Economically Disadvantaged Middle School Students – Gregory Shields
Educators on the Move: An Applied Study of Literature-Based Solutions for Teacher Migration Within an Exclusive Urban School – Stephanie Haynsworth Battlefield to the Civilian Workforce – Frank Hernandez #GENERATION Z: A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Experiences of Elementary Title I Teachers’ Use of Educational Technology in the 21st Century Classroom – Rachel Hernandez The Relationship Between Doctoral Students’ Self-Reported Type of Statistics Anxiety and Final Grades in an Online Statistics Course – Kirsten Hoegh
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Biblical Worldview Development While Learning Origins Science – Charleton King
Come as You Are: Actively Welcoming and Involving Individuals with Special Needs in the Church – Natalie Shimo Musical Competency Deficiencies in Beginning Band Students at a Charter School in North Carolina – Keri Truhe Hispanic First-Generation College Student Perceptions of University Support Programs – Katelynn Wheeler Student Passing Rates in College Math Courses – Solomon Willis
A C S I A C C R E D I T AT I O N HARVEY KLAMM, ED.D. The School of Education is celebrating a successful midterm review by the Association of Christian Schools International Higher Education visiting team. Following the Teacher Education Program accreditation ten-year renewal with ACSI/HEAP in 2016, a regularly scheduled, fifth-year, midterm visit was conducted in February for the purpose of verifying updated progress to the last renewal visit recommendations and to also report program changes that have occurred over the span of that five-year period. In preparation for the visit, the SOE faculty and staff worked collaboratively to provide a written midterm report. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall of
2020, committees worked to produce the content for the report. The final document was submitted to ACSI in early January. The ACSI Mid-Year Review was held through a blended visit format in February 2021. The ACSI committee expressed admiration for Liberty University’s biblically based and mission-driven passion manifested in the leadership, faculty, and staff of the SOE as they continue to develop candidates for service wherever God places them. Their analysis concluded with validation that the SOE program is approved without further recommendations and that each of the previous visit recommendations were fully met.
Faculty Spotlight: Harvey Klamm, Ed.D. Dr. Harvey Klamm is in his 48th year at Liberty University. Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in northwestern Pennsylvania, Dr. Klamm attended Bryan College upon graduation from high school. He completed a B.A. in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Cedarville College (now Cedarville University) in 1971.
classroom teacher for 16 years, varsity baseball and soccer coach, high school principal for 12 years, and school superintendent for six years.
Upon graduation, Dr. Klamm taught in an Ohio public middle school for two years before moving to Lynchburg, Virginia, to teach and coach at Lynchburg Christian Academy (now Liberty Christian Academy). During his 34-year tenure at LCA, Dr. Klamm was a
Dr. Klamm joined Liberty University’s School of Education as a resident faculty member in February of 2013. He holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University. He and his wife, Irene, have three grown children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. In addition to being a model train hobbyist, his interests include watching sporting events and fishing.
In the summer of 2007, Dr. Klamm left the conventional school to help start Liberty University Online Academy, a K-12 grade school that offers traditional education through a technologybased format. He served as the online school superintendent for nearly six years, seeing it grow from 23 students to an enrollment of 1,900 students located in all 50 states and 24 countries.
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SOE Graduate Melissa Hosek Receives Prestigious Fulbright Award to Teach English in Taiwan ANDREA BEAM, ED.D. In April 2020, Melissa Hosek, a 2020 graduate with a B.S. in Special Education Interdisciplinary Studies, was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant position in Taiwan. While the start date was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Jan. 1, 2021, she flew to Taiwan, and after quarantining for 14 days began serving as an English Teaching Assistant in DaCun Elementary School and HuXi Elementary School. Melissa shared the following about her current role.
What motivated you to apply for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Position in Taiwan? My primary reason was wanting to teach in an Asian country. I also thought I would grow as a teacher and Christian while here.
Please describe your current role and what a typical day looks like for you. I travel to two different schools and help in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grade English classes. In the morning, I walk to the bus or train station (depending on the school). After arriving, I lesson plan or discuss ideas with my teachers. At HuXi, my co-teacher and I switch between teaching and assisting each other. At DaCun, I am the lead teacher and my co-teacher assists. I am at school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., then I head home, relax, work, and several of us English teachers usually eat together.
How did your training at Liberty prepare you for this role? Having a high-quality Christian education prepared me well. The educational theories and classroom experience I learned gave me a lot of confidence in my teaching. Stepping into a classroom where the primary language is not English is intimidating, but knowing that I am well equipped gave me self-confidence. My Christian education also helps me greatly. Because Fulbright is not a Christian organization, people from many different beliefs apply. Other Christians are in my group, which is a blessing, but I find myself leaning on the core principles I learned in college. Although I continue to grow in my faith, having a firm foundation is a gift.
What are your plans for the future and what will you take with you from this Fulbright experience? I hope to continue teaching in Asia. I have gained a more global perspective of my world and learned a lot about the world and cultures. I love this experience and am so thankful for this opportunity.
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President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Samuel J. Smith DEANNA KEITH, ED.D. Congratulations to Dr. Samuel J. Smith for winning the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching! The purpose of the award is to recognize teachers who have promoted significant student learning evidenced by creative and innovative approaches to teaching, the effective use of instructional technology, and exceptional pedagogical skill. Additionally, their impact on student faith, thought, and character fully realizes Dr. Falwell’s vision of training leaders in all discipline areas. The award process involves a formal peer nomination, dean support, faculty input, and student contribution. Winners are determined by the Selection Committee and affirmed by the provosts. Dr. Samuel J. Smith serves as professor of education at Liberty University and is director of school administration programs. He began his career as an English and history teacher and later became a school principal. He has specialized in curriculum
and instruction with a focus on historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of education. He has worked as a teacher and administrator in Houston, Texas, and Daytona Beach, Florida. Dr. Smith began teaching in higher education at MidAmerica Christian University in Oklahoma City while completing his doctorate at Oklahoma State University. Today, Dr. Smith enjoys mentoring future teachers and school principals.
D R . K A R E N L . PA R K E R F U T U R E E D U C AT O R E X C E L L E N C E A WA R D MICHELLE GOODWIN, ED.D.
The award is in honor of Dr. Karen L. Parker. Dr. Parker earned an Ed.D. in Reading and Varying Exceptionalities at the University of Miami, M.S. in Reading at Florida International University, and B.A. in Music at Tennessee Temple University. She is licensed as a reading specialist, special educator, and school psychologist. Dr. Parker ministered as a teacher and administrator in K-12 Christian schools for 16 years and then accepted a faculty position at Liberty University in 1986. She served ten years at LU as the teacher education department chair before her appointment as dean of the School of Education
in 1999. In 2016, she was appointed as dean emeritus and currently serves as SOE accreditation coordinator. Dr. Parker is committed to the School of Education’s mission to prepare competent professionals with a biblical worldview. Married for 50 years to Dr. Leonard W. Parker, Dr. Parker has been blessed with four daughters and nine grandchildren. Our first recipient, Cole M. McQuaid, graduated in May 2021 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a mathematics minor. While a student at Liberty University, he worked alongside peers and School of Education faculty through coursework and other facets of professional collaboration. In January of 2020, he began his tenure as the treasurer of the Pi Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education. He served the chapter for one year and collaborated with other board members to start new initiatives within the chapter. This fall, he will be teaching 5th grade in Frederick County, Va., and is excited to take the skills he acquired at Liberty and put them into practice in the classroom.
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School of Education Introduces Doctoral Project Into Its Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program KIRSTEN HOEGH, PH.D.
In the fall of 2019, the School of Education introduced the doctoral project into its Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs. This capstone project requires the use of applied research methods, which help guide candidates on solving real problems and improving practices in a real-world educational setting. Applied research incorporates a multimethod design that includes both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis strategies. Educators may use applied research methods to improve academic achievement, assessment outcomes, social skills, challenging behaviors, teaching skills, teacher retention, or a variety of other problems prevalent in education today.
interventions and zero in on the ones that would assist in remedying our specific circumstances. Not only did the experience help me grow as an educator, but it also helped put plans into place that will help my students, and many others, for years to come.” Candidates conducting applied research use the textbook “Conducting Applied Research in Education” written by Liberty professors Dr. Bunnie Claxton and Dr. Kurt Michael. The textbook is designed as a step-by-step guide that directs the researcher through the applied research process. Student feedback regarding the textbook has been overwhelmingly positive. We anticipate the program will only continue to grow and attract students who are interested in contributing to problem-solving practices in their professional communities, education, and other fields as well. The School of Education Applied Research Ed.D. program is making, and will continue to make, a positive impact on students.
Since its introduction, the program’s growth has been extraordinary. This growth may be attributed to the practical nature of the research and the opportunity to make a real difference in education. For example, one SOE doctoral candidate stated, “The applied research project allowed me to further investigate an actual problem being experienced at my own institution. I was able to research various
School of Education Programs/Endorsements Highlights The School of Education is excited to share that we have several new state licensure programs that are now available. They are compiled below according to mode of delivery and graduate or undergraduate options. Please contact soe@liberty.edu if you have questions concerning residential programs or educ@liberty.edu if you have questions for online programs.
New endorsements for the Liberty University School of Education approved by the Virginia Department of Education for the 2020-21 academic year: •
• • • • •
Career and technical education – transition and special needs** Engineering Science – earth science Science – physics Special education adapted curriculum K-12 Special education early childhood (birth through age five)
• • •
Special education – general curriculum elementary education K-6** Special education – general curriculum middle education grades 6-8** Special education – general curriculum secondary education grades 6-12**
New programs that the School of Education offered in the 2020-21 academic year:
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Residential Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) • Engineering Education 6-12 Residential and Online Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) • Elementary Education – Middle Grades English* • Elementary Education – Middle Grades Mathematics* • Elementary Education – Middle Grades Science* • Elementary Education – Middle Grades Social Science* • Elementary Education with Special Education General Curriculum K-6 Add-On Online Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) • Business Education 6-12 • English as a Second Language Education P-12 • English Education 6-12 • Mathematics Education 6-12 • Physics Education 6-12 • Physics Education 6-12 – Earth Science • Social Studies Education 6-12
Online Graduate Programs • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) - Elementary Education (45 hour): Special Education General Curriculum (K-6) Add-On • Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (M.A.T.) – Adapted Curriculum: Career & Technical Education – Transition & Special Needs** • Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (M.A.T.) – Early Childhood Special Education • Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (M.A.T.) – General Curriculum (45 hour): Career & Technical Education – Transition & Special Needs** • Education Specialist in School Administration & Supervision (Ed.S.) • Doctor of Education in School Administration & Supervision (Ed.D.)
*Optional endorsement **Add-on endorsement
ST UDENT CLUBS HIGHLIGHTS Autism Speaks Autism Speaks University (ASU) exists to bring community and advocacy to campus through social events, advocacy seminars, and other fun activities on and off campus. ASU connects students who are on the spectrum with other students on campus, providing opportunities for fellowship, student leadership, and self-advocacy through monthly meetings and shared activities. Follow them on Facebook at ASU of Liberty University or Instagram @AutismSpeaksULiberty.
Kappa Delta Pi
Autism Speaks activity
The Pi Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) international honor society in education is proud to have brought home every award they applied for in the 2019-20 academic year! The group received seven national awards, including Celebration of Teaching (Gold Status), Leadership Development, Professional Development, Fundraising, Literacy Alive Day, Distinguished Chapter Counselor (Dr. Andrea Beam), and Distinguished Chapter Officer (Taylor Caldwell). Preparations are well underway for the 2020-21 award year as Pi Sigma continues its mission of reaching students in the community and promoting the field of education.
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. Pictured left to right: Cole McQuaid, Maddy Shreeman, Dr. Andrea Beam, Hallie Chewning, Taylor Caldwell (Photo by Ryan Cardinale)
PACE student leaders
Urban Education Club The Urban Education Club’s mission is to prepare teacher candidates for the realities and challenges associated with teaching and supporting students in low-income, urban communities. We partner with Lynchburg City Schools to provide club members with opportunities to develop mentor/ mentee relationships with veteran urban educators. We hear presentations from experts in the field of urban education and individuals who work to support the downtown Lynchburg community. This semester, we will focus on issues outside of the classroom that impact students’ academic performance, such as trauma and homelessness. The Urban Education Club provides valuable insight and information for students who feel called to teach in cities and those who are still trying to decide where God is calling them. Every student deserves grace and customized support. Come join us to find out how we can make school a positive and meaningful experience for all children.
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