Class in session Mike Brennan, ‘96
Physical education, English as a second language and humanities teacher Vienna International School Vienna, Austria Park provided me with the knowledge and international experience that I have used throughout my entire teaching career. Graduating from a university with such a strong international component has been essential in my career. I have worked for the last three years at the Vienna International School in Austria as a physical education, English as a second language and humanities teacher. Since I work in an international environment, I constantly have to assess and adapt to the students’ cultural backgrounds. I came to education after eight years of playing professional football in Europe. I would volunteer at schools during my days off and found that I enjoyed giving back. Now I have the power to influence young minds from all over the world.
Keith Ciani, M.Ed. ‘04 Adjunct instructor University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colo.
I was a high school teacher when I earned my master’s degree from Park University’s School for Education. One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in education is with technology and the growth of online classes. While I was an undergraduate, the movement was only just beginning. I’ve now taught many sections of online classes. Besides the format, I don’t
Winter 2011 - 18
think there’s an inherent difference between online and traditional classes. I’ve taught online classes with a strong sense of community and face-to-face classes with little interaction. I wouldn’t be here without Park. Everyone there helped me design a thesis program so that I could go on to earn a doctorate. Park really helped me achieve my goals. The faculty went above and beyond to give me an opportunity.
LaDonna Frazier Ebright, ‘80
Assistant professor of early childhood education Park University School for Education Parkville, Mo. One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is having my students come back to see me and see how excited they are about teaching; about how they have been able to connect what they’ve learned here with their classrooms. The biggest difference between their college classroom experiences and mine is the technology available. Since I’ve been at Park as faculty, we’ve taken so many classes to the online environment, in addition to teaching face-to-face. We have done excellent work writing our School for Education online courses. Other colleges and universities look to us for guidance. I believe “setting the standard for others” is a hallmark of Park. When I graduated from Park and went into my first classroom, I was well prepared. I realized the rigor I went through at Park was worth it. I am proud to be a Park graduate and I am concerned that all colleges and universities do not demand the same rigor in teacher preparation.
Sara Caldwell Fahring, ‘05 First grade English teacher TED Antalya Koleji Antalya, Turkey
I have taught in both China and Turkey. I didn’t know what to expect as a teacher in a foreign country. I knew the cultures would be unique so I expected the children to be equally so. The Chinese kids, for instance, are deathly afraid of making a mistake, so it takes great effort to get them to speak. When you ask them to write or copy, they are much more comfortable. On the other hand, Turkish kids learn amazingly well with games and activities, but don’t start writing until second term in first grade. I had to change everything I did in the classroom when I moved countries. Two of my biggest influences at Park came from my opportunity to study abroad in Greece and the theater department. My trip to Greece is part of the reason why I decided to try living outside of the United States. Being involved with the theater helped me become more animated, which really helps to get the attention of primary kids. The storytelling techniques I learned in theatre work perfectly, even with the language barrier.
Jessica Moody Morgan, ‘09, M.Ed. ‘11 First grade teacher Southeast Elementary School Kansas City, Mo.
The best thing about teaching for me is