Keeping us connected
September 2022
A Message From the Dean
What a joyful and blessed month September has been! Campbellsville University is experiencing an historic time-- we inaugurated our new president, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, and formally welcomed the first family to our campus. The whole month has been full of events for students, staff, faculty, and the communities in which our programs reside. A new era has begun in the life of CU, and I am thankful to be part of it all.

This month also included CU Missions Week with many campus wide activities including a missions fair which the SOE participated in with a booth advertising both our Belize Servant Learning Trip and our Spain/Portugal Trip, both scheduled this spring. In addition to our trips, the SOE is heavily involved in Operation Christmas Child with Dr. Marilyn Goodwin serving as the campus coordinator and the Taylor County Drop Off coordinator. We have also begun collecting for CU Cares, a program to provide daily living items for students who need assistance and the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. It is wonderful to work in a place where so many opportunities to support others both on our own campus and globally are so easy to access. 

The School of Education is gearing up for the Homecoming preparations and festivities next week. The Education Club is working on our float for the parade and preparing for our activities table that will be on Stapp Lawn under the supervision of sponsors Dr. Elisha Lawrence and Mr. Don Cheatham. We will be once again tailgating before and during the football game on October 1 at the North corner of the football field and beside the baseball field. We are hoping to see many of our alumni that day. Please stop by for a hotdog or hamburger and to catch up and celebrate being together in person again!

As the mornings turn cooler and the daylight gets shorter, I am reminded of God’s love for us in providing such a beautiful earth with seasons full of color and change. On Sunday, the pastor at my church spoke of God’s love for us, and he said that if we all just truly understood how much God loves each of us it would change the world. His sermon was titled “Choose to be Happy”.  We have passed through some dark days as a community, but in the first few weeks of this academic year, I feel such optimism and hope in the future for the School of Education and Campbellsville University. God blessed us through the dark days and now, He is blessing us with some really good days!

Hope to see you at our tailgating on Saturday!


Lisa
 
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,  so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Romans 15: 5-6 NIV
A Spotlight on Special Education
in Daviess County
Beth Ewing has been in Daviess County working in Special Education for 16 years. Ewing came to Campbellsville in 2018 for her Rank I, a Master of Arts in School Improvement, and Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD) certification. In 2019 she made the jump from an Elementary self-contained MMD and MSD, to a high school self-contained MSD unit.

Ewing’s philosophy is that every student can learn, it is up to the teacher to key into what motivates the student. Her family was inspirational in her becoming a teacher. Growing up, Ewing had an aunt with cerebral palsy. She says of her aunt, “She showed me at a young age how people who are different from us can teach us so much. I wanted to help individuals like her feel important in the world.”

Apart from encouraging her students in the classroom, Ewing was the elementary school cheerleading coach. Now she serves as a Mental Health First Aid Trainer for her school district. To protect her own mental health, Ewing watches sports or cheers on her family as they play.
Option 6: A Win-Win for All
With the extreme shortage of teachers and administrators in Kentucky and throughout the nation, Campbellsville University is collaborating with districts to fill their many vacancies with teachers and administrators through our various Option 6 graduate programs.
 
Candidates in these programs are given a temporary provisional certificate by Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) to hold jobs in schools as teachers and administrators while they complete their professional certification program with the university. In addition to coursework, candidates are provided with mentors in the district and from the university to guide them through the process of on the job learning and experiences. 
 
Dr. Lisa Allen, dean of the School of Education at Campbellsville, appreciates the quality of the Option 6 model her faculty and staff has developed. “We receive many reports from districts and candidates alike that our students are very successful in providing high quality instruction and services. These programs are the fastest growing in the School of Education, and I anticipate that to continue until the teacher shortage crisis subsides.”

Alice Steele, Clinical Support Specialist for the School of Education, shares that the increase in students is staggering, with 239 candidates presently enrolled in Option 6--a jump from 166 a year ago. The highest numbers are concentrated in Master of Arts in Teaching (68), Master of Arts in Teaching Interdisciplinary Early Childhood (59), Special Education LBD (49), School Counseling (45), and School Administration (12). Five private schools and ninety-two public school districts are presently served by CU’s Option 6 model.

Bryan Short, a current student and assistant principal at Lawrence County Middle School, praises the program. “The Option 6 school administration model at Campbellsville University has been an absolute blessing. Each class has been meaningful and has offered multiple insights that I have been able to apply immediately in my job duties. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be coached by such high-quality individuals who TRULY CARE about their students' lives and careers.”

The CU School of Education currently provides 32 university mentors. Fourteen are SoE full-time faculty, three are CU full-time faculty in other programs, and the remainder are CU adjunct faculty or retired P-12 teachers and administrators who enjoy mentoring teacher candidates. Dr. Franklin Thomas, assistant chair for graduate programs in the School of Education, adds, “I’ve mentored our Option 6 candidates from central Kentucky to the mountains of southeastern Kentucky and I’ve been highly impressed with the great work that they are doing in the schools.” 

In a current climate where the field of education needs additional qualified teachers available to meet the urgent demands, Kentucky’s Option 6 is making a difference. And at Campbellsville University, the School of Education has embraced this challenge.
Starting the Semester in Belize
The Early Childhood department went to visit its Belize campus. Rita Curtis, assistant professor of Early Childhood and Dr. Sharon Hundley, chair of Early Childhood, met face-to-face with Early Childhood Education (ECE) associate's degree students. Later they held an advising and workshop session with the online ECE bachelor degree students. Dr. Marilyn Goodwin, assistant chair, and Deborah Holt, assistant professor, also met with Belize associate's degree students.

The Belize Ministry of Education requested that Ms. Holt and Dr. Hundley give a practicum overview to the ECE associate's degree students nearing the completion of the pre-practicum coursework. This was held at the University of Belize in Belmopan.
Rita Curtis and Dr. Hundley interact with their students as they explain what they can expect during the semester.
Global Collaboration
Campbellsville University was invited by the Belize Teacher Education Division to lead the review and submission of the national Early Childhood Education program. Included in this work group along with Campbellsville University were representatives from the Ministry of Education, University of Belize, Sacred Heart Junior College, and Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College.

The work group met September 16 at Sacred Heart Junior College in San Igancio. Using the UNESCO Thematic Action Tracks, which act as a guide for all early childhood programs around the world, the educators examined the current ECE curriculum to determine the themes and practices present in the associate's degree program and make recommendations as to strengthen or add additional policies to meet the UNESCO Thematic Action Tracks. The work group reported their findings and will submit their written reports, which will be reviewed by Rita Curtis and Dr. Sharon Hundley. The final report will be reviewed by the full work group and submitted to the Ministry of Education for adoption December 2022.
Speaking about Servant Leadership
Dr. Rocky Wallace, associate professor, spoke at the annual Regent University Servant Leadership Roundtable. They held an online session on Saturday, September 10. The focus of his presentation was the study of servant leadership literature in the graduate school setting.
Collaborating Across Disciplines
Soon to be accepting chapter proposals for a multi-discipline book titled: Addressing Violence in the U.S. Public School System, Dr. Joey Budd (Criminal Justice/Social Sciences), Dr. Jeffrey Herron (School of Education), and Dr. Renee Sartin (Carver School of Social Work) will be the editors for this book scheduled for summer 2023 release. Budd, Herron, and Sartin teamed up in 2019 and published a chapter on “Potential Causes of Mass School Shooting Incidents: A Look into Bullying, Mental Illness, and Zero-Tolerance Policies," In G. Crews (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Mass Shooting and Multiple Victim Violence. This chapter was also presented at the Fall 2019 Southern Criminal Justice Association meeting in Nashville, TN.
 
The multi-discipline approach permits collaboration between departments whose disciplines often cross in the public sector. Chapter submissions will be open soon, and we encourage anyone interested to submit a chapter proposal.  
Welcome Back!
The Education Club set up a booth for one of the many welcome events at the beginning of the semester. Members Kate Cecil, Reagan Mills Schatz, and Angela Wilson, held down the table and drummed up student interest with Dr. Elisha Lawrence, assessment chair and club sponsor, as well as Dr. Allen, dean. Candy and stress balls were at the ready for anyone interested in education.
Homecoming Court
In front is Priya Latchayya. Candidates from left are: Front row - Zelalai Abulaiti, Mary Jane Wilkerson, Mallie Craft, and Aly Kidd. Second row - Haleigh Mason, Bailey Pedigo, Brooke Anne Buckner, and Hannah Kendall.
The Education Peer Group nominated Mary Jane Wilkerson, a CU Elementary Education major, as its 2022 Homecoming representative. Mary Jane is from Springfield, Ky and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. Wilkerson feels very honored to represent the School of Education. She says her love for teaching, education, and Campbellsville University will always hold true.

While this is just her second year here at CU, from the first day she stepped foot on campus, this place instantly felt like home. She fell in love with the Christian community. When asked what Campbellsville University means to her, Wilkerson instantly says, “CU means everything!” She is a commuter but finds ways to stay involved, like being involved in the Education Peer Group Council which allows her to create new friendships and experience new opportunities.
Attending Gifted Conference
Dr. Elisha Lawrence, assessment chair, and Dr. Dottie Davis, professor, attended the Kentucky Association of Gifted Education (KAGE) summer conference June 9 at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky. Ways to promote social emotional learning in gifted children were discussed. One of the breakout sessions focused on instructional strategies to promote creativity and problem solving. Data was presented that showed zero children for whom English is their second language (ESL) in gifted programs. This presents an opportunity for research on how Gifted Education can better serve (and identify) ESL students.
School of Education Travel Opportunities
Dr. Robin Magruder and Dr. Sharon Hundley welcome all interested parties to travel with them to Spain and Portugal in May, 2023. In the 13-day trip, participants will visit Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Costa del Sol, Granada, Toledo, Valencia, and Lisbon. Current undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family are all invited on the trip. For more information, please contact Dr. Robin Magruder, [email protected], or visit www.efcollegestudytours.com/2537975ss
Hired Option 6 Administrator Candidates
Martina Amshoff (Educational Administration), Assistant Principal, Boston School, Nelson County Schools
Carly Waldrep (School Counseling), School Counselor, West Marion Elementary School, Marion County Schools
Jeremy Hall (School Counseling), School Counselor, Highland-Turner Elementary School, Breathitt County Schools
Kayla Carmack (School Counseling), School Counselor, Knox County Middle School, Knox County Schools
Johnna Henager (School Counseling), School Counselor, Crittenden County Elementary School, Crittenden County Schools   
Trisha Dice (MAT 5-9 English), Language Arts teacher, Robertson County Middle School, Robertson County Schools
Jessica Foltz (MAT 8-12 English), English teacher, Owen County High School, Owen County Schools
Meghan Wright (MAT 8-12 English), English teacher, Mercy Academy, Archdiocese of Louisville
John Overby (MAT 8-12 English), Freshman English teacher, Casey County High School, Casey County Schools
Colton Jacobs (MAT 8-12 English), English Language Arts teacher, Knott County Central High School, Knott County Schools
Lora Bailey (MAT 8-12 Biology), Biology teacher, Danville High School, Danville Independent Schools
Lacey Beckwith (MAT 8-12 Biology), Biology teacher, Russell County High School, Russell County Schools
Craig Kemp (MAT P-12 Health & PE), Physical Education teacher, William H. Natcher Elementary School, Warren County Schools
Michael Caba (MAT P-12 Health & PE), Health teacher, Montgomery County High School, Montgomery County Schools
Joseph Hagen Tyler (MAT P-12 Health & PE), PE teacher, Taylor County Middle School, Taylor County Schools
Megan Burchett (MAT P-12 Health & PE), Health & PE teacher, Pikeville High School, Pikeville Independent Schools
Chariss Wilson (MAT P-12 Health & PE), Health & PE teacher, Bourbon County Middle School, Bourbon County Schools
Jessica Mowry (MAT IECE), Kindergarten teacher, North Park Elementary School, Hardin County Schools
Taryn Seward (MAT P-5 Elementary), 3rd grade Reading/Social Studies teacher, Pulaski Elementary School, Pulaski County Schools
Katelyn Uhl (MAT P-5 Elementary), 3rd grade teacher, Freedom Elementary School, Bullitt County Schools
Jodie Smith (MAT P-5 Elementary), 1st grade teacher, Emma B. Ward Elementary School, Anderson County Schools
Jacinta "Faun" Crenshaw (MAT P-5 Elementary), 4th grade Reading teacher, Campbellsville Elementary School, Campbellsville Independent
Havannah Martin (MAT P-5 Elementary), 1st grade teacher, Woodland Elementary School, Hardin County Schools
Melanie Smith (MAT P-5 Elementary), Elementary teacher, Gallatin County Upper Elementary School, Gallatin County Schools
Glenna Danielle Ashabraner (MAT P-5 Elementary), 2nd grade teacher, Pembroke Elementary School, Christian County Schools
Breanna Seabolt (MAT P-5 Elementary), 2nd grade teacher, Wellington Elementary School, Jefferson County Schools
Ashley Henries (MAT P-5 Elementary), 4th-5th grade Social Studies teacher, Notre Dame Academy, Archdiocese of Louisville
Joshua Heizer (MAT P-5 Elementary), 3rd grade teacher, John G. Carlisle Elementary School, Covington Independent Schools
Kristen Smith (MAT P-5 Elementary), 1st grade teacher, White Hall Elementary School, Madison County Schools
Bethani Baker (MAT P-5 Elementary), 3rd grade teacher, Monticello Elementary School, Wayne County Schools
Jamie Grey (MAT P-5 Elementary),1st grade teacher, Pembroke Elementary School, Christian County Schools
Shelon Gist (MAT 5-9 Social Studies), 7th grade Social Studies teacher, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson County Schools
Trae Rick (MAT 5-9 Social Studies), Middle School Social Studies teacher, Christian Academy of Louisville
Abby Groblebe (MAT 5-9 Social Studies), 7th grade teacher, Union County Middle School, Union County Schools
Ethan Saltsman (MAT 8-12 Social Studies), 9th-10th grade Social Studies teacher, Grayson County High School, Grayson County Schools
Alexis Maricevic (MAT 8-12 Social Studies), Social Studies teacher, Meade County High School, Meade County Schools
Robert Shearon III (MAT 8-12 Social Studies), World History teacher, Hopkinsville High School, Christian County Schools
Rebekah Habeger (MAT 8-12 Math), Math & Chemistry teacher, Paris High School, Paris Independent Schools
Jessica Vasquez (MAT 5-9 Science), 6th-8th grade Science teacher, T.K. Stone Middle School, Elizabethtown Independent Schools
Jennifer Fraser (MAT 5-9 Science), 9th grade Science teacher, North Hardin High School, Hardin County Schools
Haley Gorley (MAT 5-9 Science), 7th grade Science teacher, Marion County Middle School, Marion County Schools
Elissa Yates (MAT 5-9 Science), 8th Grade STEAM teacher, Stuart Pepper Middle School, Meade County Schools
Courtney Mouser (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Nelson County Early Learning Center, Nelson County Schools
Sheniqua Roberts (MAT IECE), Lead Prekindergarten teacher, DuValle Education Center, Jefferson County Schools
Mary Ann Smith (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Spencer County Early Learning Center, Spencer County Schools
Makenzie Scribano (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Cardinal Valley Elementary School, Fayette County Schools
Kathy Jones (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Green County Primary School, Green County Schools
Marybeth Norris (MAT IECE), Teacher, Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary School, Jefferson County Schools
Toni Harbold (MAT IECE), IECE teacher, Freedom Elementary, Christian County Schools
MaKayla Smith (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Adair County Primary School, Adair County Schools
Lizbeth Hildesheim (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Lincoln Trail Elementary School, Hardin County Schools
Lauren Fryrear (MAT IECE), Early Childhood Preschool teacher, Dawson Orman Preschool Center, Jefferson County Schools
Melinda Farris (MAT IECE), Early Childhood teacher, Auburndale Elementary School, Jefferson County Schools
Maegan Doughty (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Mercer County Elementary School, Mercer Co.
Brittany Randolph (MAT IECE), Lead Preschool teacher, Dawson Springs Elementary School, Dawson Springs Independent Schools
Heather Stargle (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Jones Park Elementary School, Casey County Schools
Alexandra Pierson (MAT IECE), Kindergarten teacher, Mason Corinth Elementary School, Grant County Schools
Alivia Walker (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Brodhead Elementary School, Rockcastle County Schools
Natalie Hughes (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Taylor County Primary School, Taylor County Schools
Lillian Haley Grigsby (MAT IECE), Preschool teacher, Washington County Elementary School, Washington County Schools
Danielle VanderMolen (MAT P-12 LBD), Kindergarten LBD teacher, Panther Academy, Elizabethtown Independent Schools
Mackenzie Robinson (MAT P-12 LBD), Special Education teacher, Pleasant Grove Elementary School, Bullitt County Schools
Cortney Withrow (MAT P-12 LBD), Special Education teacher, Taylor County Intermediate School, Taylor County Schools
Stacey Rothballer (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD teacher, South Oldham Middle School, Oldham County Schools
Alicia Prudencio (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD teacher, Rosenwald Dunbar Elementary School, Jessamine County Schools
Telissa Moore (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD teacher, Jones Park Elementary School, Casey County Schools
Sarah Kidd (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD teacher, Brenda Cowan Elementary School, Fayette County Schools
Steven McAdoo (MAT P-12 LBD), Special Education teacher, Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School, Garrard County Schools
Stephanie Abbott (MAT P-12 LBD), Exceptional Child teacher, Radcliff Elementary School, Hardin County Schools
Kaitlin Richards (MAT P-12 LBD), Special Education teacher, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson County Schools
Kelly Brown (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD/MSD teacher, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson County Schools
Brittany Martin (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD/FMD teacher, Lebanon Elementary School, Marion County Schools
Gabrielle Mitchell (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD teacher, Nicholas County Elementary School, Nicholas County Schools
Rickey Garcia (MAT P-12 LBD), Exceptional Child and LBD teacher, Bluegrass Middle School, Hardin County Schools
Destiny Wyckoff (MAT P-12 LBD), LBD Special Education teacher, Sharp Middle School and Pendleton County High School, Pendleton County Schools
We welcome news of alumni milestones, recognitions, awards, and commendations.
Please email them to Elizabeth Franklin, [email protected].             
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