The Lead
Stay connected with the School of Education at Lindenwood University
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December 2020 Vol. 2020 | Issue 12
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Greetings everyone,
As the holiday season arrives, and the year nears its end, I think it is safe to say that the past 12 months have been different than anyone could have anticipated. And yet, even with all of the year’s challenges, the Lindenwood School of Education continues to advance. Thanks to the professional commitment of its faculty and staff, we have launched a new continuous improvement process, and our CACREP accreditation application is under official review, as is the Social Work program’s reaccreditation. In addition, we are expanding our very successful digital initiative, the new Online Ed.D. in Leadership will soon begin accepting applicants, and a comprehensive use of OERs is taking shape. We are also looking forward to the upcoming grand opening of our new SOE Center for Innovation and Insight, under the direction of Dr. Cypret-Mahach. In the coming year we look forward to the continued digitalization of our operational processes, completing a review of all of our programs, moving our Applied Behavior Analysis program online, and submitting our CAEP self-study. No doubt this coming year will be one of new challenges. More so, however, it will be one of promise and opportunity.
As has been the case all through this past year, and will remain so into the future, the focus of the Lindenwood School of Education, as reflected in our strategic plan, will be to provide an experiential education of exceptional quality which prepares students to successfully lead and serve as professionals in a diverse society.
The Lead will not publish again until February... so from everyone in the Lindenwood School of Education we wish you a wonderful holiday and happy new year!
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Anthony Scheffler, Ph.D.
Dean, Lindenwood School of Education
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Staff Reflection - Dr. Brittany Neunuebel |
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Professional and Continuing Education at Lindenwood University, or PACE, supports the University’s commitment to assisting educators and school counselors. PACE extends the learning environment beyond the classroom in collaboration with select educational agencies and recognized educational consultants. Professional development courses are designed to enhance teacher effectiveness in the classroom and improve student performance. Educators and counselors can use these credits to meet state recertification requirements or earn credit toward a master’s degree.
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Caught-You-Caring
Have you heard of Caught-You-Caring? The School of Education has an initiative to spotlight faculty, staff, and adjuncts who have gone above and beyond for our students, or stakeholders, this semester!
Examples of a “caught” include, but are not limited to, the staff member remembering something you were going through and asked how it was going, a faculty member brought new insight to a school project, or an adjunct brought up an idea that gave you an “ah ha” moment. Consider those who work in the School of Education who really helped you during the virtual transition.
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Counseling, Social Work, Behavior Analysis |
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Erica Langenfeld, MA, LCPC (she/her), is a 2015 alum of our MA Counseling Program with an emphasis in Professional Counseling. Currently she is a private practice Clinician at Mascoutah Wellness Center in Mascoutah, Illinois.
During her time at Lindenwood, Erica stated that, “the program and the professors reinforced that I had chosen the correct career path.” If she could offer any advice to current #LindenwoodCounseling students, it would be to, “learn appropriate and healthy self-care strategies! The work we do is TOUGH, and it’s so important to take care of ourselves.” Erica’s favorite self-care practice is spending quality time with her husband and daughter without technology.
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Behavior Analysis Program Recognized for Excellence
The Lindenwood University Master's in Behavior Analysis program recently received recognition as one of the top 32 programs in the United States by AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu.org. Given that there are currently 595 verified course sequences in the USA, this is an incredible honor. According to the organization, Lindenwood's program "easily earned a spot on our list of top master’s programs in education and ABA" and "has established itself as one of the most respected in the nation." With the continual improvement process, dedicated instructors, and upcoming launch of its online degree offering, the program is set to continue to make a name for itself and provide the kind of outstanding quality education that the LU SOE has come to represent.
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Counseling - Student of the Month
Lindenwood Counseling is happy to introduce our newly implemented Student and Alumni of the Month!
Our very first Student of the Month is Ashley Conley (she/her). Ashley is in her first year of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program. Her research interests include marriage and family therapy, and she hopes to one day open her own private practice. When Ashley is not taking class, she enjoys playing with her toddler. One of her current obsessions is the TV show, Outlander.
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SEAB Educational Grant 2020
The Society for Experimental Analysis of Behavior (SEAB) Educational Grant is awarded annually to provide financial support for educational activities that advance the science of experimental analysis of behavior, and also disseminate knowledge of that science. Projects that are funded by the SEAB grant are recognized for their broad impact on the field and long-lasting contributions to behavior analytic educational endeavors.
SEAB is one of the oldest private foundations for behavior analysis. Founded in 1957 by a group of researchers in the field of behaviorism, the Society for Experimental Analysis is responsible for publishing two of the most seminal journals in the field: the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Dr. Pavone (pictured here), and co-author Dr. Howard (University of Alaska), were recently awarded the grant for 2020. Their project focuses on developing openly licensed resources that could serve as the foundation for introductory courses in behavior analysis. Openly licensed resources have many benefits when compared to traditionally copyrighted educational materials; these benefits are especially notable for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education... including first-generation students, Pell-eligible students, and students that identify with minoritized groups. The awardees hope that the new resources created through their project will contribute to wider dissemination of the science, increase representation and diversity in the field, and promote a progressive new view of behavior analytic education.
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Board-Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA)
Behavior Analysis continues to maintain its 100% first-time pass rate for 2020 alumni! Congratulations to our newest LU BCBA, Jordyn Roady! Jordyn is passionate about serving kids with Autism and has specialized in the use of the Picture Exchange Card System (PECS) to promote communication for individuals who do not speak verbal/vocally.
Additionally, Dr. Pavone has published her grant-funded textbook collaboration, "Special Topics in Behavior Analysis" with the Dissemination of Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The book includes contributions from the past three years of Lindenwood behavior analysis graduates and covers a wide range of applications of the science of human behavior to specific problems and populations. Contributors include:
Lauren Milburn, Madison Wilkinson, Amber McCoy, Sadiqa Reza, Clint Evans, Kodi Ernewein, Tamesha Bland, Daniel Childress, Amy Ehnes, Alexis Hampton, Jamie Zipprich, Holly Fischer, Torre Kohrmann, Rebecca Maschmeyer, Jordyn Roady, Tori Spain, Jaime Viviano, and Brandon May.
The text is available free of charge for the electronic copy and will be used to replace an out-of-print, expensive seminal text in the field that is no longer readily available to students or scholars. This is the second open educational textbook in the field to be published worldwide. Additional translations from English to other languages are underway to ensure this resource can reach as many people as possible, increasing access to a practical, useful, and helpful technology of behavior change!
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Agata Freedle Defends Dissertation
November 19, 2020 Agata Freedle successfully defended her dissertation, titled "Social Support Following Pregnancy Loss and its Implications for Women's Experiences of Posttraumatic Growth" at UMSL, becoming Dr. Freedle. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Freedle!!
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
The Lindenwood University Counseling Department is very pleased to share that we submitted our Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) application in November for our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program--and we are now officially listed on the CACREP website as being "In Process."
This is a huge accomplishment for our department, and we have so many people to thank, starting with Dr. Michael Rankins. Michael has been advocating for CACREP accreditation for what was then Lindenwood's Professional Counseling program since he joined LU in 2008. He also advocated for a visiting faculty position largely dedicated to our CACREP application and was able to hire Dr. Lisa Brougham in January 2019. Dr. Rankins highlighted Dr. Brougham’s “immense contributions, including writing the CACREP application and the initial drafts of the self-study.” Many of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling adjunct instructors, as well as Drs. Ken Kubicek and Sarah Patterson-Mills provided necessary course information, critical to informing CACREP's evaluation of our CMHC program.
After the Counseling Department completed the application, it was further refined by revisions from Dr. Bethany Alden-Rivers, Dean Anthony Scheffler, and Provost Mark Arant, with final approval from President John R. Porter. We greatly appreciate the wisdom, expertise, and time they devoted to improving our application.
Special thanks to Matthew Kertzman and Kaitlyn Maxwell for their technical support.
To see our status for yourself, please go to https://www.cacrep.org/directory/ then select "Find a Program", the third option "...new applications in process"--we are on the 6th page.
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Dr. Mitch Nasser Hosts Dissertation Support Zoom Meetings
Dr. Mitch Nasser, Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, is hosting a variety of Zoom meetings for dissertation support. Although these are intended for students in Capstone Experience, any students who have completed Capstone I are encouraged to attend. There is one meeting remaining, which will take place on Saturday, December 5.
Saturday, December 5: 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 892 6067 0350
Passcode: 3uAhrB
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Educational Leadership Spotlight on Adjunct and Full-Time Faculty
In an effort to help our readers get to know our faculty and adjuncts working in Educational Leadership, we will be spotlighting a member of our team each month. This month, our Spotlight falls on Professor, Dr. Graham Weir.
What brought you to Lindenwood?
In my previous role as principal of Fort Zumwalt South High School, I had a strong relationship with both former Vice President, Dr. Rick Boyle and Dr. Spellmann. In 2009 my daughter was slated to attend Mizzou, but at the last minute decided to go to Lindenwood. I was already adjuncting at other local universities and noted that adjuncts often received some financial help when their sons or daughters attended. I called Dr. Boyle and set up an interview to apply as an adjunct. By the time the interview was held, two professors in Educational Leadership had died and one announced her retirement. Our interview was for a full-time position and eleven years later, here I still am!
What motivates you as an educator?
Helping others and striving to make the world a better place is what motivates me each day. I believe in the goodness of mankind, and think that each person can make a true difference simply by being gentle, loving, and kind. I am not always successful in being my best self, but I focus on supporting others.
What impresses you about our students?
I have been blessed with great students during my 11 years at Lindenwood. So many of our graduates are now school leaders as principals and superintendents. Collectively, they serve tens of thousands of students and families. It is rather awe-inspiring to be part of that outreach.
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Dr. Mitch Nasser Presents Research at Webinar
Dr. Mitch Nasser, Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, presented recent research “The Impact of Intention Supervision on Inclusion” at a sponsored webinar on November 20th, 2020.
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Online Professional Development Opportunities in December
The Economic Education Center (EEC) invites you and your colleagues to be a part of its virtual professional development opportunities in December. In fun, interactive online events led by Dr. Tawni Hunt Ferrarini (director of the EEC), discover new ways to engage students and enhance your online, hybrid, or in-person teaching. Registration is free and easy. These events are perfect for teachers, curriculum coordinators, and pre-service teachers – especially those teaching personal finance and life skills. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions about these opportunities. Learn about all our opportunities at http://econed.center.
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Thursday, December 3, 2020, 6:00-7:00 p.m. (CST) | Financial Fitness for Life, Chapter 21: No Free Lunch in Investing: Explore ways to teach students the keys to successful saving and investing via diversity and acceptable risk. Learn about five types of risk and frequently-used investment vehicles. Click to register.
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Thursday, December 10, 2020, 6:00-7:00 p.m. (CST) | Financial Fitness for Life, Chapter 2: The Economic Way of Thinking; Learn how students can use a six-point primer – “The Handy Dandy Guide” – to apply a process of reasoning called “the economic way of thinking” to everyday life choices, including financial decisions. Click to register.
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Tawni Ferrarini Shares Advice with Lindenwood Education Students
Today, Friday, December 4, at 11:30 am (CT), Dr. Tawni Ferrarini, director of the Economic Education Center, will share practical tips for how new teachers can be financially fit as they begin their careers with education students at Lindenwood University. More than 60 students have already registered for this event. Dr. Ferrarini will draw highlights from her new book Teachers Can Be Financially Fit: Economists’ Advice for Educators. Written by an expert team of four award-winning economic educators, the book offers common sense advice to educators looking to build good financial habits, shows how educators can take advantage of their profession’s distinctive characteristics to succeed financially, and illustrates how teachers can adapt budgeting, saving, investing, and similar techniques to their specific situations in order to live happier and be more financially secure.
Educators are attracted to the teaching profession for numerous reasons. Prospective teachers enter the profession believing it offers a certain level of job security and good benefits, usually including a defined-benefit, state-funded pension. But things are changing. Pensions vary widely from state to state and even within school districts. Many private schools do not offer even basic 403(b) saving plans, and when they do, they are often not very generous. Much the same can be said of many charter schools and private colleges and universities. Dr. Ferrarini will highlight a comprehensive group of topics specifically targeting educators teaching at the K-12 and university levels, including saving for retirement, managing debt, investment strategies, and real estate.
Friday, December 4, 2020 | 11:30 am (CT)
Password: SOE-Zoom
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Economists Share Financial Advice with Educators Nationwide
After the rush of the holiday season and as you begin to plan ahead for the coming year, do yourself a favor and plan to be a part of this virtual discussion in February. Dr. Tawni Ferrarini and her coauthors will help educators discover how to achieve financial security based on their new book Teachers Can Be Financially Fit: Economists’ Advice for Educators. Written by an expert team of four award-winning economic educators, the book offers straight-forward, actionable advice tailored to those in the teaching profession. In this virtual discussion, Dr. Ferrarini will share highlights from the book’s research and answer participants’ questions. Ten participants will win a copy of the book! This virtual event is hosted by the economic education program at the University of Arizona.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | 4:30 pm-5:45 pm
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Mark Your Calendars for Professional Development Events Coming in the New Year
Plan ahead to be a part of new virtual professional development opportunities starting in February 2021. In fun, interactive online events led by Dr. Tawni Hunt Ferrarini (director of the Economic Education Center), discover new ways to engage students and enhance your online, hybrid, or in-person teaching. Registration is free and easy. These events are perfect for teachers, curriculum coordinators, and pre-service teachers. Check for more details, including registration links, as they become available at http://econed.center.
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Wednesday, February 17, 1:00-3:30 p.m. (CST) | Macroeconomics: Explore relevant topics, trends, and issues related to macroeconomics, such as the Federal Reserve System, monetary and fiscal policy, exchange rates, and the benefits of trade.
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Friday, February 12, time TBD | Economics of the Constitution: Explore incentives created by the US Constitution and how they apply to the economy; discuss how the economics of the Constitution impacts people in their personal lives, businesses and beyond; and investigate how social tensions and political debates under the Articles of Confederation framed the US Constitution.
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Lindenwood School of Education | lindenwood.edu/education
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