The Lead
Stay connected with the School of Education at Lindenwood University
May 2021 Vol. 2021 | May Issue
Dean's Message
Greetings everyone,

No matter how many times we have all declared that this past year has been difficult, it is worth declaring again that this past academic year has indeed been an unprecedented challenge, in so many ways. And yet the School of Education and Human Services has made great strides in the face of these challenges.

We have not only sustained both in spirt and intent, but have together realized significant innovations in our programming and teaching. Our students continue to excel, and our graduates are being recognized for their professional contributions. As we mark the end of this academic year, I would like to thank everyone both within and outside of the School for the determined efforts they have made to ensure the quality, relevance, and accessibility of our programs. I am particularly indebted to the faculty, staff and the administrative team who together have worked tirelessly, and often under great pressure, to advance the School’s vision and mission despite trying circumstances. As the spring session comes to an end, and the health crisis slowly abates, I am hopeful that everyone will find time to reflect on the past year and take great pride in a job done exceptionally well.

Please enjoy this May edition of The Lead. As always, your feedback is welcome and encouraged.

Very best,
Anthony Scheffler, Ph.D. 
Dean, Lindenwood School of Education 
Student Reflection - Delanie
I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher. From a very young age, I would spend nearly every free minute in my basement playing school with my baby dolls and my younger sister. I was always the teacher because the teacher graded the papers with the fun stickers and got to decorate the school room. As I went through elementary, middle, and high school, my view of a teacher’s job changed, but my dream never did. Each year, I was paired with teachers who truly inspired, encouraged, and supported me. As I got older, I quickly realized that teaching was not so much about the creative bulletin boards- instead it was a lot more about the impact that you leave behind. I remember my elementary school teachers by their positive energy and ability to make each day memorable and engaging. My middle school teachers showed me and my classmates love during some of the most transformative years of our lives. Some of my favorite high school teachers are the ones who took the time to personally get to know me, even though I was one of two thousand students in the building. When I transferred to Lindenwood, the professors that surrounded me and taught me were experienced and still raving about their career choice. They were the perfect representation of teachers who were truly born to teach. They inspired, they taught, and they were eager to help the future generation of teachers learn to love the field of education as well.

After graduating in December 2020 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, I decided to immediately begin my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Without the support of Lindenwood, along with the knowledge and confidence that I have gained from my time at this university, I would not be where I am today. In March, I interviewed for a fifth grade position at the elementary school that I attended during third, fourth, and fifth grade. Shortly after, I accepted my dream job! As if this opportunity wasn’t already special enough, I will actually be teaching next year alongside my very own fifth grade teacher. My first year of teaching will undoubtedly be one to remember for many reasons. I am thankful to Lindenwood, my professors, and all of my former teachers for helping me to achieve the dream that I have had for a very long time. All of these wonderful role models have shaped me into the teacher that I am today, and they have definitely left their mark on me. Now, I hope to do the same for my future students!
Featured Stories
School of Education 2021 Honors Convocation

On April 18, the School of Education held its 2021 Honors Convocation.

The virtual event was a huge success and we are proud to feature the below award winners.

  • Myron Burr - Bertha Floyd, Lifetime Learner Award
  • John Thompson - Francis and Elizabeth Huss Graduate Award in Education Administration
  • Breanna Wright - Genevieve Flowers Elementary Education Award
  • Ryan Pruett - Richard and Karen Boyle Special Education Award
  • Tracy Bednarick-Humes - Lois A. Evans Gifted Education Award
  • Kirsten Martin - Larry Doyle Secondary Education Award
  • Torie Catanzaro - Dorothy Doyle Library Service Award
  • Gina Hartman - Alvin M. Francis Award in Educational Leadership
  • Holly Zeiger - Sue Spellmann Graduate Award in Education
  • Ashley Hayes - Social Work Award
  • Ethel Shanklin - Larry Doyle Outstanding Doctoral Student in Educational Administration Honors Award
  • Alexis Dressel-Hummert - School Counseling Award
  • Tabatha Grissom - Nancy Polette Early Childhood Education Award
  • Natalie Rohlfing - Lighthouse Consulting Doctor of Education in Administration Award
  • Elizabeth Lee - Professional Counseling Award (Clinical Mental Health)


Dr. Howard Fields III Publishes Book, How to Achieve Educational Equity

At the April 26 School of Education - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (SOE-DEI) Committee meeting, Dr. Howard Fields III presented information about his recently self-published book How to Achieve Educational Equity.

Dr. Howard Fields III is the co-founder of Black Males in Education St. Louis, a local district leader, and adjunct instructor for the School of Education.

After the release, How to Achieve Educational Equity, was the #1 New Release Book on Amazon in the Education Administration category and the Education Reform & Policy category.

You can visit any of the following three vendors to purchase a copy:

Dr. Tammy Moore participated in a book signing for Dr. Fields's book, How to Achieve Educational Equity this past Saturday. The event was held at Eye See Me bookstore and many educators and district leaders attended with their books in hand to be signed by Dr. Fields III.
There will be another book signing on May 19 at The Novel Neighbor. We hope to see many in attendance!

May 19, 2021
The Novel Neighbor
7905 Big Bend Blvd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
The School of Education Creates New Career Services Database

“I know you communicate and have great relations with so many professionals in the educational field, and I was wondering if you could keep me in mind if you hear of any teaching positions.”

“We are looking for more education staff to serve our students and our community.”

“My wife and I are currently looking for a student or recent graduate with a passion for early childhood development that is interested in gaining field experience through a part-time paid nanny position.”

As you see above, students and community members often seek guidance about job opportunities, potential applicants, and career resources. Lindenwood University’s Career Services and Web Content partnered with Dr. Vanessa Vandergraaf to create a platform specifically for the School of Education. The platform provides more visibility of job opportunities nationwide. The platform is an external feed that links from Lindenwood University’s career database, Handshake, to offer students and community members an efficient way to connect and contribute towards their success. Lindenwood University’s Career Services systemizes all job opportunities and maintains a relevant record of requisitions. Check out the new platform here.
Drs. Ralston and Nasser Receive a 2021 Assessment Champion Award

Congratulations to Dr. Janette Ralston - Director for Field and Clinical Experiences, and Dr. Mitch Nasser - Assistant Professor, who have been selected to receive a 2021 Assessment Champion Award.
 
This award recognizes significant contributions to assessment, planning, and continuous improvement at Lindenwood University. The Assessment Champion Award was implemented in 2016. Since then, 34 colleagues have been recognized with this award.
 
Drs. Nasser and Ralston will be honored at the virtual 2021 Assessment and Planning Summit on May 13.

Congratulations to you both!
Curriculum & Instruction
Alumna Finds Innovative Ways to Teach Public Speaking

Katie Gierer, Lindenwood and LindenTeach alumna, teaches a Public Speaking class at Marquette High School. She was in need of a captive audience for her high school students with the storytelling assignment they were given. Dr. Aldridge connected Katie to Jenna Parrish and her Lindenwood Student Teacher, Connor Mead, at Peine Ridge Elementary in the Wentzville School district, over 50 miles away. Using video technology, the high school students in Alton, IL were able to practice their storytelling to a group of 2nd graders in Wentzville. It was a hit!
Missouri Content Exams (MOCA) Study Groups

Test anxiety and the lack of support for how to study for assessments are real things students face each semester in teacher education programs. One way to help combat these fears and needs is to have a study group of peers surround you. To help facilitate this, the Advising, Retention, and Certification Center in the School of Education (ARCC-SOE) with the help of the Student and Academic Support Services (SASS) office at Lindenwood University came to the rescue by providing a student-led study session for some of the MoCA assessments. 

Middle School MoCA Session March 25

The Middle School alumni, current students who have passed the assessment, and faculty showed up excited to connect with students and encourage them on the different sections. The students enjoyed a presentation on test taking tips from SASS and next moved into breakout rooms to discuss their specific content area. Each content area was represented and shared encouraging messages, study habits, and promises to connect in the next few weeks to review material together. Faculty and current students who had taken the MoCA were able to provide support and mentorship.  
Business 9-12 MoCA Session March 30

The Business 9-12 MoCA session was filled with amazing individuals from the School of Business, SASS office, and SOE to encourage and support students as they go to take this assessment. SASS presented and students were able to ask questions from alumni and current students who passed the assessment. The Economic Education Center at Lindenwood School of Education also shared some helpful information and encouraged students to reach out to them since much of the assessment is financial or economics related. Dr. Ferrarini and Dr. Black encouraged students to visit the center to review materials and receive assistance. An alumni shared which flashcards they purchased that they found helpful. Support was in abundance!  
Elementary Education MoCA Session April 6

A large group of students came to the Elementary Education MoCA study session on April 6. Mrs. Cam Newman presented about the Language Arts section. A study guide and presentation reviewing the specifics of this section were provided. Mrs. Newman graciously offered her time in the future, as well. Mrs. Chrissy Sachs presented some of the specific questions from the Pearson website and showcased the assessment changes that are coming Fall 2021. A student volunteer is keeping the group connected for future discussions about the next study group.  
Student Teachers Hired for 2021-2022 School Year
Congratulations to Breanna! Breanna is finishing up her student teaching this semester, and was just hired to teach third grade at Monroe Elementary in the City of St Charles School District for next school year.
Congrats Anna! Anna will be teaching first grade at Central Elementary in the Francis Howell School District.
Educational Leadership
Lindenwood Alum Hired as Principal

The Rockwood Board of Education has officially approved Joshua Walz to be the Principal of Woerther Elementary. Dr. Walz received his Master's in Educational Administration at Lindenwood University. Congratulations to Dr. Walz and best of luck to you in your new position!
Educational Leadership Spotlight on Adjunct Instructor

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 Shawn Poyser.
 
"I came to Lindenwood as a Specialist student. Dr. Terry Reid was instrumental in my recruitment, along with many others in southwest Missouri. My research interests are the 4 day week, and anything to do with leadership, and teacher recruitment and retention. My current job as a superintendent most certainly prepares me for an adjunct teaching position. In a school with 1,200 kids, I am involved in everything!  
 
My motivation comes from wanting to do what is best for the district and kids. I am a big fan of John Maxwell and Servant Leadership. I tell my staff all the time, WE (bus drivers, cooks, teachers, everyone in the district), we have the most important job in the world!  
 
I love the interaction with students. That's the worst part of being a superintendent: I lose daily contact with kids. They are much more enjoyable to be around than the adults! :) It is another reason I have coached youth sports every year since I stepped down from head basketball in 2012. I love that connection. It reminds me of why I do this job.  
 
The students at Lindenwood have been motivated and very flexible. I have met so many bright young folks wanting to be district leaders. On many occasions I have helped graduating students land their first administrative position.  
 
As I mentioned before, I love anything by John Maxwell. I really enjoy sports, so biographies on coaches and players is something I like to read as well. My favorite of all-time is Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. It's about the Lewis and Clark expedition.  
 
My wife, Laurie, just completed her Master's in December from Lindenwood. She teaches Elementary Title Math, although is likely headed back to the classroom. She misses the daily contact with a class. This is her 19th year in education. We have an eighth grader, Shane, who is involved in football, basketball, and baseball. He keeps us hopping! We have three older children: Jessica, Erica, and Curtis. The girls married two of my former players, which is pretty neat. Jessica has the sweetest little four-year-old girl, Winnie. Erica has a two-year-old boy, Buddy IV (we call him B), and is about to have another boy, Lincoln, who could be here any day! 
 
Education is very important to our family. Laurie is only one of five siblings to graduate high school, let alone college! She is from a Ruby Payne family, if you will, a single parent. My Dad, an old cowboy, raised my sister and I by himself. I am the first from my family to graduate college.  
 
I appreciate the opportunity to work for Lindenwood. I feel they have given me so much, it is nice to try and give some back myself."
Dr. Lynda Leavitt Collaborates with RSA in Recent Publication

Dr. Lynda Leavitt, Royal Society for Arts (RSA) Fellow, participated in an international collaboration to create the recent publication, An Opportunity to Reimagine Learning. Many themes are discussed including: Solving Complex Problems Where There is no Predictable Solution; Access, Inclusive, Difference, Universality; and Education: Purpose and Context. A link to the publication is below.

Congrats to Dr. Leavitt and the team at RSA!

Dr. Merica Clinkenbeard, Lindenwood Doctoral Graduate, Will Serve as Director of English Language Learning

Dr. Merica Clinkenbeard, the current instructional specialist for migrant and English learners with the Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning at Missouri State University, will serve as the next director of English language learning for Springfield Public Schools. More information can be found at the below link. Congratulations to Dr. Clinkenbeard!
 
Dr. Mitch Nasser Hosts Dissertation Support Zoom Meetings

Dr. Mitch Nasser, Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership, is hosting a Zoom meeting for dissertation support. Any students who are currently enrolled in, or completed Capstone courses (I, II, III, and Experience), are encouraged to attend.

May 14: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Meeting ID: 898 7583 6335
Passcode: g3KNw5 
Sign Up for Comprehensive Exams

The Comprehensive Exams for the Ed.D. program for all campuses will be held online via Canvas this summer. If students will finish ALL of their coursework, other than Capstone III, by the end of the summer 2021 semester, they need to sign up for the Comprehensive Exam by writing Dr. Robyne Elder, at relder@lindenwood.edu. Students should check with their advisors to assure that all coursework is complete before signing up for the exam. In order to prepare for the exam, a study guide will be provided in early May and Dr. Elder will hold an online prep session in June as well (date and time TBD). Once students have signed up for the exam, they will be on the email list to receive information on the Comp Exam (specific information about the exam, study guide, prep session link, etc.). Please contact Dr. Elder with any questions. 
Human Services
Dr. Agata Freedle Shares Manuscript on Pregnancy Loss Research

We are pleased to share Dr. Agata Freedle's, manuscript entitled The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Adjustment Following Pregnancy Loss: Brief Report” co-authored by Miller, M., Iyer, D.D., Hawkins, C., & Freedle, A

The manuscript is a brief report of a qualitative research study focused on the experiences of women who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it falls under the discipline of clinical mental health counseling. All authors are part of Lindenwood’s counseling program within the School of Education.
 
The manuscript discusses findings from a study that qualitatively explored women’s experiences of pregnancy loss during the pandemic. Authors used thematic analysis to systematically analyze the data. Three themes emerged from the data: 1) Lack of in-person support, 2) Limited access to services, and 3) Emotional impact. Through their analysis and findings, they argue that the circumstances of the pandemic have further exacerbated women’s feelings of loneliness and grief as any social support that has been previously accessible was restricted or removed. 
Social Work Spreads the Word about Teaching Without Texts

On April 25, Dr. Carla Mueller presented “Teaching Without Texts: A Venture into the Use of Digital Resources” at the 63rd Annual Conference of the Western Social Science Association. Participants were social work educators teaching in the western U.S. One commented, “I had looked at OERs a couple of times but was truly struggling to find good resources. This presentation has inspired me to keep my search going."                         
                                                              
After having presented social work’s experience to conferences at Lindenwood, a bi-state regional teaching technology conference, and the State of Missouri OER Conference, information about this digital initiative has again been well-received.  Drs. King and Mueller hope to continue to share their success by presenting at a national social work conference in November.
New Babies in the School of Education

Two faculty in the Human Services department, Drs. Agata Freedle and Maggie Pavone welcomed new babies into their families. Congratulations to them both!
Professional Development Events in May
 
Plan ahead to be a part of new virtual professional development opportunities in May 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, and in-person teaching. Registration is free and easy; click on each event below for information. These events are perfect for teachers, curriculum coordinators, pre-service teachers, and other educators.
 
Monday, May 17, 6:00-7:00 pm (CST) | Preparing for the A.P. Macroeconomics Exam: Foreign Exchange
This webinar targets the CollegeBoard AP Macroeconomics Course, Unit 6. We will go over strategies for teaching foreign exchange, using graphs, the role of central banks in managing and manipulating currency, and related topics. Participants will see the implications of inflation, balance of trade, and interest rates. Participating teachers will learn strategies to teach foreign exchange and see assessments and practice exercises to prepare students for the exam.
 
This webinar will serve as a valuable resource for teachers and their students when it comes to mathematical tools and reasoning. We will demonstrate how the Desmos platform can be used to empower students and check their understanding. Participants will see interactives that can be used to support demand and supply analysis in both micro and macro settings, review engaging digital activities for classwork and homework, and learn how to give students experiences distinguishing differences between movements along and shifts in curves through available tools.
 
This webinar targets the CollegeBoard AP Macroeconomics Course, Unit 4. Participants will review the formulas of the banking system and fractional banking, learn strategies to teach the two major graphs of the banking system, and see assessments and activities to help build student understanding. Attend this workshop to examine how the graphs of the money market and the loanable funds market visualize the banking system and who the main players of the banking system are. We will also demonstrate how to analyze the effects of the actions of the Federal Reserve, the federal government, households, and foreign direct investment.