Education – News

��ý Western to host teacher recruitment fair

plashbrook — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:56:28 +0000

Photo provided by The Griffon News.

Nov. 6, 2024–��ý’s Career Development Center will host a teacher recruitment fair on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fulkerson Center.

This fair is open to all students and ��ý Western alumni who wish to work in a K-12 school district. Students graduating in December 2024 or May 2025 with teacher certification will be designated with a dot on their name tags.

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed wearing interview-appropriate clothing (business casual) prepared to meet with potential employers. The Career Development Center in Blum Union 210 has a Career Closet that provides students with free professional attire.

Students attending the fair are recommended to bring several copies of their current resume, a pen and a professional pad-folio or plain folder. Visit the Career Development Center for help creating a resume, resume review or to print it on resume paper.

Students are welcome to drop by the Career Development Center without an appointment. If staff are unavailable, they will help make an appointment. To make an appointment to prepare for the fair or an interview, schedule an appointment using Handshake, by dropping by the Career Development Center in Blum Union 210 or by calling (816) 271-4206.

��ý is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. ��ý Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .

Collaborative research team wins at Alpha Chi National Convention

plashbrook — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 20:08:23 +0000

April 23, 2024–A team of four undergraduate students from ��ý won the Trisha Yarbrough Collaborative Research Competition at the Alpha Chi National Conference in Birmingham, Alabama on April 6. The victory came with a $5,000 award.

The winning team was made up of seniors Jordon Anderson, nursing major from St. Joseph; Juniper Brown, political science major from St. Joseph; Mercedes Mareske, digital animation major from Frankford, ��ý; and Tia Vernon, education major from North Kansas City, ��ý. Their research project was titled “Artificial Intelligence and Selective Exposure: Generating a Public Perception.”

To compete, students from diverse majors collaborated on a scholarly paper centered on the conference theme, which was “Innovative Scholarship for Tumultuous Times.” Their project was sponsored by Dr. Angela Haas, associate professor of history.

The ��ý Western Chapter of Alpha Chi, sponsored by Dr. Haas and Dr. Teddi Deka, professor of psychology, celebrated its 35th anniversary this year as an honors society at MWSU.

News release written by Patty Lashbrook, sophomore convergent journalism and public relations major.

Dr. Elizabeth Thorne Wallington receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

kheier — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:13:54 +0000

Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, ��ý Western’s president, presents the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to Dr. Elizabeth Thorne Wallington in Jefferson City.

March 6, 2024–Dr. Elizabeth Thorne Wallington, associate professor of education, is ��ý’s recipient of the 2024 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“Dr. Thorne Wallington is an incredibly compassionate and beloved teacher, tremendous colleague, and exceptional advocate for students at ��ý Western,” her nomination letter read. “She works tirelessly to provide meaningful experiences directly tied to our designation as ��ý’s Applied Learning university, and elevate the quality of PK-12 teachers in our region through innovative instructional methods, new initiatives and workforce development.”

Dr. Thorne Wallington has been at ��ý Western for eight years. She teaches psychological development, reading and language arts methods, methods of teaching English language learners, language and culture, and master educator experience. She earned a Ph.D. in Education from Washington University in St. Louis, an MPA in Public Policy from the University of Georgia, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of ��ý-Columbia.

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching is sponsored by the ��ý Council on Public Higher Education and is presented to an outstanding faculty member at each member institution. ��ý Western selects the recipient based on teaching and advising excellence and a history of nurturing student achievement through our mission as ��ý’s designated institution for Applied Learning.

Dr. Thorne Wallington and other honorees from around the state were honored at a luncheon in Jefferson City March 5.

Free MoGEA test preparation workshop

plashbrook — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:37:13 +0000

Feb. 23, 2024–The Center for Academic Support is holding a free MoGEA Preparation Workshop for ��ý Western students on March 8 from noon to 4 p.m. in Murphy Hall room 109. The ��ý General Education Assessment (MoGEA) is required for all students with an ACT composite score of 19 and below who are pursuing admittance to the ��ý Western Teacher Education Department.

These sessions are designed to help with the English, Social Studies and Science portions of the exam.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

12 to 1 p.m. – Test Taking Strategies/Understanding the Format

1 to 2 p.m. – Careful Reading and Writing Preparations

2 to 4 p.m. – Math Review & Wrap Up

To view test dates and more information follow this link: /mwsu-testing-centers/mogea/

There is no cost for the workshop, but is requested by Wednesday, March 6. Registrations made after this date may be accepted based on availability.

News release written by Patty Lashbrook, sophomore convergent journalism and public relations major.

Education students engage in applied learning activities

kheier — Mon, 08 May 2023 18:06:22 +0000

Sophie Wellinghoff presents at CALHE 2023.

May 5, 2023–��ý education students this semester presented at a national conference, judged a science fair and promoted STEM.

CALHE

At the national Conference of Applied Learning in Higher Education (CAHLE) at ��ý Western in March, five current and past students from Dr. Ollie Bogdon’s science education courses presented a 30-minute round table session titled “Student Experiences with Applied Learning in Science Education.”

Dr. Bogdon started the session by explaining the challenges of identifying traditional education applied learning opportunities for science education, followed by each of the students sharing their experiences and personal growth through their participation in applied learning. The students–Bianca Vice, senior from St. Joseph; Molly Luthans, junior from St. Joseph; Tia Vernon, junior from North Kansas City, ��ý; Katherine Hensley, junior from Liberty, ��ý; and Sophie Wellinghoff, sophomore from Fairview Heights, Illinois–also reflected on how their experiences helped them grow in one of the essential skills acquisition areas identified in the ��ý Western Master Academic Plan.

Science Fair

Pictured from left to right, Mycah Schmitt, senior from Platte City, ��ý; Sophia Goetschius, senior from Plattsburg, ��ý; Drake Blanchard, senior from Savannah, ��ý; Alicia Castaneda, senior from St. Joseph; Katherine Hensley, junior from Liberty, ��ý; Koie Orozco, senior from St. Joseph; and Elizabeth Goff, senior from St. Joseph.

Also in March, Dr. Bogdon took seven students from her Science Education Pedagogy course to serve as academic judges at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair (GKCSEF).

“With over 500 projects on display at Union Station in Kansas City, our MWSU students were greeted with an abundance of gratitude for the time they were taking to help judge and promote STEM Education,” Dr. Bogdon said.

Many of the students were pressed into service as head judges in some categories because of unexpected absences. “While none of our Griffons had experience judging science fair projects, with a crash course and good written directions, all stepped up to the plate, and represented MWSU with skill, grace and an energetic attitude,” she said.

Science Fun Zone

Pictured left to right: Cara Wyse, senior from Orrick, ��ý; Carson Aycock, senior from East Prairie, ��ý; Koie Orozco, senior from St. Joseph; Marianna Sanchez, junior from St. Joseph; Zailey Chambers, senior from St. Joseph; and Alex Murray, senior from Kansas City, ��ý.

Chambers and Murray at the palm pipe table to teach kids about sound.

The following day the GKCSEF, for the first time, held a kids’ science fun zone for students to come and explore science phenomena and concepts while visiting the fair. Six students, using a variety of science concepts, spent three hours interacting with adults and children who visited Union Station.

While Dr. Bogdon’s science students worked at the fun zone, students from her Psychological Development of Children and Adolescents for Educators course visited Science City to collect observations of young people. These observations became the focus of a paper highlighting their ability to apply the content they have been learning in the class during the semester.

Employees honored at Faculty and Staff Awards and Retirement Reception

kheier — Mon, 01 May 2023 14:24:02 +0000

May 1, 2023–��ý presented nine faculty and staff members with awards and recognized 17 retirees at the 2022-2023 Faculty and Staff Awards and Retirement Reception on April 28.

Award winners include:

Outstanding Academic Advisor: Dr. Lane DesAutels, associate professor of philosophy. “He is willing to go above and beyond to make sure the students understand their future academic path.”

��ý Western Award for Staff Service to the University: Jessica Frogge, administrative coordinator in the Department of Chemistry and the Griffon Office of Applied Learning. “Jessica’s institutional knowledge, technical skills, and commitment to MWSU are definite strengths and keys to her success.”

��ý Western Award for Staff Service to Students: Dane Eckert, senior manager in Technology Services. “Dane has been consistently involved, responsive, competent, and reliable in addressing a broad range of technical challenges.”

��ý Western Award for Staff Service to Colleagues: Amber Halstead, math coordinator in the Center for Academic Support and Staff Association president. “Amber is a team player in every sense of the word and … sees herself as a steward for the University and its employees.”

��ý Western Award for Teaching Excellence:

Dr. Aracely Newton, assistant professor of biology. “She cares deeply about the success of her students and provides multiple opportunities for them to get feedback and learn the materials.”
Dr. Elizabeth Thorne Wallington, assistant professor of education. “Dr. Thorne Wallington forms deep connections with her students, both as a faculty member and an advisor.”

��ý Western Foundation Dr. James V. Mehl Award for Outstanding Faculty Scholarship: Dr. James Okapal, professor of philosophy. “Marrying science fiction and fantasy literature with the philosophers’ study of ethics, Dr. Okapal published six peer-reviewed articles, offered three scholarly presentations, and delivered two invited lectures last year.”

��ý Western Foundation Dr. James J. Scanlon Award for Staff Service to Community: Jeremy Acton, grounds supervisor for Physical Plant. “Jeremy has through his example and leadership made a positive contribution to the University.”

��ý Western Foundation Dr. James J. Scanlon Award for Faculty Service to the Community: Dr. Jennifer Jackson, associate professor of communication. “Jennifer has used applied learning in her classes to serve our community…helping teach her students while giving back to community clients.”

The reception also honored 17 employees who have or will soon retire with a combined 269 years of service to ��ý Western. Honored retirees include:

Roger Adams, Physical Plant
Dr. Susan Bashinski, Graduate Studies
Shelle Browning, Physical Plant
Greg Dillon, Athletics
Janice Dillon, Business Office
Dr. Crystal Harris, College of Science and Health
Karma Hartong, School of Nursing and Health Professions
Robin Kelly, Department of Education
Dr. Steve Klassen, Department of Computer Science, Math & Physics
Greg Kriewitz, Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science
Dr. David McIntire, School of Fine Arts
Peggy Payne, Admissions
Deb Singleton, Department of Communication
Cindy Spotts-Conrad, Financial Aid
Dan Stevens, Academic Advising
Buzz Verduzco, Athletics
Deana Wennihan, Financial Aid

Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching presented to Dr. Adrienne Johnson

kheier — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:14:45 +0000

March 28, 2023–Dr. Adrienne Johnson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Education, is ��ý’s recipient of the 2023 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

“Dr. Johnson is an incredibly compassionate and beloved teacher, tremendous colleague, and exceptional advocate for students at ��ý Western,” her nomination letter reads. “She brings to the institution a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for preparing students to enter the teaching profession.”

Dr. Johnson has been at ��ý Western since 2013, teaching in the undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs. She previously worked in K-12 education in Kansas City, ��ý, as well as Michigan and Illinois. She received Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in Linguistics from the University of Kansas, Spanish-English Bilingual Teaching Certification from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a Master of Education from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Psychology from the University of Denver.

Dr. Johnson and other recipients from around the state were honored at a luncheon in Jefferson City earlier this month.

Two recent alums honored as Outstanding Beginning Teachers

kheier — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:55:11 +0000

March 14, 2023–Two ��ý graduates were recently awarded Outstanding Beginning Teacher Awards by the ��ý Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (MACTE).

Vasia Katsanou graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Education-Art degree. She is the K-12 art teacher for the Buchanan County R-4 School District. She not only teaches all 13 grades, but she developed and wrote the art curriculum for her district. Katsanou “is an excellent example of a highly qualified teacher making a difference in the lives of the students in this small rural school district,” according to her nomination letter.

“The best part about being a teacher is to see that you have shifted a student’s mindset towards growth, by responding to their individual needs,” Katsanou said. “A proud teacher moment is when they smile and say ‘I did this!’”

Presada (Clark) Gatewood graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is a teacher at Liberty Oaks Elementary in the Liberty 53 School District. Gatewood “is a vibrant, thoughtful and compassionate elementary teacher…who goes above and beyond for them, especially those who have experienced bullying,” her nomination letter read.

“Everybody wants to feel like they belong, everybody wants to feel connected to another person,” . “Kids can’t really thrive in life if they don’t have the bare minimum, the essentials, and a sense of belonging is one of those essential things.”

Katsanou and Gatewood were among 56 beginning teachers recognized during the MACTE Spring Conference in Columbia, ��ý, earlier this month.

Super Science Saturday at ��ý Western Jan. 28

kheier — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:31:18 +0000

Participants gather in Remington Hall for the chemistry demonstration finale during a past Super Science Saturday. Photo courtesy St. Joseph Museums.

Jan. 24, 2023–��ý and the St. Joseph Museums will host the 23rd annual Super Science Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 Admission is $5 for adults and children over 5. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Science educators from ��ý Western and area high schools will present STEM-related activities and demonstrations in math, physics, chemistry, biology, meteorology, psychology, engineering technology, nursing and more. The Griffon Mobile Lab will offer hands-on experiments in the parking lot.

Other presenters include the Remington Nature Center, News-Press Now, and American Water.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance at .

Find My Path Days offer free career advising to adults without a college degree

kheier — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:06:07 +0000

July 11, 2022–Adults without a college degree can learn about ways to increase their earning potential through three Find My Path Days offered by ��ý in July and August.

“Find My Path Days are career advising events that will help people identify what professions would best match their interests, explore realistic educational pathways to get there, and even learn about funding opportunities that may be available to help pay for their classes,” said Dr. Jerri Arnold-Cook, director of ��ý Western’s Career Development Center.

Attendees can learn more about ��ý Western’s microcredentials, short-term education programs that provide real skills to help learners qualify for jobs related to laboratories, marketing, communications, education and human services. ��ý residents will also learn about book scholarships and childcare voucher opportunities as well as additional funding opportunities through the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph.

Find My Path Days will be held:

Thursday, July 14, 1-4 p.m. at ��ý
Tuesday, July 19, 1-4 p.m. at ��ý
Saturday, Aug. 13, 1-4 p.m. at Rolling Hills Library in St. Joseph.

The events are free, but preregistration is required at griff.vn/path/. Registrants will receive the Strong Interest Inventory by email and are asked to complete the survey at least three days before their Find My Path Days program. The inventory will help identify potential careers and provide learners with guidance on the education they need to enter the field. Those educational pathways may include one of ��ý Western’s five microcredentials:

Find My Path Days are hosted by ��ý Western and the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph. Additional funding is provided by the ��ý Scholarship & Loan Foundation. Questions can be directed to Dr. Arnold-Cook, jarnoldcook@missouriwestern.edu or by calling 816-271-4206.