In an effort to promote the child life specialist profession, three experts in the field came together to present new research in their book, “The Role of Child Life Specialists in Community Settings,” published by IGI Global. The book’s editors are Dr. Lindsey Murphy, assistant professor and graduate child life studies program director at Missouri State University, Cara Smith, … [Read more...] about Expanding child life beyond health care
Class is in session for the first semester of the Future Educators Program, a cooperative arrangement between Missouri State University and Springfield Public Schools. It’s a grow your own program, where Springfield graduates commit to Missouri State University and then commit to teaching in SPS once they graduate. “Grow your own programs are popping up around the country … [Read more...] about Grow your own program works to add teachers to SPS classrooms
Across the nation, teachers are leaving the profession. The pandemic and shifting political landscape have left teachers feeling overworked and undervalued. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, K-12 teachers report the highest burnout rate of all U.S. professions. More than four out of every 10 teachers said they feel burned out “always” or “very often” at work. Dr. Stefanie … [Read more...] about More teachers than ever are leaving the profession
Our children have spent the past two years living through a pandemic, sifting through experiences and learning the new “normal.” Dr. Lindsey Murphy, associate professor in Missouri State University’s department of childhood education and family studies, has worked with children in crisis situations. “In general, caregivers have been more stressed during the pandemic, balancing … [Read more...] about Supporting children in times of uncertainty
Opportunities to earn college credit for general education courses in high school classrooms have been around for many years. Missouri State University’s College of Education (COE) and Springfield Public Schools (SPS) recently partnered to give high school students college credit for classes and experiences to prepare them to be teachers. “Students are able to explore … [Read more...] about What to know about the Teacher Pathways program