About 70% of Missouri’s schools identify as rural, but there is no state-supported office or university-based center focused on rural school needs – until now. Missouri State University will open its new Center for Rural Education June 9. Housed in the College of Education, the center will serve as a hub to organize and promote rural school outreach and partnerships. Dr. Diana … [Read more...] about Serving and supporting Missouri’s rural schools

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

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

School can be tough these days. Many students have been out of school for a long time because of the pandemic, and the continued disruptions and anxieties are still breaking the flow of normal learning. What can parents do to help their children thrive and excel in school, particularly during these challenging and anxiety-provoking times? Dr. Sarah Jean Baker, assistant … [Read more...] about What can parents do to help their children thrive and excel in school?