Meet Mark Simmonds, no ordinary school principal. Mark has not only seen it all but been it all. While currently the principal at Springfield Option Site (SOS), a residential, public school for behavioral health services, he himself was once a student at a similar school. He acknowledges that his own experience enables him to relate to the students. “I was once a student … [Read more...] about The rise and return of a phoenix in education
According to the American Psychological Association, suicide rates rose at an alarming rate over the past two decades. This is a trend that Robin Farris, licensed counselor and director of Missouri State University’s Center City Counseling Clinic (CCCC), observed over the past decade. “We used to tell students ‘You might see suicidal issues in a semester,’” Farris … [Read more...] about Responding to mental health trends
Imagine walking down a sidewalk, getting on a bus or boarding a plane. Now imagine accomplishing them without sight. Missouri State University’s orientation and mobility (O&M) program trains students how to assist individuals with visual impairments. This includes providing individuals with the tools and experience they need to navigate the world … [Read more...] about Gaining access to the world
Finding your passion within a field can make all the difference in motivating you to pursue your dreams. As a freshman at Missouri State University, Taylor Janota worked as a nanny for a young boy who had autism. In this role, she watched as a speech therapist, physical therapist and behavioral analyst worked with the boy to improve all parts of his life. “This … [Read more...] about Serving individuals with autism
Missouri is facing a teacher shortage. Information from Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shows that special education teachers rank in the top three certification areas in need of fully certified teachers to fill vacancies across the state. Faculty in Missouri State’s College of Education are striving to create a solution to … [Read more...] about Creating pathways for paraeducators