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

Shorter weeks and longer weekends have become a reality for many in Missouri.   Over 25% of school districts in Missouri switched to a four-day school week since 2008. Only one has reverted.    “Districts started using the four-day week for financial savings. But the reasons for transitioning have changed over the past few years,” said Dr. Jon Turner.   Turner is an associate … [Read more...] about Understanding the rise of the four-day school week

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

Communicating using a non-native language can be challenging and often creates a sense of separation.   This semester, Missouri State University began the Removing Barriers program to promote equity for English language learners.  The program provides English instruction to parents of English language learners who attend Springfield Public Schools and live primarily in the … [Read more...] about Removing barriers for language learners

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