College of Education News

Dr. Elizabeth King featured in Mind’s Eye magazine

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Dr. Elizabeth King studies social-emotional development in young children. Her recent research into how preschool teachers affirm or minimize children’s emotions – and how it varies between genders – is featured in the 2021 issue of Mind’s Eye.  

The full story is available on the site now. 

Here is an excerpt:   

King believes gender plays a major role in our social-emotional development. 

“The ways we talk about emotions with young children is affected by and affects our views of gender,” King said. 

“Our views of gender influence who we allow to experience and express various emotions. That changes how we talk about emotions with children.” 

Read the full story 

Congratulations, Dr. King!  

The College of Education welcomes Dr. Marjorie Shavers

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Dr. Marjorie Shavers will join Missouri State University’s College of Education this fall as the department head of counseling, leadership and special education (CLSE). 

Shavers became interested in the position after reading that MSU was recently ranked among the top 10 universities for students with disabilities.  

“I think that speaks strongly to what is at the core of the institution,” Shavers said. “My son has Down syndrome so that was really important to me, knowing there’s a program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.”  

As she went through the interview process, she began to feel like she had the right skills to contribute to the program.  

“I could see myself fitting here,” Shavers said. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the different people in the department and across campus.” 

Taking the next step 

Shavers is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and school counselor. She began her career working at an elementary school.  

Over time, she gained experience working as a professor, clinical director and, most recently, as the senior leader for graduate programs for Heidelberg University in Ohio. 

The past year has been difficult for everyone, but the struggle allowed Shavers to discover her strength as a leader.   

“As a counselor, I have a unique ability to tap into dynamics in a way that you don’t see as often,” Shavers said. “I think I have something I can offer in this space, so I started to look toward leadership opportunities.” 

There’s no question that leadership roles come with unique challenges, but Shavers is no stranger to putting in the work.  

Before having her son, she ran several half-marathons and is now getting back to running. 

“There’s something about being really disciplined about something that makes you feel powerful,” Shavers said.  

Becoming a Bear 

Moving from Ohio to Missouri is quite the ordeal, but Shavers is excited to explore the Ozarks.  

“I know the Ozarks and Springfield have a ton of history,” Shavers said. “I like to learn the history of things, so I’m looking forward to getting to know a new city.” 

An avid sports fan, Shavers is also looking forward to attending sporting events on campus and teaching her son to cheer for the Bears. 

Shavers will begin her position at MSU Aug. 1.  

Welcome, Dr. Shavers!  

Filling in the gaps of technology education in our community

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With technology becoming a vital part of our day-to-day lives, it is easy to take basic tech skills for granted.  

Earlier this year, students in Missouri State University’s College of Business identified the need for basic technology skills and access for women who were recently out of situations of domestic abuse.  

Now, Annice McLean and Dr. Ching-wen Chang, faculty in Missouri State’s department of reading, foundations and technology (RFT) in the College of Education, are volunteering their time to help women gain the skills they need to get back on their feet.  

Acknowledging a need 

The project began as an assignment for MGT 440, leadership and development skills: identify a need in the community and offer a solution.  

The students focused their problem-solving skills on safe houses, or places women find shelter and support after leaving a domestic abuse situation.  

“What this project determined is that there was a gap in access to and use of technology,” McLean said. “This can be a hindrance to women finding gainful employment and pursuing further education.”  

Finding volunteers 

Van Oswald, one of the students on the project, reached out to the RFT department, hoping they could volunteer their time to provide technology education to women in need.   

McLean and Chang were some of the first faculty members who became aware of this project.  

As they met with the safe house coordinator, they realized the necessity to limit the number of people involved to maintain confidentiality for the women in the safe house.  

“We were excited about it and thought it was definitely a need. So, we volunteered to be part of the project,” McLean said.  

A unique curriculum 

The course that McLean and Chang are offering to the women is different from your typical introductory computer course.  

“The goal was to design a course that meets the needs and goals of individuals,” McLean said. 

The two teachers started with a list of basic information they thought would be relevant to anyone new to computers.  

As they began meeting, they gained a better understanding of the specific needs of each woman.  

“It could be anything from email, how to do a Zoom meeting, how to online shop or lessons on security,” McLean said. “It could even be about using online games to help reduce stress or accessing homework sites to help kids with online learning.”  

The best thing they could do was create a flexible plan that could help each woman reach her goals.  

“They just want something relevant to them – they need to find a job, finish school or manage their online banking,” Chang said. “So, we change the curriculum to help them do what they want to do.”  

Teaching and learning  

McLean and Chang use technology quite frequently in their work, but they could still relate with the struggle of learning new technology. “I think back to the first time I was going to have a Zoom meeting,” McLean said. “I was fearful it wasn’t going to work.”  

Having worked with the women several times throughout the semester, McLean and Chang felt everyone took something away from the lessons.  

“I felt like we helped the ladies. I also felt like I gained something from them as well – an appreciation of their attitudes and positivity,” McLean said.  

Inspiring awareness  

McLean and Chang hope that what they have started won’t end here.  

“I think our ultimate goal is to make it more seamless for the ladies – more convenient for them and their schedules,” McLean said. 

In the future, they hope to be able to provide more permanent access to computers and the internet. So far, they have been borrowing Chromebooks from the university for each session.  

“When we finish the class, we leave with the Chromebooks,” Chang said. “But hopefully, if this goes on, we may be able to work on a grant to buy some.” 

They also hope that their work will bring more awareness to others who may be struggling with access to technology or technological skills.  

“Maybe if other people hear about this, they will contact us, and we could set up some other opportunities for something similar,” McLean said. 

Contact Dr. Ching-wen Chang for more information.    

Contact Annice McLean for more information.   

Building a support network for LGBTQ teacher candidates

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“As a lesbian and an educator, who taught in Arkansas K-12 schools, I have experienced first-hand many of the challenges facing our LGBTQ teacher candidates,” said Dr. Stephanie Huffman.

She lists challenges like acceptance, identity, K-12 school community supports, misconceptions, bias and religious beliefs as among the most prevalent.

Huffman, department head of the reading foundations and technology department at Missouri State University, is a member of the College of Education Diversity Taskforce and a leader of the LGBTQ+ Advocacy subcommittee.

These groups strive to create an inclusive environment for all.

“It came to our attention that a support system needed to be developed and implemented for LGBTQ teacher candidates, especially during teaching internships,” Huffman said. “These challenges can make an already stressful time that much more challenging.”

Building the network

The LGBTQ+ Advocacy subcommittee is developing the support system for roll out in fall 2021. Through the COE Advising Center, students will have support through:

  • An allied database of area educators and school districts to assist with field placements.
  • A COE LGBTQ+ student organization.
  • Mentoring.

But this is just the beginning, Huffman notes.

“In addition, my door is open to any LGBTQ student.,” Huffman said.

Other supports will be added throughout the 2021-22 academic year.

“These supports will create an open and supportive environment in which LGBTQ teacher candidates can openly express who they are while growing as future teachers,” she said. “Our goal is to develop strong, talented and caring teachers for Missouri schools.”

 

College of education alumni share their story

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Kerry and Noma Montgomery are both alumni of the Missouri State University College of Education. Their story was recently shared in the spring 2021 issue of “Advancements” magazine, which is a publication of the Missouri State University Foundation. We are happy to share their full story here: 

Noma and Kerry Montgomery can’t remember a time when Missouri State basketball wasn’t in their lives.   

Noma’s dad, Donald Pollard, was born in 1914. He was the first person in his family to go to college when he attended MSU, which was then Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. “He had been an outstanding high school basketball player in Humansville, and played intramural basketball at MSU,” Noma said.  

When her dad graduated, she remained a Bears fan. “I am 78, and I started going to games as a little girl. I don’t remember ever not going.”  

Kerry has been a “rabid fan since the 1950s.” His dad, Lewis Montgomery, was also first in the family to attend college, and also went to then-SMS. His mother, Hazel, attended for two years before becoming a teacher.  

Kerry went to his first Bears game in 1952, when he was 16. “I attended a small high school nearby, so it was a big deal to go to the college campus. I got to see one of the Bears teams that won the NAIA championship.” Both Noma and Kerry later attended the university, sealing their love for Bears athletics forever.  

“My college days were just glorious”   

Kerry was on campus from 1954-58. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and physical education. “I was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and really enjoyed that,” he said. “I am still very close with five or six of my brothers.”  

Noma was at the university from 1960-64. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in English. Noma was a cheerleader for basketball and football, putting her close to the sports action. “I still remember which area was my ‘cheer corner’ in McDonald Arena, and who sat there.  

“My college days were just glorious. They really were.” She made lifelong friends while at MSU. “What I probably cherish the most are the wonderful memories and lasting friendships I developed through my Tri Sigma sorority and other campus activities. I stay in contact with at least 15 or 20 of my sorority sisters. Some of them who are local, I see weekly.”  

The couple didn’t attend the university at the same time, but they met on campus — and again, there’s a basketball tie.” Her boyfriend at the time was one of my best friends,” Kerry said. “We were sitting in McDonald Arena watching people come in during a basketball game. I saw Noma and said, ‘There’s a cute girl.’” Kerry’s friend replied: ‘That’s my girlfriend!’”  

They officially met through that friend. When Kerry dated a friend of Noma’s, they even went on double dates — though not as each other’s dates! When those other relationships didn’t work out, they connected with each other. They married in 1966.   

Building careers and a family   

Both Noma and Kerry had careers after college. Noma taught school in Independence, Missouri, for two years. After marrying Kerry, she moved back to Springfield. She was an employment counselor, and retired from that to raise their two sons, Scott and Grant (who have given them seven grandchildren). 

“When the children were grown, I worked in Branson for about 25 years as a tour guide.” She would meet groups at the airport, host tours on buses and take people to shows and attractions. “It was one of the most enjoyable jobs a person could ever have — like being on vacation all the time!” She retired about two years ago.  

Kerry continued his education after MSU. He earned a master’s degree in secondary school administration from the University of Missouri, and then a juris doctor degree from MU’s law school. He worked for a law firm, then the prosecutor’s office, and next went into private practice. In 1991, then-Gov. John Ashcroft appointed Kerry to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Kerry worked there until retiring in 2003, and served one three-year term as chief judge in those 12 years.  

He said his start at MSU set him up for success. “My professors and the academics in general were excellent. Dr. Duane Meyer (who later became the university president) was my history teacher. I sat in the first class he ever taught at SMS. What a wonderful professor. We later became friends, and I always had such respect for him.”   

Supporting their teams for 40+ years   

The couple kept many MSU connections through the years. In fact, Kerry served as Alumni Association president in the 1970s. 

When the Missouri State University Foundation was started, Kerry and Noma were a natural fit to become some of its first supporters. Kerry, who is a huge proponent of exercise and fitness — “I still play golf almost every day, weather permitting” — especially wanted to give to Bears athletics. “I bought my first season pass to basketball games in 1965,” Kerry said. “Every year since then, I have had season tickets.  

I think if you help one program, you are helping all of them — there’s more funds to spread around.”  

They plan to continue giving as long as they can, he said. “We want to help any efforts to guide our school and make it the best it can be.” 

Learn more about the MSU Foundation.