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College of Education News

Archives for October 2022

Taking the leap to follow her passion

October 7, 2022 by Savannah A. Keller

Brittnie Morrison on her first day of kindergarten and on her first day of teaching. She is standing in front of the same school in each photo.

Alumna Brittnie Morrison, ‘21, started at Missouri State University as a pre-nursing major.  

“As a first-generation student, everyone talked about how proud they were of me and how proud they were to say they were going to have a nurse in the family,” Morrison said.  

But in her third semester, she realized that she lost her passion for nursing.  

“I couldn’t help but feel like I was wasting my time and money working toward a goal I no longer cared about,” she said. 

She contemplated dropping out of college, but her job at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield took her in an unexpected direction.  

The switch to teaching 

As the semester progressed, Morrison learned that she loved working with kids. Her job became her escape from the stresses of college. 

“No matter how much stress I felt from my schoolwork, I always felt instant relief when I walked through the doors of the Boys & Girls Club,” she said. “That’s when I knew education was my calling.” 

Morrison changed her major to elementary education and began classes in spring 2019.  

“Once I changed my major, Missouri State became home,” she said. “I had my first practicum at York Elementary School. I walked out of the school and began crying because I knew I was in the right spot.” 

Morrison said that the professors in the College of Education went out of their way to make every student feel like they belong.  

“The passion they have for teaching is radiating,” she said. “There aren’t enough words to express how proud I am to be a bear.”  

Back to her roots 

Morrison completed her student-teaching and is now a fifth-grade teacher at the school district she went to for kindergarten through high school.  

“The Raymore-Peculiar community helped raise me,” she said. “I have so many amazing memories from Peculiar Elementary as a student, and now I get to make more as a teacher.”  

Teaching has been the most rewarding job she’s ever had. Her favorite part is building relationships with her students. 

“That’s truly why I teach. If I can make a difference in just one child’s life, then I am happy.”

Morrison feels that her time at MSU prepared her to be a successful teacher.  

“But it is tough. For anyone who is in an education program, I suggest they lean on their professors and peers,” she said. “They were always there for me when I needed clarification, and I am grateful for the experience.” 

Explore education majors 

Filed Under: COE Alumni, Elementary Education

Carrying on the family tradition

October 6, 2022 by Savannah A. Keller

Lydia Otten in front of the COE sign.

Lydia Otten transferred to Missouri State University after getting her associate’s degree in teaching at East Central Community College (ECC) near her hometown of New Haven, Missouri.  

She is majoring in elementary education and started her classes in fall 2022.  

Otten knew Missouri State was where she wanted to be after her first visit.  

“When I toured the campus, it already felt like home,” Otten said. “I had the feeling it was where I was meant to be.” 

Her parents attended Missouri State, and her father was also a transfer student from ECC. Otten said they influenced her decision to transfer to Missouri State because they loved their experience so much.  

From one great school to the next 

Though Missouri State felt like home, Otten was still nervous to transfer schools.  

“I had such a good time at ECC, and I was sad to leave because I loved their education department,” she said. “When I transferred, I was afraid the professors at MSU would be distant and wouldn’t want to get to know me.” 

Her professors proved her wrong after her first week on campus.  

“My professors are amazing and make me feel comfortable,” she said. “They want to get to know me, which is refreshing to see.”  

But her appreciation for Missouri State extends beyond the professors.  

“One of my favorite parts of the day is the walk to and from class and looking at the views,” Otten said. “And I have met and connected with so many people.” 

She added that her courses have been informative and exciting.  

“I’ve learned so much, and I’m excited to apply this information when I teach,” she said. “I’m also getting experiences I never thought I would have, like watching co-teaching in action.” 

Overall, Otten said she is thrilled with her transfer experience, and she is looking forward to the rest of her program.  

Lifelong dream on the verge of coming true 

Otten has always wanted to be a teacher. She loves the classroom environment and watching children have “a-ha” moments. 

“My mom is an elementary teacher, and she has been one of my biggest influences,” Otten said. “I was her teacher cadet in high school, and watching her in action was inspiring.” 

Otten wants to create supportive environments for her students, just as her teachers have always done for her.     

“I want to help my future students grow academically, but I also want them to have fun and know they are loved,” she said. “I cannot imagine doing anything else other than teaching.” 

Otten cannot wait to have her own classroom after she graduates in May 2024. She is grateful that her program at Missouri State allows students to practice their teaching alongside their coursework.  

“We aren’t just making lesson plans to make them. We’re also getting to teach them, and I’m so excited!”  

Learn about the elementary education program

Filed Under: COE Students, Elementary Education Tagged With: Elementary Education, transfer student

The importance of representation

October 6, 2022 by Savannah A. Keller

Uribe-Zarain in Mexico City.

Uribe-Zarain with food in front of a brightly colored building.“When I close my eyes and think of Mexico, I see people on the streets, music everywhere and food in every corner,” said Dr. Ximena Uribe-Zarain, associate professor of the counseling leadership and special education department and endowed professor of Hispanic outreach working with K-12 schools.  

Uribe-Zarain was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico.  

“My heritage, like most Mexicans, is a mix of extraordinarily rich influences,” she said. “We acknowledge the considerable influence colonialism had on our language, religion, race and even art. But we are also immensely proud of our indigenous roots and struggles.”  

From the ancient ruins and beaches to the little towns with bright colors, Uribe-Zarain has a strong love for the places her hometown has to offer.

From Mexico to the U.S. 

Uribe-Zarain immigrated to the U.S. to pursue a doctoral degree when she was 25 years old.  

She started work at Missouri State University seven years ago. At the time, her husband had already worked at Missouri State for a year, which helped her become part of the community with ease. 

“People at the university were very welcoming, and it was a smooth transition for me,” she said. “However, I would like to emphasize that my experience as an immigrant in this country is unique to me, and I recognize that it is not always that easy for new faculty to fit right in.”   

Representation benefits all 

Group photo in Mexico City.Missouri State has a sharp vision to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Uribe-Zarain hopes to see more representation at the university in the future as well as in K-12 classrooms.  

“The number of Latino/a/x students enrolled at MSU is increasing, but only about 2% of the faculty identify as Latino/a/x.”  

Uribe-Zarain said research repeatedly indicates that students’ educational experiences and outcomes benefit from racial and ethnic diversity in K-12 classrooms and in universities.  

“Having diversity helps build a campus culture where people of color feel comfortable learning and teaching,” she said. 

“When students from groups who have been traditionally underrepresented on campus see themselves reflected in the faculty and staff, they are often inspired to set higher goals for themselves.”

As Missouri State works to increase representation of Latino/a/x students, staff and faculty, Uribe-Zarain said having a well-organized Latino/a/x association can help build a sense of community.  

“A supportive climate is vital not only for staff and faculty, but especially for the students,” she said. 

“The term Hispanic/Latino is an umbrella concept. The group of students who identify as Latino/a/x is remarkably diverse. We have Latino/a/x communities, emphasis on the plural. We need to understand this diversity in higher education to promote student retention.” 

Find supportive clubs and communities 

Be an advocate for your students 

Uribe-Zarain suggests that future educators advocate for themselves and their students from the beginning.  

Despite the often-sensitive topic, Uribe-Zarain said teachers need to find safe strategies to advocate for a fair and equal chance to educate students. 

“To advocate for themselves, I would encourage new teachers to seek groups or associations that offer support to novice teachers and teachers of color,” she said.  

“People before us fought hard to lay the groundwork for us to get here. We need to learn and acknowledge their work and let us keep opening doors for Latino/a/x who want to have a place in education.”

Learn to teach at Missouri State 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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