College of Education News

Archives for December 2022

USOA Mrs. Washington takes on teaching

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Emily Skeers was competing for Miss Lewis County 2008 when she fell sick with a debilitating illness.  

She was eventually diagnosed with a rare form of Crohn’s disease that changed the course of her future.  

“I wanted to be an opera singer. Everyone’s experience with Crohn’s is different, but my experience made this dream impossible,” the Missouri State University graduate student said. “I was 28 years old and couldn’t sing, perform or teach.”  

Skeers’ life was put on pause for eight months after the diagnosis, and it took three years to reach remission.  

Check out Skeers’ podcast 

Intertwining passions 

Since Skeers couldn’t make a career out of singing, she decided to pursue a different passion: teaching.  

Though she lives in Washington, Skeers is currently working on a master’s degree in early childhood and family development online through Missouri State. She plans to graduate in spring 2024. 

“Much of my work at Missouri State is tied to my interest in music,” Skeers said. “For my thesis, I am studying the importance of singing lullabies to babies.”  

Skeers plans to teach a class on the role of music in childhood development in spring 2023. She will teach in her hometown Olympia, WA. 

“Emily takes such a thoughtful approach to her work in her courses and thesis research,” said Dr. Elizabeth King, associate professor of childhood education and family studies at Missouri State.  

“I have learned a lot from her about tying meaningful personal experiences to the research process. Working with Emily has been one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences I’ve had at Missouri State.” 

Pageants with a purpose 

Skeers was crowned United States of America’s Mrs. Washington 2023 in September. 

She wants to use her role as USOA Mrs. Washington 2023 to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She has already raised nearly $3,000 in donations for the foundation.  

The foundation researches treatment for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improves the quality of life for those diagnosed with these diseases. Skeers created a support group within the foundation for people to share resources and support one another.  

Skeers will compete for the title of United States of America’s Mrs. in spring 2023 as the “Queen with Crohn’s.”  

She said, “I want to bring attention to Crohn’s disease, garner support for those diagnosed and show people the beauty of resilience.” 

Learn more about education programs 

Understanding the rise of the four-day school week

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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 professor of counseling, leadership and special education (CLSE) at Missouri State University.  

Shorter weeks bring positive changes 

Districts primarily transition to shorter weeks to combat teacher shortages.  

“Less than half of Missouri teachers remain in the field after the first five years of teaching, according to a recent report,” Turner said.  

“The four-day week helps schools attract and retain teachers.”  

And for good reason: Faculty and staff reported that shorter weeks improve morale and the academic quality of their teaching, according to a study Turner conducted with CLSE colleagues Dr. Ximena Uribe-Zarain and Dr. Kim Finch.  

More benefits include:  

  • Higher attendance rates among students. 
  • More time for teachers to plan, collaborate and train. 
  • Better “work/life balance” for teachers and students. 
  • An extra day for students to seek opportunities, such as job shadowing, dual credit programs and volunteering.    

Though there is research that raises concerns about impacts on student achievement, as Turner notes, “the number of instructional minutes is what’s important to student learning. Both four-day and traditional weeks have 1,044 hours of instruction.”  

Additionally, school faculty and staff have more time to work on their professional development.  

Missouri State’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals program allows para educators to pursue a degree and certification in special education while they are employed.  

In districts using the four-day week, paras can use the fifth day to work on their coursework for their degree and certification.    

Learn more about the four-day week 

Barriers of the four-day school week 

Despite the benefits, shortened school weeks can pose challenges.  

“Some families struggle to find childcare for their children on the weekday school isn’t in session,” Turner said. “This mostly affects families who only have elementary-aged children and families with students receiving special education services.” 

To help families with their childcare needs, some districts offer school-operated childcare for the fifth weekday.    

Other concerns include:  

  • Reduced access to school lunches. 
  • More time over the weekend for students to forget what they learned. 
  • Increased risk to children’s safety on the weekday without school.  

Turner said his research indicates most parents do not hold these concerns.  

“Overall, parents tend to support the four-day week. But we need to pay special attention to those families with unique challenges,” he said. 

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