College of Education News

COE outreach alumna named Head Start director for the region

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Missouri State University alumna Angie Kinder has worked for Ozark Action for 15 years.  

She started as a parent/teacher assistant in 2008, then began her journey working for Ozark Action’s Head Start as a teacher in 2009.  

“I fell in love with the Head Start program and enrolled in an education program at MSU so I could make helping families my career,” she said.  

Kinder graduated with a bachelor’s degree in child and family development (CFD) in 2017. She completed her degree through the outreach program in her hometown of West Plains.  

This fall, she became the director of Head Start for the region. She works at a location in West Plains.  

Making lasting impacts on families 

Head Start provides children with a safe and nurturing learning environment. They provide hands-on, play-based learning and family engagement experiences.  

As the director, Kinder leads over 100 staff members across six counties to ensure they implement comprehensive, quality early childhood education services. She also develops program goals and design options, as well as budgets. 

Kinder’s role fulfills her passion for helping families. 

“Head Start reminds me daily that it only takes one caring adult to help a child. When a whole system comes together to support not only the child but the entire family, the outcomes can be life changing,” she said.  

“I’ve seen a lot of families gain confidence and achieve so many goals while in our program. I love running into families we served over 10 years ago and they still remember how we helped them.”   

Seeking guidance from others 

The CFD program gave Kinder hands-on experience in early childhood settings.  

“These experiences allowed me to apply what I was learning to real situations and gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to enter the classroom,” she said.  

As a working mother, Kinder said the flexibility of the outreach program and support from faculty helped her succeed at MSU.  

“Brenda Smith and Renee Keith were amazing advisors and mentors. I could sit down with them anytime I had questions. They walked me through the entire process and reassured me when I felt overwhelmed,” Kinder said. 

She encourages others to build similar relationships with their advisors.  

“Don’t be afraid to share your concerns and struggles with your advisors. They’re there to support and guide you. They want to see you succeed and can help you develop a plan that works for you.” 

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Elementary education student found her place at MSU

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When Grace Nemec was browsing universities, she felt overwhelmed and unsure of where she wanted to attend.  

But when she found Missouri State University, everything fell into place.   

“When I stepped foot on campus, I knew it was right for me. I felt at home, surrounded by a loving and caring community,” she said. “I’ve loved every minute of the four years I’ve spent at MSU.” 

A first-generation student, Nemec will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education this fall.  

Lasting impressions 

Many educators have inspired Nemec to become a teacher, but one in particular made a big impression. 

“My fourth-grade teacher taught me to stand up for myself and never give up on my goals and dreams. Her mindset and way of teaching forever impacted who I want to be for my future and my students,” she said.  

While she has loved the information and resources MSU has provided her, Nemec’s favorite part about the program is the professors.  

“The impact each of my professors left on me is remarkable. They’ve inspired me to keep going and have helped me become the best educator I can be,” she said. 

Nemec’s practicum and course experiences have enabled her to grow as a future educator and as an individual.  

“Not only have I learned valuable teaching skills, but I’ve also learned a lot about becoming independent,” she said. “Branching out has brought so many positive outcomes, including the forever friendships I’ve made.” 

Teaching in her hometown 

During her last semester at MSU, Nemec has been student teaching in the Lindbergh School District, her alma mater in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.  

When she graduates in December, she plans to continue teaching at Sappington Elementary in a part-time position as a literacy teaching assistant. She will also fill in as a substitute or for other assistance-related roles as needed. 

She plans to teach full time during the next academic year when she finds the right position in the St. Louis area.  

“I’m very much looking forward to having my own elementary classroom soon,” Nemec said. “I’m forever thankful for the education I received from MSU.” 

Study education at MSU 

Child life student runs nonprofit while in school

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In June 2020, Tamar Adler went through a traumatic experience that sparked her passion for child life.  

To begin her journey in child life, Adler created Cheery Charlie, a nonprofit corporation that donates craft bags to children in hospitals.  

Nearly three years since its inception in January 2021, Adler’s nonprofit has donated over 8,000 craft bags.  

In August 2022, Adler enrolled in the child life graduate program at Missouri State University. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and completes her courses online.  

Putting her education to practice 

Adler completed her practicum this fall at Mercy Kids Hospital in St. Louis.  

She spent most of her time in the emergency department and occasionally worked in the surgery center. She practiced providing support to children as a child life specialist during some of their most vulnerable times.  

“One of the most valuable things I learned was to match the energy in the room and of the patient. This helps build rapport and makes the child feel more comfortable,” Adler said.  

While she enjoyed working in both departments, she discovered she loved working in the emergency room.  

“I liked not knowing who was coming next, and the sense of surprise,” she said. “I’m sad the experience is over, but I’m looking forward to my future.” 

A supportive community 

Adler shared she has loved her online MSU experience. 

“I’ve learned so much, and the faculty is amazing and supportive,” she said. 

Adler said Dr. Lindsey Murphy, assistant professor of education at MSU and Adler’s advisor, has helped her tremendously. 

“Dr. Murphy goes above and beyond for her students. She’s extremely supportive, and you can tell how much she cares about each student,” she said.  

Adler plans to graduate in spring 2026. She is grateful to be able to complete her program while working on Cheery Charlie. 

“I hope to expand my nonprofit into other areas of Missouri and beyond. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and Cheery Charlie.” 

Study child life at MSU 

Being the teacher students need

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“For some students, I might be the only consistent stable person in their lives who loves them, listens to them and believes in them,” said Missouri State University alumna Hannah Dunville.  

Dunville is a Title 1 reading interventionist at Jeffries Elementary in Springfield, Missouri. In this role, she meets with students for additional reading lessons to help them with their literacy development.  

“I chose to work with low-income students and while it’s challenging, I know these are the kids who need me the most,” she said.  

This is Dunville’s first year at Jeffries but her eighth year teaching in Springfield Public Schools. She taught in Columbia, Missouri, for her first three years as a teacher.  

Core experiences led her to teaching 

Dunville grew up in Ozark, Missouri. Her childhood experiences inspired her to become an educator. 

“My parents taught at Missouri State in the physical education department. As a child, I witnessed a countless number of their former students come back and thank them for the impact they had on their lives and careers,” she said. 

Dunville took parenting and child development classes in high school and found they were her favorite. She also was an A+ tutor in a first-grade classroom.  

“As a tutor, I realized I loved working with little kids. Their willingness to learn and energy drew me to early childhood education,” she said.  

Dunville graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in early childhood education and a minor in child and family development in spring 2010. She received master’s and specialist degrees in literacy in fall 2011.  

Meeting the needs of all students 

Dunville chose to study education at MSU because it aligned with her career goals.  

“I had researched the program and knew it would be well rounded and applicable, and it would allow me plenty of opportunities to put my knowledge to practice within the classroom,” she said. 

At MSU, she learned how to plan lessons, personalize instruction to support all students and put teaching theories into practice.  

“My education enabled me to walk into a classroom and meet the needs of diverse learners,” she said.  

“When you have a classroom filled with students at all different academic levels, it can be overwhelming. But I felt confident in my abilities and skills because of the professors and classroom experiences during my time at MSU.” 

Helping yourself to help others 

Dunville advises education students to make self-care a priority.  

“You can’t fill the students’ cup unless your cup is full,” she said. “Be open and honest, find mentors who are willing to help you during your journey and know it’s OK to not know everything.”  

She recommends that when education students begin teaching, they prioritize making students feel comfortable in their classroom. 

“The real first step in becoming an effective classroom teacher is building relationships with your students and creating an environment where they feel welcome, heard and have a sense of belonging.” 

Study education at MSU 

MSU faculty joins National Down Syndrome Society board

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The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) elected Dr. Marjorie Shavers to its Board of Directors this September.  

“Joining the board is deeply personal to me,” said Shavers, director and associate professor of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies and associate interim dean of the College of Education at Missouri State University. 

“As a mother to an extraordinary son with Down syndrome, I want to help create a world where he and others like him are embraced and celebrated for their unique strengths and abilities.” 

Shavers will serve a three-year term with a chance for renewal. Her first board meeting takes place in December. 

“I’m so proud of this; I feel honored to contribute in such a meaningful way,” she said. 

Beyond advocacy 

Shavers believes society needs to do more than accept people with Down syndrome.  

“It’s not just about advocating for acceptance but forging a society that eagerly anticipates their contributions,” she said. 

Shavers wants to improve education for teachers and academic professionals so they can best support people with Down syndrome. 

“As a leader in the College of Education and a board member, I aim to influence the education sector, nurturing educators and professionals who can provide unparalleled support to students with Down syndrome,” she said. 

“We must equip our educational institutions with the knowledge and compassion to empower these students and their families, ensuring they thrive in every aspect of their academic journey.” 

About NDSS 

Founded in 1979, the NDSS seeks to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families through policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and changing public perceptions.  

They aim to ensure all people with Down syndrome are valued by a more inclusive society and are assured of their human rights.  

The organization provides resources for everyone, including an About Down Syndrome and a Preferred Language webpage.  

Learn more about NDSS