College of Education News

Meet Jordan Politte: Leading Project ACCESS Into Its Next 40 Years

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 For Jordan Politte, stepping into a leadership role at Missouri State University’s College of Education is about more than the next step in his career. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of a program with a 40-year history of supporting educators and students with autism.

Politte recently became the director of Project ACCESS, a program within the College of Education that provides professional development and support to educators working with students with autism. In this role, he collaborates with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to oversee the program, lead its team and ensure Project ACCESS continues to meet its goals.

“I think for me, I’m most excited about improving the practice of teachers for kids with autism,” Politte said.

That goal is especially important as educators continue to seek effective ways to support students with autism in the classroom. Politte hopes Project ACCESS can help teachers across Missouri feel more confident in their ability to meet those students’ needs.

“The long-term goal would be that all teachers have confidence with supporting kids with autism and have the ability to teach those kiddos to the best of their ability,” Politte said.

A New Chapter in a Familiar Place

Although the director position represents a new chapter for Politte, the College of Education is far from unfamiliar.

Before taking on the role, Politte spent nearly nine years as a trainer with Missouri State’s Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning, providing professional development to educators. Before joining Missouri State, he worked as a special education teacher.

The move into the director position was an opportunity for professional growth and a chance to take on a new leadership challenge.

“When this position came open, I was encouraged to explore it,” Politte said. “So, it was really just about professional growth.”

The transition also brings Politte back to a university that played an important role in his development as an educator. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Missouri State and credits the hands-on experiences he gained through the College of Education with shaping his approach to teaching.

“I had several classes that had practicums attached to it where I was able to get into classrooms and see great teaching happen,” Politte said.

Connecting what he learned in the classroom with real-world experiences helped Politte develop a deeper understanding of education and the work of teaching.

“Being able to practice and learn about something in a classroom, but then go and see it in practice in person with kids really kind of changed how I saw education and how I saw the job of teaching.”

Now, Politte hopes to help create similar opportunities for future educators, connecting what they learn in their coursework with practical strategies they can use in their own classrooms.

Building the Next 40 Years

As Project ACCESS celebrates four decades of work, Politte is looking beyond the program’s history to consider what its next chapter can accomplish.

“Project ACCESS has been around for 40 years,” Politte said. “So what’s the next 40 look like?”

For Politte, building that future starts with establishing a strong, sustainable team culture. One of his primary goals during his first year is to create an environment where team members feel supported, take pride in their work and remain committed to the program’s mission.

“Creating a culture where people want to stay, people want to work, people are passionate about the work and want to continue the movement, so to speak,” Politte said.

He also plans to develop a strong training protocol that focuses on both the content Project ACCESS delivers and how that information is shared with educators.

Together, these efforts will help strengthen the program’s foundation and support its continued work with teachers across Missouri.

Beyond Project ACCESS itself, Politte sees an opportunity to strengthen the program’s connection with Missouri State’s future educators.

Students in education programs may encounter autism and special education through coursework and field experiences, but Politte believes there is room to provide more direct exposure to evidence-based practices for supporting students with autism.

“I would love to be more integrated into some more classrooms here on campus where we’re talking to future teachers about autism and kids with autism and those practices and how to support kids with autism,” Politte said.

One of Politte’s goals is to ensure future Missouri State educators graduate with a stronger understanding of Project ACCESS and the strategies they can use to support students with autism in their own classrooms.

That vision reflects what he valued most as a College of Education student: learning through experience and seeing effective teaching in action.

Now, Politte has the opportunity to help provide those experiences for future educators while leading Project ACCESS into its next chapter.

“I think that would be the biggest achievement for me,” Politte said, “really letting the teachers that graduate from Missouri State know about Project ACCESS as a whole, but giving them that introduction to supporting kids with autism as well.”

Learn more about Project ACCESS at projectaccess.missouristate.edu 

A Decade of Impact: Internship Academy Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Educator Preparation

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This Homecoming marked a major milestone for the Internship Academy (IA): ten years of strengthening teacher preparation, building school partnerships, and supporting future educators through a truly immersive clinical experience. Launched in 2015, the Internship Academy has grown into one of the College of Education’s most innovative and impactful programs, shaping hundreds of future teachers and serving as a model for other universities.

A Program Built to Meet the Changing Needs of Schools

The Internship Academy began as a response to the evolving realities of educator preparation. As Robin Koerber explains,

“The Internship Academy at Missouri State University began in Fall 2015 as an innovative response to the changing needs of teacher preparation. Instead of the traditional short-term student teaching model, the Academy was designed as a year-long, site-based internship that gives candidates real, hands-on classroom experience.”

Rather than spending only a short time in a placement, IA interns start on the first day of school and remain throughout the year. This extended clinical model allows students to see the full arc of teaching—from building relationships to assessing growth to navigating new challenges and celebrations alongside their mentor teachers.

Koerber notes that the program was built with intentionality:

“The idea came from a commitment to better prepare educators for the realities of today’s schools. By blending theory with practice and focusing on co-teaching, reflective decision-making, and competency-based learning, the program helps future teachers enter the profession with confidence, flexibility, and a strong understanding of effective instruction.”

From its inception, the Internship Academy wasn’t just a new model for MSU—it was designed to lead.

“From the start, the Internship Academy was meant to be a model for other universities, a program that leads the way in teacher education,” Koerber adds.

National Recognition and a Decade of Accomplishments

In 2024, the Internship Academy received the Billy G. Dixon Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Awardfrom the Association of Teacher Educators—a national honor that affirmed the program’s innovative approach and impact.

Koerber describes the recognition as a defining moment:

“Receiving the 2024 Billy G. Dixon Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award from ATE was a huge milestone for us… it highlighted the positive impact the Academy has on both the teaching profession and the communities we serve.”

Over ten years, IA has:

  • Expanded its network of partner districts
  • Supported hundreds of teacher candidates
  • Strengthened district–university partnerships
  • Built pathways that ease the transition from intern to first-year teacher
  • Created a model that other institutions now look to for innovation in clinical preparation

Homecoming Celebration: Honoring Community, Partnership, and Progress

During Homecoming 2024, the College of Education hosted a special reception in Hill Hall to honor the program’s 10th anniversary. Current interns, graduates, mentor teachers, school partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate the program’s history and its next chapter.

Koerber shared that one of the most meaningful elements of the event was reconnecting with former interns:

“Looking back on the recent homecoming celebration, the most meaningful part was reconnecting with past participants and hearing of our students’ successes. Watching former interns return as accomplished educators really showed the transformative power of the Internship Academy.”

The gathering was both a celebration and a reflection on the shared dedication that built the program:

“The celebration wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of the shared vision and dedication that have shaped the Academy from the very beginning,” Koerber said. “Just as rewarding was the sense of community recognition, the feeling that this program has truly made a lasting difference in schools and in the lives of children.”

Shaping the Next Generation of Educators

As Internship Academy enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: prepare confident, reflective, community-minded educators through immersive, hands-on experience.

The program continues to embody what makes Missouri State’s College of Education unique; collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the future of teaching.

Missouri State Students Selected for the Ozarks Teacher Corps

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 Missouri State University is proud to welcome a strong group of new students into the Ozarks Teacher Corps (OTC), a program created to support future educators who are committed to teaching in rural Ozarks communities. This year’s cohort includes several MSU students who bring enthusiasm, service-minded goals, and a passion for teaching in districts that need them most.

The new students in the program are:

  • McKenzie Furr, a 2021 graduate of Branson High, currently studying at Missouri State University;
  • Jeremy Graham, a 2022 graduate of Marshfield High, currently studying at Missouri State University;
  • Rosa Hester, a 2022 graduate of Bloomfield High, currently studying at Missouri State University;
  • Kenna Humble, a 2023 graduate of Ozark High, currently studying at Missouri State University;
  • Lillyan Johnson, a 2024 graduate of Charleston High, currently studying at Missouri State University;
  • Makayla Karr, a 2019 graduate of West Plains High, currently studying at Missouri State University;
  • Hannah Phillips, a 2024 graduate of Marionville High, currently studying at Missouri State University.

Photos courtesy of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO).

About the Ozarks Teacher Corps

The Ozarks Teacher Corps is a long-running initiative supported by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, which also provides the scholarship opportunity that makes the program possible. Its mission is simple but powerful:

  • support students preparing for careers in rural teaching,
  • strengthen local schools across the Ozarks, and
  • invest in future educators who want to return to their home communities.

Members of OTC participate in training, leadership development, community projects, and networking events with rural school leaders. In return, they commit to teaching for at least three years in a rural district after graduation.

About This Incoming Cohort

This year’s cohort includes students majoring in elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, and other teaching fields. Most of the new participants are MSU students, reflecting the College of Education’s strong partnership with rural districts and its ongoing commitment to preparing teachers for the communities where they are most needed.

Rhonda Bishop, Director of the Center for Rural Education, shared her excitement about the growth of the program and MSU’s role in it.

“We are so excited so many MSU students are participating! I think we do an excellent job at MSU promoting the scholarship and highlighting the value of the training students receive. Our students are genuinely excited to engage in the place-based education training provided by Teton Science Schools.”

This group represents:

  • students from across southwest Missouri,
  • a wide range of teaching interests,
  • a shared commitment to serving rural schools, and
  • deep ties to their hometowns and communities.

Why the Ozarks Teacher Corps Matters

Rural schools across Missouri, and the country, face persistent teacher shortages. Programs like OTC help address these gaps by preparing educators who not only understand rural communities, but want to serve them long-term.

Bishop emphasizes the significance of OTC’s mission:

“The Ozarks Teacher Corps matters because it supports students who want to teach in rural communities. Many of our MSU students come from rural areas, and this program connects students who have the same goals. Rural schools often struggle to find teachers, so helping students feel prepared and excited to return to those communities makes a real difference.”

Many students selected this year have personal connections to rural schools, former teachers, or hometown mentors who inspired them to pursue teaching, making their commitment to return and serve especially meaningful.

Opportunities for Students

Throughout the program, OTC members take part in:

  • professional development sessions,
  • service projects within rural communities,
  • leadership training,
  • opportunities to connect with educators and administrators in partner districts, and
  • annual gatherings and cohort activities.

These experiences help students build a deeper understanding of rural education and prepare them for careers in schools where strong, committed teachers make an enormous difference.

Celebrating the New Cohort

The College of Education looks forward to supporting these students as they begin their journey with the Ozarks Teacher Corps. Their dedication to rural education reflects the broader mission of MSU’s educator preparation programs, meeting community needs through service, experience, and student-centered learning.

Bishop notes that the growth of the cohort each year speaks to both student enthusiasm and strong support from partners:

“What really stands out to me is how this group keeps growing each year. We work hard in the College of Education and the Center for Rural Education to share these opportunities, but so much of the growth comes from students talking to each other and encouraging each other to apply.”

She adds that the Community Foundation of the Ozarks plays a crucial role in the program’s success:

“The impact is truly meaningful. We are very grateful the Community Foundation of the Ozarks sees the need for rural teachers and commits financial support and professional development for preservice teachers who are committed to rural education.”

The new cohort represents the next generation of rural educators and MSU is proud to help prepare them as they step into meaningful, community-focused careers.

COE Alum McKinzie Cooper-Kunard Named Neosho School District Teacher of the Year

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From the moment she first stepped into a classroom, McKinzie Cooper-Kunard knew she had found her calling. Her natural ability to connect with children, paired with her dedication to helping every student reach their potential, has defined her teaching journey from the start.

The College of Education is proud to celebrate Cooper-Kunard, a graduate of Missouri State University’s off-campus Elementary Education program at the Crowder Campus in Neosho, for being named the 2025 Neosho School District Teacher of the Year.

Teaching: A Lifelong Calling

A proud Neosho High School graduate, Cooper-Kunard began her educational journey at Crowder College before earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education through Missouri State’s partnership program at Crowder.

Her experience in the MSU/Crowder program helped her build a strong foundation as an educator, one grounded in flexibility, compassion, and a commitment to student-centered learning. The program’s structure, mentorship, and hands-on approach equipped her with practical tools she continues to rely on in her classroom today.

Creativity and Care in the Classroom

Inside her elementary classroom, learning often looks like laughter, teamwork, and hands-on exploration. Cooper-Kunard is known for her innovative teaching methods, positive energy, and unwavering belief that every student can grow.

One of her favorite lessons involves transforming the classroom into a “STEM marketplace,” where students rotate through stations to solve real-world problems using creativity and collaboration. This activity encourages students to take ownership of their learning and celebrate their unique strengths.

Her approach has earned admiration from both colleagues and families. Many of her former students still visit to share how her encouragement shaped their confidence and curiosity, a testament to her impact beyond academics.

Recognition for Excellence

In 2025, this dedication was recognized when Cooper-Kunard received the Neosho School District Teacher of the Year award, advancing to represent the district in the Regional Teacher of the Year competition.

The honor highlights not only her excellence in teaching but also her commitment to fostering community connections and mentoring fellow educators. She was also featured in SHOWME Magazine, which spotlighted her positive influence within the Neosho School District.

A Reflection of the COE Mission

Cooper-Kunard’s success reflects the strength of Missouri State’s Elementary Education program and the value of its off-campus partnerships, such as the Crowder Campus in Neosho. Through these programs, aspiring educators receive hands-on preparation and local support that empower them to lead meaningful change in their communities.

Her story embodies the College of Education’s public affairs mission: demonstrating ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement in action.

Congratulations to McKinzie Cooper-Kunard on this well-deserved honor and for continuing to make Missouri State proud.

📚 Learn more about Missouri State’s Elementary Education program and how you can begin your own journey to inspire future generations:
education.missouristate.edu

MSU Alum Orlondo Williams Named Principal of Cardinal Ritter College Prep

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The College of Education proudly celebrates Orlondo Williams, a proud alumnus of Missouri State University, who has been selected as the next Principal of Cardinal Ritter College Prep, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.

Following a competitive interview process, Williams was chosen for his strong leadership, deep commitment to student success, and his passion for fostering a school culture built on faith, excellence, and community.

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve as your principal for the 2025–2026 school year,” Williams shared in his address to the student body. “I step into this role filled with deep gratitude, humility, and a lot of Cardinal Ritter Pride. The mission of Cardinal Ritter runs deep in my veins and I am CRCP through and through. To my scholars, I have one promise: to make every decision with your best interests at the center of my heart.”

A leader shaped by education and service

For Williams, this milestone is more than a professional step; it’s personal.

“Being named Principal of Cardinal Ritter College Prep is deeply personal,” he said. “I’m a proud alumnus of this institution, and stepping into this role feels like coming full circle. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to lead a community that poured so much into me and to ensure that our scholars continue to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. It’s both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with pride.”

Williams’s journey to school leadership reflects years of dedication to education, mentorship, and faith-based service. A proud graduate of Missouri State University’s College of Education, he credits his time at MSU with laying the foundation for the kind of leader he has become.

“My time at Missouri State laid the foundation for who I am as an educator,” Williams explained. “Earning my bachelor’s degree in education there prepared me not just to teach, but to truly reach students. The professors in the College of Education modeled what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Although I earned my master’s degree at Saint Louis University, that experience built upon and perfectly complemented everything I gained at Missouri State. Together, both experiences shaped my approach to leadership and my commitment to educational excellence.”

At Cardinal Ritter, Williams plans to build upon his strong record of supporting student growth, fostering equity, and empowering teachers to reach their highest potential.

“A great school leader leads with vision, empathy, and consistency,” he said. “I strive to be visible and present — in classrooms, hallways, and conversations with students and teachers. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact. Every decision I make is guided by what’s best for scholars.”

Building the next generation of leaders

Williams is stepping into his new role with clear goals in mind.

“My top priorities are centered on academic excellence, character development, and community connection,” he said. “I want to strengthen our college-preparatory culture, expand opportunities for student leadership, and make sure our scholars leave here confident, compassionate, and prepared to excel beyond our walls.”

His approach reflects the same values he hopes to instill in his students.

“I want them to leave knowing that excellence is who they are,” Williams said. “I hope they understand the power of discipline, faith, and community, and that they see themselves as the next generation of leaders ready to transform the world.”

A proud Bear leading with purpose

Williams’s success highlights the lasting influence of Missouri State’s College of Education alumni in shaping future generations of learners and leaders. His story reflects the university’s public affairs mission; emphasizing ethical leadership, community engagement, and cultural competence.

When asked what advice he’d offer to future educators and aspiring school leaders, Williams said:

“Lead with integrity and heart. Stay grounded in your ‘why,’ especially when the work gets hard. And never forget that education is about people — the relationships you build will always matter more than the policies you enforce.”

Williams added, “Thank you again for thinking of me for this story. I’m proud to represent Missouri State and the College of Education in this new chapter.”

Congratulations, Mr. Orlondo Williams, on this well-deserved achievement. Your leadership and heart for education continue to make Missouri State proud.