COE Students Archives - College of Education News

Elementary education student found her place at MSU

November 29, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

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

November 27, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

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

Future Educators program continues to help Springfield community

October 30, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Missouri State University began the Future Educators program in fall 2022, with seven students in the first cohort.

Since then, two of the seven students began teaching in Springfield Public Schools (SPS). Plus, five students joined the program’s second cohort.

Future Educators paves a path for students to become teachers and helps bring quality teachers to SPS.

Two start their teaching journey

This fall, Sam Johnson and Drew Irwin started teaching full time in Springfield, Missouri.

Johnson graduated from MSU in spring 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She teaches kindergarten at Bingham Elementary.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Johnson chose to stay in Springfield to teach thanks to the Future Educators program.

Irwin is a post-baccalaureate student pursuing teaching certification and a master’s degree in elementary education. He plans to complete teacher certification requirements in December 2023 and hopes to finish his master’s degree by 2027.

To fulfill his student teaching requirement, Irwin is the teacher of record for fourth grade at Twain Elementary, where his daughter attended and his son currently attends.

“The Future Educators program boosted my skills and confidence as an educator through real-world training and guest presenters,” Irwin said.

“I knew going into my first year of teaching there would be bumps along the way, but I’m able to take risks and put my full self into it knowing I have so much support from Twain, MSU and SPS.”

Five more commit to teach local

In August 2023, five students signed into the second Future Educators cohort.

Megan Bolen, Aleila Cage, Malina Carnelison, Susan Cha and Symphony Darville will complete education programs at Missouri State, then teach in Springfield.

Bolen found the program has already helped her grow as a future teacher.

“The Future Educators program has been a great way for me to gain practical knowledge about education,” Bolen said. “I’ve been surrounded by like-minded students, educators and experts who have helped me explore new teaching opportunities.”

Cha shared the program has helped her build meaningful relationships.

“The program has allowed me to make connections within the Springfield School District for future employment, as well as new friendships where we can learn about the best teaching practices together,” Cha said.

To Darville, the Future Educators program is a way to help improve representation for her community.

“I only had one teacher of color in my 13 years of schooling in the SPS school system. The opportunity to be able to go back into my own community and be that representation for students as a Black woman is very special to me,” Darville said.

About Future Educators

The Future Educators program helps students from underrepresented and under-resourced backgrounds become educators.

Future Educators participants complete a program in education at Missouri State. Upon graduation, they will begin their teaching career in SPS.

They receive financial aid, mentor support and additional teacher training.

Apply to be a Future Educator

One step closer to her dream

October 25, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Emma Hartman has dreamt of becoming a teacher since elementary school.

“I would always imagine myself in my teacher’s place. I love working with kids and I want to make an impact on the lives of all the students in my classroom in the future,” she said.

Hartman is a second-year education student at Missouri State University. She plans to graduate in spring 2026 with a bachelor’s in elementary education and a minor in psychology.

Getting involved in the community

During her first semester, Hartman joined MSU’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

“I love the mission of the organization: bringing people together to help others achieve their goals,” she said.

The organization focuses on building homes for those in need. MSU’s chapter is student-led, and Hartman serves as the secretary on the executive board.

“We get to learn house-building skills we may not have otherwise come across, all while helping people in our own community,” she said.

Hartman is the vice president of Bears Teach Elementary, a student organization for elementary education majors. She is also a peer reviewer of LOGOS: A Journal of Undergraduate Research.

A well-rounded education

As a Springfield native, Hartman chose MSU for its education program and its proximity to her friends and family.

“My favorite part of MSU is all of the wonderful people I get to meet and spend time with every day,” she said. “In the College of Education, I have classes with a lot of the same people, and it feels like we’ve built our own community.”

Hartman shared she has learned a lot of useful information in her program and has been able to practice her teaching.

“I look forward to the practicums and student teaching I’ll do further into the program,” she said. “I did one practicum in high school and I’m excited to see how that experience differs from practicums at a college level.”

After she graduates, she hopes to teach second or third grade in the Springfield area or surrounding areas. In the future, she wants to obtain a master’s degree in school counseling or another education-related field.

Study education at MSU

MSU graduates recognized as Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow

May 31, 2023 by Savannah A. Keller

Three Missouri State University graduates earned the 2023 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow distinction by Missouri Milken Educators.

Victoria Dillon, Jessica Smith and Kira Vaughn were recognized because they are innovative educators who will positively impact the future of the profession.

They are among 10 inductees to receive the designation across the state.

All inductees will receive a year of coaching and mentorship and will have access to the Missouri Milken Educators network.

Victoria Dillon

Dillon graduated in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in special education. She is now a special education teacher at Lewis and Clark Elementary in Liberty, Missouri.

She has advanced critical thinking skills and excels at working with students of diverse backgrounds, abilities and disabilities.

“She’s an intelligent and highly motivated individual. She has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially at the elementary school level,” said Marie McAdams, her university supervisor for student teaching.

“Her ability to connect with her SPED students and her talent for teaching simple concepts are superior.”

Jessica Smith

Smith graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She completed her student teaching at Weller Elementary and Central High School in Springfield.

She is meticulous in her preparation of content, pedagogical sequence and knowledge of students.

“Jessica plans and implements engaging lessons seemingly effortlessly,” said Vicky Scott, her university supervisor for student teaching. “She’s organized and self-motivated. Her sunny disposition draws students into her processes.”

Smith is now a music teacher at Bingham Elementary in Springfield.

Kira Vaughn

Vaughn graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She completed her student teaching at John Thomas School of Discovery in Nixa, Missouri, as part of MSU’s Internship Academy program.

She excels as an intern because of her high student engagement, growth mindset, strong relationships with students and more.

“She’s sought out by others in the building to spend time in their classrooms,” said Sara Tipton, director of the Internship Academy program. “She’s an exceptional student teacher.”

Vaughn plans to stay in Missouri to teach in the fall.

Explore education programs