College of Education News

MSU student participates in Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum

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Tyler Crane, an elementary education senior, was one of 80 collegiate students nominated to represent Missouri State University during the annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values. 

It took place  Feb. 16-18, 2024, in Jefferson City, Missouri. 

The forum started in 1988 under the leadership of former Missouri Governor and 79th U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. 

 It challenges students’ character development by encouraging them to reflect on their own decision-making skills, values and belief systems. Students learn about how to reconcile relationships, stand for truth and love others as they love themselves. The forum’s guiding principle is teaching students to embrace altruism rather than egotism. 

“It was truly an honor to attend the forum. It focused on building relationships with student leaders from all across the state, and I met many amazing people,” Crane said.  

“Hearing from keynote speakers, such as Rebecca Welsh and Judge Pat Joyce, as well as inmates at the Jefferson City Correctional Center left me feeling inspired.” 

Forum highlights 

Gov. Mike Parson welcomed students of the forum with a meet and greet in his office, followed by an inspirational message from Welsh, founder of Halo, a mission that provides housing, healing and education to at-risk and homeless children. Students ended their time at the Capitol hearing from Missouri State Sen. Travis Fitzwater. 

Students also heard from several speakers who lead by example. A question-and-answer panel including Youssef Abdou, Natalia Chaing Breña, David Johnson, Bailey Stephen and Sadie Williams discussed the importance of community and relationships. Judge Joyce shared a message on redemption after the students’ tour of the Jefferson City Correctional Center. 

Kyrell and Michaela Newell, directors of St. Nicholas Academy, shared a message on servant leadership. Justin Campbell, regional director of YoungLife, concluded the forum, challenging students to consider their purpose in what they are aiming at.

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MSU education student receives a Citizen Scholar Award

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From Buffalo, Missouri, Tyler Crane is a first-generation education student at Missouri State University.  

“My passion for teaching began at a very young age. I was inspired by the incredible teachers I had while growing up,” she said. “Their influence shaped who I am today.” 

Crane chose MSU for its proximity to home, its affordability and its teacher preparation program. 

“I wanted to attend a college where my passion for teaching could flourish, and MSU has exceeded my expectations,” she said. 

Crane is part of the accelerated master’s program for elementary education. She will graduate in spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree. She will also have completed half of a master’s degree. 

She is the recipient of a 2034-24 Citizen Scholar Award, the highest award available to MSU students. 

Bears Teach Elementary 

Crane is the president and former secretary of Bears Teach Elementary (BTE), a student organization at MSU for elementary education majors.  

BTE hosts meetings for students to socialize and support one another. They also have guest speakers give presentations about various topics in the education field.  

As president, Crane collaborates with faculty advisors and the executive board to plan and facilitate meetings, manage the BTE calendar, delegate responsibilities among board members and coordinate with guest speakers. 

“My experience in Bears Teach Elementary has been so meaningful and fulfilling. Working with future educators in a community that shares my dedication and enthusiasm is inspiring,” she said. “In a profession as challenging as teaching, having a supportive community is so important.” 

Join BTE 

Experience as a first-gen college student 

Crane appreciates the sense of community at MSU.  

“As a first-generation college student, I was surprised to be met with the incredible sense of community within my program. I never expected to form such close bonds with my professors,” Crane said.  

“Building relationships with students is undoubtedly emphasized throughout the elementary education program, and my professors have set a great example of that.” 

Her favorite part about the program is the hands-on experience through classroom placements. She will have around 200 hours of classroom experience prior to student teaching.  

“That experience is invaluable,” Crane said. “I cherish the opportunities to work closely with students and teachers, shaping my growth as an educator.” 

Bettering the future of education 

After Crane graduates, she wants to teach at a local elementary school. She also envisions herself mentoring future teachers. 

In addition to her master’s, she wants to earn certificates in curriculum and instruction and gifted and talented education. She may pursue a doctorate in the distant future.  

“These ambitions come from my gratitude for my education at MSU, an institution that has not only equipped me with the skills to teach but also inspired me to contribute to the future of education.” 

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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.” 

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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 

Future Educators program continues to help Springfield community

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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