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College of Education News

Missouri State receives $70,000 grant to promote education programs

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Thanks to a $70,000 grant award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Missouri State University will be able to draw students into the education field. 

The funds are part of the annual Developing an Educator Workforce that Expands Yearly (DEWEY) Awards. 

Dr. Denise Cunningham, a professor in the School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences and a co-director for the Center for Rural Education, wrote the grant proposal. She believed MSU’s College of Education could meet the state’s need for more teachers.  

“The new report out by the DESE, states the highest shortage areas are elementary education and early childhood education teachers,” she said. “MSU is in the position to be able to meet that need.” 

The grant money will go toward a range of on campus high school recruitment events. These events aim to draw students into the teaching field, often from rural backgrounds.  

Bears Teach 

The DEWEY grant will fund the college’s summer immersion program, Bears Teach. This residential program allows students to stay on campus for a week to participate in education-related activities.  

The students are involved in: 

  • Sessions about college funding and finances 
  • Sessions about student organizations 
  • Classroom observations in their chosen field 
  • Alumni banquet – students can ask questions of current professionals 
  • Leadership night – students learn about the education career ladder 
  • Springfield experiences, such as a Springfield Cardinals game and Incredible Pizza 
  • Fun activities, such as karaoke night and movie night. 

According to Cunningham, the Bears Teach experience is designed to help students acclimate to campus life and familiarize themselves with Springfield.  

“After students come to Bears Teach, they say things like, ‘This cemented my decision to come to MSU and be a teacher,’” Cunningham said. “That’s why we do this.” 

Bears Teach Academy  

In her proposal, Cunningham also added a new program — Bears Teach Academy — to the list.  The academy will allow students who have previously attended Bears Teach and are beginning at MSU in fall 2025 to attend Bears Teach again in summer 2025. 

These students will also be able to take Child and Family Development (CFD) 155 Principles of Human Development for free as part of their experience. This course will count three credit hours as a general education course.  

Through these program offerings, Cunningham believes students will gain many opportunities to see what the teaching profession has to offer them.  

“We want to show high school students a variety of teaching settings and convince them that teaching is a joyful profession,” Cunningham said. “If we do that, we can meet the teacher shortage needs.” 

Young Mathematics Teacher Academy 

When submitting the grant, Cunningham made an effort to include funding for mathematics educators. As such, part of the money will support the mathematics department’s annual Young Mathematics Teacher Academy.  

Held in the summer, the residential academy helps participants to deepen their understanding of math and learn teaching strategies that support active learning.  

Cunningham notes math teachers are much needed.  

“Mathematics is a highly sought after degree by school districts, so I felt it was important to allocate funding to that area to encourage more students to be math teachers,” she said. 

Working with children and families 

One of the events funded by the DEWEY grant includes the “Working with children and families” fall and spring events. Local high schools bring students to the MSU campus to learn about education programs. 

The students can pick a breakout session to attend, which involves a hands-on experience with the career field. A panel of current education students speak at these events, sharing their experience as an MSU student.  

Students are also able to tour the campus and enjoy a free lunch.  

“Be a career and technical education teacher” day 

In addition, the funding from the DEWEY grant helps the career and technical education program (CTE) host students interested in agriculture education, business education or family and consumer sciences 

These students participate in activities based on their content area, hear from a panel of current MSU students and learn about admission and advising. Students also tour the MSU campus and are given a complimentary lunch. 

Learn more about the College of Education

A collaborative partnership between Missouri State University and Mark Twain Elementary

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In the fall of 2024, a unique and intentional partnership between Missouri State University and Mark Twain Elementary was launched. This collaboration aims to enhance the preparation of future educators while offering valuable resources and support to the teachers and students at Mark Twain Elementary. The journey to this collaboration, its structure, and its aspirations provide a compelling model for impactful educational partnerships.

The foundation of the partnership

This partnership began in February 2024, when Dr. Amber Howard, Dean’s Fellow at MSU, started collaborating with Blaine Broderick, principal of Mark Twain Elementary. They worked closely to create a mutually beneficial framework, meeting frequently to finalize plans. This effort followed a year-long initiative by Dr. Howard and MSU’s Competency-Based Learning (CBL) team to identify a suitable school partner and develop a collaborative approach. By the fall semester, the partnership was in full swing, with MSU faculty teaching classes at Twain and students gaining invaluable classroom experience.

Motivation and vision

The partnership stems from a broader initiative to support the implementation of CBL in schools as part of a Dean’s Fellowship project. “Our college students being able to work with early childhood and elementary students to apply the skills they are learning feels more directly connected to what they want to do with their careers, so it is really exciting for them,” shared Dr. Stacie Finley, highlighting the transformative impact of connecting theory to practice.

Initial efforts revealed the need for clarity and consistency in how CBL is introduced and practiced. Additionally, MSU recognized the dual benefits of placing education majors in classrooms earlier and more frequently: it not only enhances their readiness to lead their own classrooms but also provides schools with additional support for students and access to a pool of well-prepared, familiar teacher candidates.

A woman meets students in a classroom
Paige Allman, a student in Dr. Tammi Davis’s ELE 425 class, introduces herself to her penpals in Dawn Snapp’s class at Mark Twain Elementary.

Mark Twain Elementary was a natural fit for this partnership. Principal Broderick, an MSU alum, and his team’s commitment to fostering a supportive, collaborative environment aligned perfectly with MSU’s goals. For Dr. Howard, who spearheaded the partnership, Twain holds a special place as the first school where she felt truly at home as a teacher.

Structure and implementation

In the fall semester, five MSU faculty members taught portions of their courses at Mark Twain Elementary as part of this partnership:

  • Dr. Stacie Finley: LTC 318 Foundations of Literacy Instruction
  • Dr. Diana Piccolo: ELE 429 Math Methods
  • Dr. Tammi Davis: ELE 425 Writing Methods
  • Dr. Amber Howard: ELE 500 Current Issues in Elementary Education
  • Ellen Fogle: ELE 500 Current Issues in Elementary Education

These classes directly connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. For example:

  • Dr. Finley’s literacy class pairs MSU students with 22 Twain students for one-on-one tutoring sessions.
  • Dr. Davis’s writing methods course includes a pen pal project where MSU students correspond weekly with 21 second-grade pen pals at Twain, analyzing writing and building meaningful connections.
  • Dr. Piccolo’s math methods students observe lessons in seven classrooms and design interactive math activities as their final projects.

MSU’s ELE 500 students also participate in 130-hour internships, spending one full day per week at Twain. These internships, required for all education degrees at MSU, far exceed the state’s minimum requirements, reflecting MSU’s commitment to comprehensive teacher preparation.

a woman sits with students in a classroom
Hannah Holcomb interned in this second grade class at Twain as part of her ELE 500 course, where she will also student-teach in the spring semester.

Fostering growth for all participants

The partnership is designed to benefit both the MSU students and the Twain community. By immersing MSU students in classrooms earlier and often, the program bridges the gap between academic preparation and the realities of teaching. “I haven’t been with this young of an age in my entire college experience. I loved how excited they were to learn and to meet me. It was a prime example of why I chose this career to begin with,” shared a student after completing the semester. According to student reflections, the experience has been transformative, reigniting their passion for teaching and reinforcing their career aspirations.

Twain’s teachers and students also gain significant advantages. Students receive personalized attention through tutoring and pen pal projects, while teachers appreciate the additional support and collaboration.

“I love the Missouri State professors I get to work with and I’ve always had hard-working MSU students,” said one of the Twain teachers with students in the penpal program.

Looking ahead, the partnership aims to expand its impact by offering professional development (PD) opportunities for Twain’s teachers, with a focus on equity in assessment and the principles of CBL.

Expanding the model

The success of this partnership is paving the way for similar collaborations. This semester, Dr. Howard and faculty are duplicating the Twain partnership with Disney Elementary. Dr. Lori Elliott, the principal, has already welcomed MSU interns in the past and expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration through hosting literacy and methods courses this semester. The plan for these partnerships includes having two elementary schools where ELE and ECE students can see a model of the best practices they learn about in their college courses while also integrating PD sessions for the schools to support the district’s transition to CBL.

The partnership between MSU and Mark Twain Elementary exemplifies the power of intentional collaboration. By aligning the needs and goals of both institutions, it creates a mutually enriching environment where future educators and current practitioners learn and grow together. As the partnership evolves, its potential to shape the future of education in Springfield Public Schools, and schools across Missouri, is immense. Through shared dedication to supporting students, teachers, and schools, MSU and its partners are building a brighter future for education.

Rural scholarship program helps educators return home

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Four students in Missouri State University’s College of Education were selected to join the Ozarks Teacher Corps, a scholarship program created by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

With this award, students can return to their rural hometown or another rural setting to begin their teaching careers. 

Joining a rural initiative 

When accepted into the Teacher Corps, students commit to three years of teaching in any rural hometown post-graduation. The Teacher Corps scholarship enables students to continue their degree without financial pressure.  

The application and scholarship are open to all college juniors and seniors in the region. 

The Teacher Corps also offers professional development opportunities for the cohort, the latest of which was with Teton Science Schools in Montauk State Park.

The latest scholarship recipients from MSU are: 

  • Cierra Parker, a junior elementary education major 
  • Brooke Crumm, a senior elementary education major
  • Grace Reed, a senior elementary education major at the West Plains campus
  • Jordyn Sigman, a junior elementary education major at the West Plains campus

Crumm began at Missouri State in fall 2023 after gaining her Associate of Arts in teacher education at Ozarks Technical Community College. She is originally from Marshfield, Missouri. 

For Crumm, this is a personal gain as much as it is a professional one.  

“Returning home to teach is something I’m looking forward to because I understand the specific needs and culture of my community,” she said. “I want to give back to the community that shaped who I am today.” 

The importance of rural education 

Dr. Rhonda Bishop, co-director for the Center for Rural Education at Missouri State explained the importance of the program to communities.  

“The schools are the hub of the communities,” she said. “The impact teachers have on the parents and children they serve is incredibly powerful.” 

She described her own admiration for the students who wish to return to rural schools to teach.  

“I graduated from a rural high school and was a public educator in rural schools for 29 years,” she said. “To know we’re sending some of the best into rural situations is what makes me the proudest.” 

Learn more about the Center for Rural Education

On track to becoming a filmmaker

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Since he was 16 years old, Luke Goldston has wanted to make films. Thanks to Missouri State University’s Bear POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Work, Education and Resilience) program, he has begun to achieve his filmmaking dreams.

Bear POWER began in 2018 at Missouri State as a way to offer college experiences to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Goldston, who is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, joined the program in fall 2022, majoring in digital film and television production. This December, he will graduate. Although his time at Missouri State is ending, his filmmaking will continue to take him far.

“What I’ve most enjoyed about MSU is being with friends and making films with them,” Goldston said. “It has been a magical experience to not only improve my craft but also bond more with my friends.” 

According to Bear POWER director Dr. April Phillips, the support Goldston received from his peers, staff and faculty has enabled him to succeed.  

“As a Bear POWER student, Luke has overcome challenges and persevered in his quest to learn more about media and film,” she said. “We’re very proud of him and his work.” 

An outstanding achievement 

While at MSU, Goldston created “Springfield Stroll,” a short, independent film. It debuted on Oct. 6 at Moxie Cinema. The indie genre film was a 26-minute anthology of three people walking through different parts of Springfield: downtown, the MSU campus and Sequiota Park.  

Goldston was the film’s cinematographer, editor and producer. It starred Thade Yates, Charles Sargent and Cade Johnson. 

For this project, Goldston chose to follow the rules of Dogme 95. This is a filmmaking movement aimed at taking films back to the basics by excluding traditional production values like special effects and other technological enhancements. Another Dogme 95 rule is films must be shot on location.  

“It was fun to work within the rules of Dogme 95 and see what resulted. The actors also called it an interesting challenge,” said Goldston, who interns at the Moxie.  

He notes having his film on screen for the first time was an exhilarating experience.  

“Ethereal is how I would describe it,” he said. “The actors and I were more and more excited as we got closer to the premier.”

During Goldston’s time on campus, one of his favorite faculty members is Bobby Lewis from the department of communication, media, journalism and film. 

“He gave me so much important advice when it came to filmmaking,” Goldston said. 

Looking ahead with optimism 

Upon graduation, he plans to continue directing films and work in the art world.  

“My future plans are to get a job at either a theater, Vintage Stock, Barnes & Noble or a film happening in Oklahoma City,” he said. “I want to eventually make bigger and more complex films.” 

Goldston dreams of bringing awareness to personal hardship and invoking compassion through his films. 

“I want to continue to tell stories about personal struggles and obstacles that many people deal with daily,” he said. 

Learn more about Bear POWER

Student leader prepares to become special education teacher

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One Missouri State University student who will complete his undergraduate degree this December is senior Faron Haase. 

After studying at Missouri State since fall 2020, Haase will receive his bachelor’s degree in special education and a minor in literacy. He has made the most of his time at Missouri State and displayed genuine commitment to his community and students.   

On campus engagement 

Haase, a native of Joplin, Missouri, has taken on many roles during his time at the university. It might be easier to find a club or organization he has not been a part of.  

A few of the leadership hats he has worn include: 

Haase notes juggling his studies and extracurricular activities has helped him with time management.  

“It was hard to learn to delegate but also stay involved in all the things I wanted to do,” he said. “I just had to remember how much I enjoyed what I was doing, learn to prioritize and focus.” 

Mentorship from cooperating teachers

Faron Haase with his cooperating teacher Rachel McGowan
Faron Haase with his cooperating teacher Rachel McGowan

Haase chose special education because of his desire to help students with disabilities learn and thrive. He admits that he struggled with his classroom confidence initially, but his time at Missouri State has made him more comfortable.  

“I fought a lot of imposter syndrome as far as, ‘what gives me the right to come into a classroom and expect students to care what I have to say,’” he said. “My time in the College of Education has made me more confident in my ability to teach my students.” 

He is currently a student teacher in a ninth-grade special education classroom at Nixa High School with two cooperating teachers: Rachel McGowan and Lindsey Hamilton. Together, they teach English and mathematics. 

The three have formed a close friendship and built a lot of trust among them.  

“We can really feed off each other’s energy,” Haase said. “We know when we’re not having a good day and can talk to each other about anything.” 

He shares they even try to find ways to incorporate their humor and personality in their lessons.  

“When we introduced the budgeting unit, we performed a skit,” he said. “I explained I’m a college student, so I don’t have money, and Rachel prompted me with questions to get our points across.” 

Pursuing a master’s program 

Haase will continue his studies at Missouri State in the educational technology graduate program. His undergraduate classes shaped his interest in the field. 

“I took one course related to educational technology and performed the best I’ve ever performed in a class,” he said. “I spent a lot of extra time focusing on the class because I loved it.” 

His goal behind this specific degree path is to connect better with his students.  

“We live in a modern age and the new tech for education is expanding. I want to learn more about how to understand my students better,” he said. “That’s what technology in education does; it teaches the teachers how to reach students in ways humans can’t.” 

Although he only started working with his current students during student teaching, they mean the world to him. 

“My students mean everything – there’s no job without them,” he said. “They’re how I have a job that makes me happy. I’ve only been in this school for 12 weeks, but they’re part of me now.” 

Learn more about the College of Education