College of Education News

Joan Armstrong inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who

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Joan Armstong, alumna and current staff member of Missouri State University, was recently inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who biographical registry.  

Armstong earned a Master of Science in school counseling from Missouri State in 1987. She is now the director of Project ACCESS, which offers training, resources and support services to school district personnel who serve students with autism and related developmental disabilities.  

The Marquis Who’s Who registry holds biographies of accomplished individuals and innovators from many significant fields including medicine, law and education.  

Read the full biography  

Congratulations, Ms. Armstrong!  

Serving individuals with autism

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Finding your passion within a field can make all the difference in motivating you to pursue your dreams.  

As a freshman at Missouri State University, Taylor Janota worked as a nanny for a young boy who had autism. In this role, she observed certified speech language pathologists, physical therapists and behavioral analysts as they worked with their client.  

Janota working in her role as a board-certified behavior analyst

“This little boy didn’t have any way of communicating with others, but we were able to work with him to build that skill set,” Janota, now a board-certified behavior analyst for Emergent Learning Center in St. Louis, Missouri said. “It was cool to see the collaborative process and the critical thinking that had to happen in order to set this child up for success.” 

With a passion for autism and language, Janota pursued her bachelor’s in speech language pathology and started in a graduate program.  

She soon discovered that she missed the behavioral side of working in therapy, so she refocused her graduate path to a master’s in special education with an autism emphasis.  

She also set her sights on applied behavior analyst (ABA) credentials, which she could prepare for with the experiences from her graduate program.  

Professional experiences  

As a graduate student, Janota worked closely with her professors, collaborated across departments and did practicums in school and clinical settings.  

“I was able to conduct research and do a lot of different things within the realm of autism,” Janota said. “I got experience working with kids, practicing intakes and data collection – all the skills that I use now in my career.”  

The ABA credentials are acquired after passing a national certification exam, which is taken separately from the typical classwork.  

“The exam is known as ‘the beast,’ and it is a little nerve-racking,” Janota laughed. “It definitely took some studying, but I was very surprised with how well prepared I felt for it.” 

Celebrating little victories  

In her career, Janota has learned to appreciate growing with her clients.  

“When you’re going into this field, you are going to learn a lot about these individuals who you’re serving and you’re going to learn a lot about yourself,” Janota said. “I’m someone who likes to see progress quickly, but I’ve realized that’s not life.” 

Janota works consistently with the same clients in a clinical setting, so she gets to see her clients in each step of their journey.  

“This work has given me a new lens for looking at progress,” Janota said. “Even if it’s just a little bit of progress, that’s progress, and that’s something to be celebrated.” 

Explore autism spectrum disorder graduate programs

College of education alumni share their story

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Kerry and Noma Montgomery are both alumni of the Missouri State University College of Education. Their story was recently shared in the spring 2021 issue of “Advancements” magazine, which is a publication of the Missouri State University Foundation. We are happy to share their full story here: 

Noma and Kerry Montgomery can’t remember a time when Missouri State basketball wasn’t in their lives.   

Noma’s dad, Donald Pollard, was born in 1914. He was the first person in his family to go to college when he attended MSU, which was then Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. “He had been an outstanding high school basketball player in Humansville, and played intramural basketball at MSU,” Noma said.  

When her dad graduated, she remained a Bears fan. “I am 78, and I started going to games as a little girl. I don’t remember ever not going.”  

Kerry has been a “rabid fan since the 1950s.” His dad, Lewis Montgomery, was also first in the family to attend college, and also went to then-SMS. His mother, Hazel, attended for two years before becoming a teacher.  

Kerry went to his first Bears game in 1952, when he was 16. “I attended a small high school nearby, so it was a big deal to go to the college campus. I got to see one of the Bears teams that won the NAIA championship.” Both Noma and Kerry later attended the university, sealing their love for Bears athletics forever.  

“My college days were just glorious”   

Kerry was on campus from 1954-58. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and physical education. “I was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and really enjoyed that,” he said. “I am still very close with five or six of my brothers.”  

Noma was at the university from 1960-64. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in English. Noma was a cheerleader for basketball and football, putting her close to the sports action. “I still remember which area was my ‘cheer corner’ in McDonald Arena, and who sat there.  

“My college days were just glorious. They really were.” She made lifelong friends while at MSU. “What I probably cherish the most are the wonderful memories and lasting friendships I developed through my Tri Sigma sorority and other campus activities. I stay in contact with at least 15 or 20 of my sorority sisters. Some of them who are local, I see weekly.”  

The couple didn’t attend the university at the same time, but they met on campus — and again, there’s a basketball tie.” Her boyfriend at the time was one of my best friends,” Kerry said. “We were sitting in McDonald Arena watching people come in during a basketball game. I saw Noma and said, ‘There’s a cute girl.’” Kerry’s friend replied: ‘That’s my girlfriend!’”  

They officially met through that friend. When Kerry dated a friend of Noma’s, they even went on double dates — though not as each other’s dates! When those other relationships didn’t work out, they connected with each other. They married in 1966.   

Building careers and a family   

Both Noma and Kerry had careers after college. Noma taught school in Independence, Missouri, for two years. After marrying Kerry, she moved back to Springfield. She was an employment counselor, and retired from that to raise their two sons, Scott and Grant (who have given them seven grandchildren). 

“When the children were grown, I worked in Branson for about 25 years as a tour guide.” She would meet groups at the airport, host tours on buses and take people to shows and attractions. “It was one of the most enjoyable jobs a person could ever have — like being on vacation all the time!” She retired about two years ago.  

Kerry continued his education after MSU. He earned a master’s degree in secondary school administration from the University of Missouri, and then a juris doctor degree from MU’s law school. He worked for a law firm, then the prosecutor’s office, and next went into private practice. In 1991, then-Gov. John Ashcroft appointed Kerry to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Kerry worked there until retiring in 2003, and served one three-year term as chief judge in those 12 years.  

He said his start at MSU set him up for success. “My professors and the academics in general were excellent. Dr. Duane Meyer (who later became the university president) was my history teacher. I sat in the first class he ever taught at SMS. What a wonderful professor. We later became friends, and I always had such respect for him.”   

Supporting their teams for 40+ years   

The couple kept many MSU connections through the years. In fact, Kerry served as Alumni Association president in the 1970s. 

When the Missouri State University Foundation was started, Kerry and Noma were a natural fit to become some of its first supporters. Kerry, who is a huge proponent of exercise and fitness — “I still play golf almost every day, weather permitting” — especially wanted to give to Bears athletics. “I bought my first season pass to basketball games in 1965,” Kerry said. “Every year since then, I have had season tickets.  

I think if you help one program, you are helping all of them — there’s more funds to spread around.”  

They plan to continue giving as long as they can, he said. “We want to help any efforts to guide our school and make it the best it can be.” 

Learn more about the MSU Foundation.

College of Education alumni recognized as outstanding beginning teachers

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Being a beginner at anything can be difficult. For beginners Kaitlin Voss and Marcus Bullard, alumni of Missouri State’s education program, there was no shortage of difficulties as they began their teaching careers.  

Their hard work to overcome the many challenges they face as teachers is not going unnoticed. Bullard and Voss have both been recognized as Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) 2021 Outstanding Beginning Teachers. 

Voss graduated in 2019 with her bachelor’s in education of the deaf and hard of hearing and in 2020 with her master’s in the education of deaf and hard of hearing. She is currently a third-grade teacher at the Kansas School for the Deaf.  

Bullard graduated in 2019 with his bachelor’s in elementary education and in 2020 with his master’s in educational technology. He is currently a second-grade teacher at Westport Elementary.  

Q&A with outstanding beginning teachers 

Both teachers shared details about their careers, offered helpful advice for the classroom and relayed pleasant memories from their time at Missouri State:  

What was the most challenging aspect as you began teaching?  

Voss: Figuring out what works best for each of my students is definitely the biggest challenge. And, of course, COVID has been an added struggle, but if I can get that done in my first year, then I guess the rest will be a breeze. 

Bullard: Navigating through a new school, learning things about curriculum, managing student conflict and helping students have productive conversations with each other were probably my biggest challenges. Coming from MSU, I felt prepared with being creative, and I had strategies that I could use. In your first year of teaching, you learn a whole different set of strategies. Going into a school, you kind of have an idea of how the school works, but you don’t truly know the culture of the school or how the students function day to day.  

How were you able to overcome those challenges as a new teacher?  

Voss: Talking with other teachers. Thankfully, I have such a great support system – teachers, my principal – they’re all amazing. Also, I ask my kids. I honestly rely on them because they know themselves. Having them as an active participant in trying to figure everything out definitely helps.   

Bullard: Last year I was in a team of four teachers teaching in the second grade. Having them as a support system was a huge deal for me. I learned  that it’s okay to lean on other people. You’re not in this teaching world alone. So, seeing all these positive role models influenced my own teaching. 

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher?  

Voss: Just seeing their faces – like when we came back from spring break – and seeing those lightbulb moments and the little connections that they make is so rewarding. It makes the challenges all worth it.   

Bullard: The most rewarding thing is being able to be a positive role model for my kids.  

Elementary Program Coordinator, Dr. Stefanie Livers and Dr. Minor Baker make a congratulatory visit to Mr. Marcus Bullard in his classroom at Westport K-8 school

What is one thing that you learned while at MSU that has paid off to know as you began your career in education?  

Voss: MSU did a great job of readying me for this diverse group of students with skills like utilizing your visuals, acting things out and making it as engaging as possible. Also, we have a preschool at Missouri State in Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall. That was probably my favorite experience, just to be able to have that connection right there: you sit in class, you learn and then you walk downstairs, and you get to apply it to real life. 

Bullard: My focus was educational technology for my graduate degree, so having a background in how to facilitate learning online was definitely a big help. With COVID, it was scary because we didn’t know when we were going to see our kids again or how we were going to be effective teachers. If I didn’t have those classes, I wouldn’t have been able to be successful with virtual learning. 

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Missouri State?  

Voss: Being able to see the deaf community in action was probably the coolest experience – just going to the mall for a chat or to a coffee shop to hang out. We also had a big picnic together with people who are deaf and hard of hearing in Springfield and surrounding areas – one in the fall and one in the spring. So, yeah, MSU was the greatest experience I could have ever asked for in a college, and not just in my program, but in the Springfield community.  

Bullard: One of my favorite memories was the first night – meeting people that I know will probably be in the rest of my life. I lived in a Living Learning Community (LLC) and there was a night at the rec center where LLC students could mix and mingle. Without MSU, I wouldn’t have the little close-knit group of friends that I have. I’m in Springfield and they’re in St. Louis and we still talk every day.   

Award-worthy teaching

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Springfield Public Schools are celebrating the 2020 finalists for the district’s Teacher of the Year award. Missouri State University’s College of Education congratulates nominees Cary Sikes, Michelle Slominsky and Shannon Bossing—all alumni.  

The college caught up with each of them to learn more about their experiences at Missouri State and their years as educators. The Teacher of the Year and other finalists will be recognized at an annual banquet in August by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.  

What grade and subject do you teach?  

Michelle Slominsky: I taught kindergarten my first two years of teaching, moved to first grade for seven years, and have been back with kindergarteners ever since. I teach all core subjects at Sequiota Elementary School.   

Shannon Bossing: I currently teach fourth grade at David Harrison Elementary, but I’ve also taught grades one, two and three, as well as K-12 English as a second language, K-12 gifted learners, K-6 computers, and I was an assistant principal for two years. 

Shannon Bossing teaches students via online learning in the time of COVID-19.
Shannon Bossing teaches students via online learning in the time of COVID-19.

During my second year in administration, I was diagnosed and treated for cancer, which led to a re–evaluation of my life, including my career path, and I decided to return to my passion as a classroom teacher. 

I teach all core subjects, though I absolutely love teaching reading and writing. 

Cary Sikes: I teach fourth grade — all four core subjects — at Wanda Gray Elementary.  

When did you graduate from Missouri State University, and how long have you been a teacher?

Slominsky: I first came to Missouri State in 1998 to pursue a degree in early childhood education. I was so lucky to have amazing instructors that helped me achieve this goal in December 2002. 

I met my husband at Missouri State, and we decided to make Springfield our home.  

I returned to the school and completed my master’s in reading in 2007. Spring 2018, I completed my specialist in education, teacher leadership degree at — you guessed it — Missouri State University. I love MSU! I have taught in and around Springfield for 17 years. 

Bossing: I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in education in December of 1994. After earning my first master’s degree from Drury in 1998, I returned to MSU for my second master’s degree and graduated in 2010. I’m finishing my 24th year in education. 

Sikes: I graduated in May 1993. I’ve taught for 27 years. 

What did you enjoy most during your time at Missouri State?

Slominky: While meeting my husband is the highlight of my undergraduate time at Missouri State, I can honestly say that I had such a positive experience in all my courses.  

I was able to do lots of observations at Greenwood Laboratory School, and I spent a lot of time working at the University Childcare Center in my free time.  

I was a University Ambassador and enjoyed giving tours to prospective students and their families. I was also involved in Greek Life, serving as the membership chair for Delta Zeta.   

Bossing: I really enjoyed my children’s literature class. I am not a fan of the fantasy genre, but my professor assigned “A Wrinkle in Time,” and I fell in love with that book. I also enjoyed my methods classes.  

Sikes: Making lifelong friends and the educational experiences that prepared me to be a teacher. 

Why did you choose to be a teacher?

Slominsky: I truly believe that teaching is my calling in life. I was so lucky to have amazing teachers in elementary school. While other kids would run to play outside at recess, I would beg my teachers to let me stay inside and do ‘teacher work.’  

My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Grieves, really stands out in my mind. She took the time to get to know me and was there during a difficult time in my life. It was then that I realized teaching was so much more than academics.  

Teachers made a difference in my life, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to pay it forward someday. 

Bossing: I came home from kindergarten and told my mom I was going to be a teacher when I grew up. It’s really the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, except for when I wanted to be a fighter pilot after the release of “Top Gun.” I can’t imagine doing anything else! 

Sikes: I wanted to work with kids, and I wanted to make a difference. Teachers were so important to me, especially my elementary teachers. I saw what they did for me and I wanted to do the same for others. 

Are there any unique ways Missouri State helped you prepare for your career?

Slominksy: I had the opportunity to participate in one of the first student teaching academies in Ozark. It was beneficial, because I got a much deeper understanding of how students change and grow and how a school operates.  

In my educational specialist program, I was provided rigorous, thought-provoking material that changed how I view education. Instead of sitting and learning about how to teach a certain concept, we had deep discussions about why we teach the concepts that we do.  

Bossing: For my master’s degree, I was part of a cohort through MSU and Springfield Public Schools, and that was an amazing experience. I loved how the seated classes were directly connected to our district. I was in a cohort with about 10 people, and we became very close. 

Sikes: I had some great professors and peers that made me the teacher I am today. 

What are some of your favorite memories as a teacher?

Slominksy: There are so many amazing moments as a teacher. I think the best moment as a teacher is when you can see that your students really know that you love them.  

Michelle Slominsky's class gathers in a circle on the floor of her classroom.
Michelle Slominsky’s class gathers in a circle on the floor of her classroom.

I’ve had students come in at the start of the year reluctant to receive love. They don’t want a hug and they look away when you smile at them. Seeing a child go from that type of behavior to walking in the door with a big smile on their face, and wrapping their arms around you for a hug, is a priceless reward.  

Bossing: One of my all-time favorite memories happened at the reading table in my fourth-grade classroom.  I was discussing a chapter book with a group and one student described a character as “diabolical.” I was so surprised a fourth-grader used such a word that I started laughing and couldn’t stop! We laughed until we cried!  

Years later, I saw that student working at a restaurant. He looked at me, said the word again, and we were both transported instantly to that time at the reading table. It’s a memory neither of us will ever forget! 

Sikes: It’s great to see students from years ago come back and see the path they have taken in their lives. A few years ago, I was in the hospital, and two former students were my nurses and took great care of me. It was amazing to watch.  

With my current students, I love seeing how much they grow from the beginning of the year to the end. When you spend a year with a student, you grow close and are vested in them for years to come. 

What are you most proud of during your time as a teacher? 

Slominsky: I think I am most proud of the strong relationships I build with students and their families. My classroom is truly my school family.   

Bossing: Being a finalist for Teacher of the Year is quite an honor and will always be a favorite memory.  It’s a privilege to be honored for doing something I love.  

Additionally, it’s the moments when there are tears over a sad part in a book, or a student finally gets a concept, or when I sit with teammates on the last day of school and we sigh from exhaustion — but we know we did our best for that group of kids. That’s what makes me proud of being a teacher. 

Sikes: I am proud of the relationships I develop with my students.