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Education students speak at MACTE spring conference

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In her courses for the elementary education program, Missouri State University’s Dr. Amber Howard teaches theories on competency-based-learning (CBL).  

MSU teacher candidates have brought these theories to the classroom through student teaching. 

Earlier this semester, assistant professor Howard and a group of MSU student teachers spoke at the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) conference in Columbia, Missouri. 

The students presented two different sessions. The first session was a panel discussion featuring Abbie Adkins, Tyler Crane, Avery Davis and Alyssa Mayo. Crane also presented at the second session. 

CBL and ungrading 

The group panel discussed the K-12 CBL initiatives in the state and how MSU is modeling CBL for their teacher candidates. The four students also shared their personal experiences with ungrading and standards-based grading. Ungrading refers to the practice of building a focus on mastering competencies instead of points and letter grades. 

“I’m so proud of how all four students spoke so articulately about their experiences,” Howard said. “Several teacher educators from across the state said this was their favorite session of the whole conference and I could not agree more.” 

Elevating the perception of the teaching profession 

In her individual presentation, Crane shared her research about improving the perception of teachers through the relationship among teachers, students and their families.   

“Tyler did a phenomenal job sharing her findings so articulately and facilitating conversation with teacher educators across the state around such an important topic,” Howard said. “I definitely had one of those proud teacher feelings watching her present.” 

Crane notes it was an honor to present at the conference. 

“The conference was a very valuable and unforgettable experience,” Crane said. “This was my first time attending an education conference. Getting to meet, hear from and present to other professionals in education was fulfilling.” 

Howard is grateful for the support from College of Education Dean Barri Tinkler and the college to take students to this year’s MACTE.  

“Getting students involved in activities like sharing at MACTE centers their voices in rooms where decisions are being made,” Howard said. “It’s vital to our education process. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to give them this platform.” 

Learn more about CBL programs

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.” 

Study education at MSU 

One step closer to her dream

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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