College of Education News

Dr. Amber Howard discusses Competency-Based Learning

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Educator Dr. Amber Howard was recently featured in the Springfield Business Journal. She co-wrote an article titled, “Why competency-based education is good for the business world.” 

Howard is an assistant professor  in the department of childhood education and family studies. 

The article explains about Competency-Based Learning (CBL) and makes an argument for CBL’s usefulness for the business world.  

Excerpt: 

CBL has been called many things, including standards-based learning, mastery learning and personalized learning. The benefits to the education system of this practice are seemingly endless. CBL aims to replace traditional assessment and accountability measures such as yearly standardized testing and quarterly benchmark assessments with real-world application of learning in meaningful ways. 

This real-world application increases students’ ability to retain and transfer their learning to other contexts, expands college and career readiness, increases both student and teacher satisfaction with the learning process and has the potential to transform our education system. 

Learn more CBL

COE alumna Courtney Baker named Teacher of the Year

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For her excellence in teaching, Missouri State University alumna Courtney Baker received the Teacher of the Year award for Hawthorn Elementary School, based in St. Peters, Missouri.  

Hawthorn is part of the Fort Zumwalt School District, which is headquartered in O’Fallon.  

“I was really honored to have had five different nominations this year to win this award,” Baker said. “It feels good when your hard work is noticed. That’s not why you do it, but it feels good when people appreciate you. Our school does an assembly with all the kids gathered chanting your name, and it’s always so fun.” 

Baker is also a finalist for the district’s Educator of the Year award. 

From West County, St. Louis, Baker has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches kindergarten but has also taught first and second grade in the past.  

A positive Missouri State experience 

Baker first attended Missouri State from 2011-2015 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Wanting to become an expert in her field, she completed her master’s degree in early childhood and family development online in 2019. 

The biggest impact on Baker during her education was Dr. Denise Cunningham, associate dean of MSU’s College of Education.  

“She made it real for us,” Baker said. “She made it clear it wasn’t going to be sunshine and daisies every day in the classroom. She taught us real life survival.”  

Though Cunningham was upfront with the realities of teaching, Baker found her lessons exciting and engaging.  

“If she’s having this much fun teaching us, imagine how much fun we’re going to have when it’s our time as well,” Baker said. 

 Her favorite part of being a student at Missouri State was the energetic atmosphere.  

“There’s so much to be a part of everywhere you look,” she said. “We always called it a big school with a small school feel.” 

In her final year as a student, Baker served as president of University Ambassadors and received the Senior Woman of the Year award. 

Impacting young lives  

Baker comes from a long line of nurturing women with careers in nursing. While she always knew she wanted to help others, a job involving blood was off the table. 

“To be honest, kindergarteners’ teeth falling out at random is pushing it!” Baker said. 

Through her experiences working at summer camps and volunteering at a children’s crisis nursery, Baker’s heart discovered it had a special place for working with young children. 

“They have such a passion for life and such a unique outlook,” Baker said. “You get to help them not just with their learning, but in becoming a good person as well.” 

Recently, Baker read her students a book called, “How Full is Your Bucket,” as part of a lesson about spreading kindness to others.  

“Now everything I hear is, ‘I’m filling their bucket,’ ‘they’re filling my bucket.’ It’s so sweet to hear,” Baker said. 

When she started teaching at Hawthorn, Baker taught the same class of students from kindergarten through second grade.  While learning three new curriculums in a row was challenging, Baker found the overall experience rewarding because she got to watch her kids grow and see their humor develop and their abilities change.  

“It was really cool to forge a bond with those students and have trust and expectations built going year to year,” she said. 

One of Baker’s favorite parts of teaching younger children is following their progress throughout elementary school.  

“Sometimes the really, really quiet kid in kindergarten is the star of the school play in fifth grade. I love that I get to see these kids grow up and come out of their shells,” she shared. 

Some advice to share  

Baker tells students considering a career in early childhood education to “go for it; it’s super fun.”  

She encourages students to attend practicum opportunities while at Missouri State to experience the classroom environment.  

“What you go in thinking you want to teach might not actually be your calling,” Baker said. 

 She discourages those just entering the workforce from overwhelming themselves with the expectation of doing everything at once.  

“Get in there, do your best and follow your curriculum,” she said. “Don’t try to be the ‘Pinterest Teacher.’” 

Learn more about early childhood education programs

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.

Explore elementary education at MSU

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 

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.” 

Study education at MSU