College of Education News

An effort to make ‘Every Student Known’

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To say that Missouri State University alumna Dr. Adrienne Battle is an accomplished educator is an understatement. 

She has won many awards, and her leadership of Nashville Public Schools as superintendent has led the district to gain national recognition.  

She notes her journey to success began at Missouri State University as a student-athlete and in its College of Education.  

“It has been more than 20 years since I graduated, but I still carry MSU with me every day,” Battle said. “I still use the lessons from my teacher education program in my role leading a district of more than 11,000 employees and 81,000 students.”   

She graduated from MSU in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She earned a professional teaching licensure for grades K-8.  

Experience and success 

A Nashville native, Battle chose MSU for its faculty and reputation, and for the opportunity to compete as a Division I track and field athlete.  

“I knew it was a prestigious university with a track record of preparing leaders in education and other fields and providing state-of-the-art facilities for growth and learning,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without MSU and the care that so many people poured into me there.” 

Battle served as an educator and administrator in Nashville for 16 years before becoming superintendent:  

  • Math teacher/reading and language arts teacher: Dalewood Middle School, 2003-06 
  • Assistant principal: Glencliff High School, 2010-11 
  • Academic principal: Glencliff High School, 2011-12 
  • Executive principal: Antioch High School, 2012-16  
  • Executive lead principal, priority schools and elementary schools, 2017 
  • Community superintendent overseeing schools in the southeast quadrant, 2017-19 

Her success as an educator led her to receive five prestigious awards and acknowledgements in 2025 alone: 

  • Midsouth Emmy Award, Documentary-Cultural, for “Every Student Known: The Creation of an Anthem” 
  • Save the Music Foundation Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education 
  • Women Who Rock Nashville Phenomenal Woman Award 
  • Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence – Top Executive category 
  • Nashville Post Education In Charge list 

Not only has Battle succeeded individually, but her entire school district has, too.  

Metro Nashville Public Schools ranked in the top 10 in both math growth and reading growth from 2022-23 and again from 2023-24. This accomplishment was recognized nationally in the Education Recovery Scorecard by researchers from Harvard University and Stanford University. 

Leadership strategies 

For Battle, leadership is the ability to delegate.  

“Real leadership isn’t about doing everything,” she said. “It’s about empowering others to step up and contribute. When I started delegating with trust, not only did my workload become more manageable, but my team also grew in confidence and skill.” 

Regarding her policies, the school district has implemented a student-oriented slogan: “Every Student Known.”

“Every Student Known” is our mission and mantra,” she said. “We work every day to know not just each student’s name, but also their strengths, talents and aspirations. We want to know what makes them tick so we can set them up for success in college, career and life.” 

As Battle reflects on her journey, she shares three pieces of advice she would give to her past self: 

“Walk into every room as if you belong there – because you do.”  

“No one succeeds alone. The African proverb says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’”  

“True success is measured not by how high you climb but by how many you bring with you.” 

She expressed her gratitude for students pursuing a career in the education field.  

“Public schools need you, and you can have a tremendous impact on students if you’re passionate, dedicated and innovative,” Battle said. “Thank you for choosing education.” 

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School principal fosters success through community

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The Springfield region of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) recently selected Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Principal Angie Carder of Wanda Gray Elementary as Distinguished Principal. 

A Missouri State University alumna, Carder is one of 11 principals nominated for this award in the state of Missouri. MAESP chose Carder for her collaboration with colleagues, mentorship and hands-on approach to administration. 

“It was really nice to be honored by my colleagues and highlighted as a leader,” she said. 

The path to Wanda Gray 

Carder completed her undergraduate studies at Evangel University in 1993. She began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Doling Elementary in the same year (closed in the early 2000s).  

When Carder was a new teacher, a principal encouraged her to pursue a career in administration.  

“I had a principal who said I was a natural influencer and a positive change in mindset in our school,” she said. “I loved the classroom, but I realized administration might be an opportunity I could explore down the road.” 

In 2004, she became a third grade teacher at McBride Elementary School. That same year, she gained her master’s degree in educational administration from MSU.  In 2004, she earned her specialist degree in educational administration from MSU. She then became an assistant principal at Wanda Gray and Disney Elementary School in 2006. 

“I enjoyed my graduate work at MSU and felt like the programs prepared me well as an elementary administrator,” she said. “We learned about many real-life scenarios that a principal might encounter and talked through ideas.” 

Three years later, she became principal at Wanda Gray. 

“It was a natural, smooth transition to principal,” Carder said. “We have a very strong culture and climate in our building. We also have a very supportive community.”  

Carder has continued to support Missouri State as principal. She has been a key leader in building a strong partnership between Wanda Gray and Missouri State University’s Internship Academy (IA), a yearlong, immersive co-teaching program that prepares future educators through hands-on experience.  

Thanks to her support, IA interns at Wanda Gray are fully integrated into the school community through daily planning, instruction and collaboration. Her dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment ensures that both interns and students benefit from the program. 

A hands-on approach 

SPS announced the award, noting Carder’s connection with her team. 

“She seeks opportunities to serve beyond her own school by mentoring others,” SPS Board of Education stated.  “She builds strong, trusting relationships within her school, the district and the community.” 

Carder’s strength as a principal is her hands-on approach to leadership and activity in her school. She is a mentor principal to a new principal every year and she serves on many committees in her school. 

She also participates in a professional learning community that meets weekly to plan, analyze student data and discuss student interventions.  

Carder’s strategy for administration is being active. 

“I try to be very visible in our school, in the classrooms and hallways,” she said. “I like to be accessible to students and teachers. I enjoy giving positive input and effective feedback.” 

She added it is important to work with teachers in a hands-on way and recognize the impact of their work. 

Carder wants to encourage students who are considering an education career. 

“I wish I could somehow spread the word that this is such a positive, important career,” she said. “As an educator, you impact a student’s future, character and self-esteem. It’s been so rewarding to make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m thankful I’ve had the opportunity.” 

On March 3, MAESP will announce the Missouri winner of the national Distinguished Principal Award. Carder is in the running for the award. 

Learn more about the College of 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

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

Student teacher selected as one of the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow

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Recent Missouri State University graduate Dorian Beckner has been honored as an outstanding student teacher.

Dorian Beckner (center) with her cooperating teachers.
Dorian Beckner (center) with her cooperating teachers.

She is one of 13 student teachers across the state — and only one of two in the southwest region — recognized as the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow by Missouri Milken Educators. 

As an award recipient, she will enjoy a year of coaching and mentorship from a Missouri Milken Leader and access to the Missouri Milken Educators network. 

“Teaching is a hard but rewarding career path, so it’s nice when you hear what you’ve done well, even if it was just my first year,” Beckner said. 

A standout student teacher at Wanda Gray  

At Missouri State, Beckner, a Springfield native, was part of the Internship Academy in the College of Education (COE). The academy offers students a year-long, on-site experience with partner school districts.  

Beckner student taught in a third-grade classroom at Wanda Gray Elementary in Springfield Public Schools (SPS) for the 2023-24 school year. Her outstanding performance in the classroom, compassion and hard work compelled Cathy Barrett, her cooperating teacher, to recommend her for the award.  

“Dorian is a very compassionate person and teacher,” Barrett said. “She finds good in everyone. She helps students feel successful in a kind and loving manner.”  

One of Beckner’s assignments was to create a unit plan. The complex plan covering economics stood out to Barrett.  

“Students could earn class money and at the end of the unit, she conducted an auction,” Barrett said. “She had interesting prizes for our students. They learned a lot about saving and using their money wisely.” 

According to Beckner, she is passionate about teaching because she understands the importance of a consistent, loving role model in a child’s life. 

“To be that person for a group of 24 students is life changing, and I hope it’s the same way for them,” she said. 

A welcome surprise 

Beckner received the award on May 2 at Wanda Gray in a surprise assembly. Her students and COE guests were present. Denise Fredrick, former SPS educator and former president of the SPS Board of Education, gave her the award.   

“Students surprised me with a celebration assembly and all of third grade was there,” Beckner said. “Many of my third graders stood up and said something about me, which was sweet.” 

Sharing what she has learned 

For Beckner, the biggest lesson she has learned is even mistakes can be lessons for her students.  

“I want my students to see that I’m a real human,” she said. “I want them to know they can make mistakes just like Miss Beckner makes mistakes.” 

She also gave advice for future student teachers.  

“Take it all in, ask questions and pay attention to all the things around you,” Beckner said. “You’ll learn what to do and what not to do. Take lots of notes. Take lots of pictures.” 

Beckner graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She will teach first grade at SPS’ Westport Elementary in fall 2024. 

Learn more about the Internship Academy