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Reading, Foundations and Technology Blog

  • Reading, Foundations and Technology

Learning About Literacy

October 3, 2019 by Abigail Blaes

student reading book

Teaching kids how to read might seem pretty straight forward. Teach them the alphabet. Teach them words. Teach them sentences. You’re done, right?  

Not exactly. 

Reading can be one of the most challenging things students face. Not everyone naturally picks it up. It doesn’t always come quickly. 

The graduate certificate in literacy works to teach teachers strategies to help students pick up reading and writing effectively. There are specific courses within the program that teach different strategies for different types of students.  

How do special education students learn to read and write differently? When does a student’s difficulty reading and writing mean other explanations need to be explored? How do teachers assess student’s literacy success? How do teachers implement diversity into their literacy instruction? 

These are only a few of the topics the graduate certificate in literacy tackles. 

“Teaching literacy is important because literacy is the makeup of students’ comprehension, writing skills, and overall skills in communication,” Lauren Floyd, a current accelerated literacy graduate student said.

“When learning about the different barriers that are faced for students who struggle with literacy, I recognize that these are issues that are so commonly seen.” 

Students who enter into the graduate certificate program can expect to take away invaluable skills in teaching literacy. With only 12 hours of classes required, students can finish this certificate in less than a year and place themselves at a competitive advantage over their peers entering the field. 

There are no specific “required” courses students must take either. Each education student can choose three of the classes from the 13 offered. This allows for tailored studies and ensures students are learning what will be most useful to them in the future. 

“Not only are these courses preparing me for a future as a special reading teacher,” Floyd said. “They are also preparing me to be aware and mindful as a teacher in the everyday classroom setting.” 

Filed Under: Program spotlight Tagged With: literacy, Student spotlight

Homecoming Queen and Queen of the Classroom

April 11, 2019 by Abigail Blaes

Katie Verry being crowned

Katie Verry, senior middle school education, language arts and social studies major, is well known on Missouri State’s campus. 

During her four years at MSU, Verry has served as: 

  • President of Fraternity and Sorority Leaders for Social Awareness 
  • Director of social awareness for Panhellenic Association 
  • SOAR leader for two summers  
  • Mentor to new members of her sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma 
  • Chair for a number of committees for Sigma Sigma Sigma 
  • Council member for Catholic Campus Ministries 

Her list of accomplishments is substantial to say the least. 

The most recent accomplishment to add to her list is Homecoming queen. 

In October 2018, Verry was crowned queen after two weeks of campaigning, serving and festivities. 

“Homecoming was my favorite week I’ve ever had on campus,” Verry said. “I was pushing myself way past my comfort zone while I danced and cheered in front of thousands of my peers.” 

She described the moment she was announced as Homecoming queen. 

“Walking out on the football field that Saturday was one of the most nerve-racking moments of my life,” Verry said. “When my name got called, I couldn’t believe it. It was an amazing moment I’ll always remember.” 

Homecoming crowning 2018
(from left to right) 2017 King and Queen Matt Campbell and Lily Cozad at left, 2018 King and Queen Katie Verry and Andre McIntre, Gail and Clif Smart at right.

There’s no doubt it was well-earned. Her track record proves she is a determined, MSU-loving student. 

“I believe that Missouri State is a university that truly practices what they preach,” Verry said. “I’m proud to attend a public affairs minded university and use the mission to guide my leadership.” 

Verry doesn’t plan to abandon her drive and affinity for leadership after her graduation in May. 

Leading in a classroom is a different kind of leadership, but Verry is well-prepared. 

“I have learned so much through campus leadership,” Verry said. 

Katie Verry and the former PHA executive board
Katie Verry (third from left) with the former PHA executive board

“I want to incorporate my passion for social awareness into the classroom so my students can know how powerful learning truly is when it comes to changing the communities around them,” Verry said. 

Just as she worked to make Missouri State students feel like they belong, she hopes her future students feel the same. 

“Leading on campus means actively working to make Missouri State better. Those goals align well within the classroom,” Verry said.  

Follow along as Verry wraps up her term as Homecoming queen on Instagram. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: middle school education, Student spotlight

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