NewMICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Educator OF EDUCATION SPRING 2008

ZON: The New Frontier for Learning Chinese

College Insider: A Planning Guide for Students

SHARIF SHAKRANI ON POLICY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION A Scholar, a Servant . . . a Star PHOTO BY TOM STANULIS STANULIS TOM BY PHOTO new educator vol. 13 • no. 2 • spring 2008

The New Educator is published twice a year by the Office of the Dean, College of Education, Michigan State University, for the faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the college.

We welcome your comments and news items. Please address your letters to: New Educator, College of Education, Michigan State University, 518 Erickson Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1034 or to [email protected].

Visit us on the Web at www.educ.msu.edu/

College of Education Alumni Association www.educ.msu.edu/alumni/

dean Carole Ames president, college of education alumni association Kathryn Rodgers managing editor Nicole Geary writers Andy Henion, Kristen Parker, Susan Pettit Riley photography Tom Stanulis layout/design Charlie Sharp, Sharp Des!gns, Inc. printing/binding Millbrook Printing, Grand Ledge, MI on the cover Professor Sharif Shakrani, co-director of the Education Policy Center at Michigan State University, poses beside Perpetual Encore, a steel structure by artist Johnny Blue inside Wharton Center. PHOTO BY TOM STANULIS

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.

new educator FEATURES

OUT OF THE CLASSROOM 10 Students get on-campus option to live with, study American Sign Language

A STEADY VOICE 16 Meet the scholar and “diplomatic mathematician” who leads the Education Policy Center

TEACHER-INITIATED 24 TRANSFORMATION Professor, student help local community break through barriers with Chinese family

ON POLICY 32 The small-school movement: Shakrani examines the merits for Michigan and beyond

LEARNING TO IMPROVISE 46 Sherry uses case-based instruction to prepare teachers for real classrooms

GLOBAL EDUCATORS IN CHINA 48 Intern, alumna experience life as educators in another part of the world

SECTIONS

04 UPFRONT 36 FACULTY 43 STUDENTS 52 ALUMNI 58 DEVELOPMENT

spring 2008 1 PHOTO BY SUE WAY SUE BY WAY PHOTO MSU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION another special strand in our teacher preparation program. Similar to the Urban Educators Cohort Program, from the Dean students will be admitted as fresh­ men and participate in a specialized curriculum and set of experiences designed to help them develop into teachers who can bring an interna­ tional perspective to the k–12 curricu­ with this issue of the New Educa­ to internationalize its curriculum and lum and their own students’ learning tor, we are approaching the end of the programs. Our goal is to offer our experiences. Kristin Janka Millar and 2007–08 academic year and celebrat­ students a range of opportunities that Jack Schwille have already begun the ing the arrival of spring. As we look will help them develop the kind of work to bring global perspectives to back, we take stock of a very busy competencies necessary for teaching, college teaching and local k–12 schools and exciting year for the college, with conducting research and working with funding from the Longview faculty engaged in searches for new within a global society. The challenge Foundation. colleagues, preparations for a review is daunting, but among the questions Through the U.S.-China Center and of our teacher preparation program we have been studying are: What does the Confucius Institute, the college by the Teacher Education Accredita­ it mean to be globally competent, how continues to expand its global reach tion Council (teac), dynamic research do we embed globalization through­ to China. The Confucius Institute at programs, new opportunities abroad, out our curriculum and how can MSU was selected from among the policy debates about education issues, technology enable global engagement 210 institutes existing worldwide to and panels, task forces and commit­ and learning. receive a 2007 Confucius Institute of tees at the state and national levels. We already have several outcomes the Year award. Under the direction Over the past year, this college— to report, but only enough space here of University Distinguished Professor already with a long-standing his­ to share a few. Starting this next aca­ Yong Zhao, our Confucius Institute tory of international research and demic year, we are launching a Global is the only one offering Chinese lan­ engagement—has taken further steps Educators Cohort Program that will be guage courses online, reaching more

Why should we reminisce? engaged in campus vocations, as a structed College of Education build­ Recently, I reflected on my six student in the College of Education, ing with the Kiva that captured my decades of life in East Lansing next as a parent of MSU students and now attention with its unique round look. to the campus of Michigan State in my capacity as president of the Col­ My first step inside Erickson Hall was University. I remembered hearing lege of Education Alumni Association as a teenager when a professor offered the Spartan Marching Band from the Board of Directors, it has been my a seminar in leadership to our high screened porch, going to the cow fortune to watch this college become school student council. As a student in barns, seeing construction of the more and more far-reaching. This the 1960s, I learned about the drive to library addition, wandering the Beal college has seen the best of the tried expand the college’s efforts in the area gardens, playing at Cowles House and and true merge with the exciting new of international outreach. The student more. These contemplations brought practices of today. The combination population of the college was becom­ forth images of the ever-changing and has fostered a dynamic world-class ing increasingly diverse and the scope evolving university across the street college in an increasingly complex of innovative programs widened. from my home. I have watched both global environment. With great pride, I now see a college the city and the campus grow in a I believe it was 1958 when my with its eyes toward global education, myriad of different ways. Through grandfather took me for a ride promoting international interests the eyes of a youngster with family through campus to see the newly con­ with greater offerings and depth. The

2 new educator than 2,000 k–12 students and adults. alization” (ed-web3.educ.msu.edu/inter­ Finally, I would like to bring your Zhao and his team have launched an national) for more information about attention to a new online guide for exciting new video game called zon/ these and other initiatives. college preparation (page 20) devel­ New Chengo that has the potential of This year also has proved to be oped by Matthew Diemer, assistant reaching a much larger audience of very lively in the education policy professor of school counseling. Many tech-savvy learners online—especially arena, from debates about the success high school students have limited un­ surrounding this summer’s Beijing and future of No Child Left Behind derstanding of the process, require­ Olympics (see page 14). Responding to reports about lagging U.S. student ments or even opportunities related to the increasing demand for teachers achievement, especially in mathemat­ to college applications and financial of Chinese language, the college will ics when compared to other countries. aid. This practical tool is intended to offer a new certification program for In this issue (page 16), you will meet serve as a resource for students and teaching Chinese as a foreign lan­ Sharif Shakrani, who is co-director of parents navigating college-related guage. It will be available for Ameri­ the Education Policy Center located choices. can students as well as teachers from in the College of Education at MSU. It is our goal, through this maga­ China. Sharif most recently was deputy zine, to provide many examples of As part of our statewide outreach executive director of the National how the college is making an impact efforts, the college hosted the second Assessment Governing Board, which through the exceptional research, annual Internationalizing Michigan has oversight of the National Assess­ outreach and teaching of its faculty. Education Conference in April. This ment of Educational Progress (naep). We strive to make bold moves and stay conference attracts more than 200 He joined the College of Education on the cutting edge—making a differ­ educators from around the state as faculty in fall 2005 and brings a wealth ence throughout k–16 education. We

well as representatives from inter­ of experience and expertise in assess­ welcome your input and feedback and UFFMAN national partner schools. We also are ment and student achievement. Sharif thank you for your continued support developing new and more expansive is a prominent contributor to state and interest. opportunities for study abroad, study and national policy debates; he’s an trips and exchanges for faculty and invaluable resource to educational students. I encourage you to visit the leaders and policymakers as well as to college’s Web site under “Internation­ our own graduate students. Carole Ames PHOTO OF CAROLE AMES KIM BY KAPHOTO

College of Education is leading in so many facets of education. It is an COE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION exciting time. The alumni board’s mission is to facilitate and support the interests of from the President the college and, of course, our alumni. Please consider letting us know about your current pursuits or those of fel­ low college alumni. We take pride in highlighting your accomplishments. enhancing aspects of education on a progress that has taken place and the Your support of the college global level. You could contribute by great strides that are in the works. through membership in the Michigan serving on the board or volunteering Let’s reminisce together. See you at State University Alumni Association for events sponsored by the college. I Homecoming! is a vital part of its success. I hope you encourage you to review the Web site will consider joining or renewing your to find a place for your talents. membership as the College of Educa- I suppose reminiscing about the Kathryn Rodgers tion reaches further around the world, past allows us to mark the notable Class of 1970 and 1974

spring 2008 3 High Flying for a 14 th Year! ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 5 University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign 1 Michigan State University 6 Ohio State University 2 University of Wisconsin–Madison 7 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor 3 Teachers College, Columbia University (NY) 8 University of Georgia University of Georgia 9 Indiana University–Bloomington 5 Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN) 0 Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN) 6 Ohio State University 7 Indiana University–Bloomington HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION University of Virginia (Curry) 1 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor for the 14th consecutive year, 9 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor 2 Pennsylvania State University–University Park 0 University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign 3 University of California–Los Angeles Michigan State University has the 4 Michigan State University SECONDARY EDUCATION 5 University of Southern California (Rossier) nation’s top graduate programs in 1 Michigan State University 6 Indiana University–Bloomington 2 University of Wisconsin–Madison 7 University of Georgia both elementary and secondary 3 Stanford University (CA) 8 Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN) 4 University of Georgia 9 University of Pennsylvania education, according to the U.S. 5 University of Virginia (Curry) 0 Harvard University (MA) 6 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor University of Maryland–College Park News & World Report’s 2009 edi­ 7 Ohio State University Teachers College, Columbia University (NY) EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY tion of “America’s Best Graduate 9 University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign 1 University of Wisconsin–Madison 0 University of California–Berkeley 2 Stanford University (CA) Schools.” Rehabilitation counseling Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN) 3 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor 4 University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign also kept its No. 1 spot, among a REHABILITATION COUNSELING* 5 Michigan State University 1 Michigan State University 6 University of California–Berkeley total of seven College of Education University of Wisconsin–Madison 7 University of Maryland–College Park 3 Pennsylvania State University–University Park 8 University of Minnesota–Twin Cities specialty areas ranking in the top- 4 University of Iowa 9 University of California–Los Angeles 5 University of Arizona Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN) eight within their classifications. 6 Boston University George Washington University (DC) EDUCATION POLICY The College of Education also Southern Illinois University–Carbondale 1 Stanford University (CA) 9 San Diego State University 2 Harvard University (MA) retained its overall ranking of 14th University of Florida 3 University of Wisconsin–Madison University of Maryland–College Park 4 Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN) among 278 institutions nationwide, University of Wisconsin–Stout 5 Teachers College, Columbia University (NY) 6 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor when measures of institutional CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION 7 University of Pennsylvania 1 University of Wisconsin–Madison 8 Michigan State University capacity, reputation and research 2 Michigan State University Pennsylvania State University–University Park 3 Stanford University (CA) 0 University of California–Los Angeles

funding were considered. 4 Teachers College, Columbia University (NY) * Ranked in 2007

4 new educ ator upfront

Mathematics Education Ph.D. Program Picked Nation’s No. 2

michigan state university’s new doctoral program in mathematics educa­ tion—launched in fall 2006—has been ranked No. 2 in the nation by a survey of peer institutions. The ranking, which placed MSU behind only the University of Georgia among 40 nominated programs, was published in a November 2007 status report from the American Mathematical Society. Representatives from 70 U.S. institutions with doctoral programs in math­ ematics education were asked to identify programs “that [they] think are particularly strong and that [they] would currently recommend to a potential doctoral student.” The College of Education offers the Ph.D. option jointly with the College of Natural Science. “The ranking reflects the quality, number and diversity of faculty on this campus with expertise on issues related to mathematics curriculum, learning and teaching,” said John “Jack” Smith, a mathematics education faculty member who also oversees recruiting and admissions for the program. “Recognition of the program’s strength has been noted, even this year, by doctoral applicants and has helped to generate a more numerous and talented applicant pool.”

MSU Makes Top-10 List of Trailblazing Education Schools

edutedutoopia anchors its description of the College of Education wiwithth ttwow words—innovation aplenty. Then, within an image of our own mmittenitten state, The George Lucas Educational Foundation publication llaysays ooutu exactly why Michigan State University deserves a place among ththee nnation’sa most effective teacher preparation programs. Too many scschoolshoo of education remain “mired in methods that isolate education ffromrom the arts and sciences, segregate the theory and practice of teach­ iingng aand provide insufficient time and support for future teachers to llearnearn to work in real classrooms.” But not MSU, one of 10 programs nnamedam in the November/December 2007 magazine issue. The “seat ooff eearly calls for reform in teacher education” remains a leader, the ararticlet states, through its emphasis on undergraduate fieldwork, hihighg levels of follow-up induction support and new opportunities to focus on urban education. MSU has shown itself to be ambitious anand ever-evolving over the last two decades but, Edutopia notes, “This“T is just a beginning.” Visit www.edutopia.org/schools-of-education to see the articles anda full list of identified schools.

spring 2008 5 WANTED: Internationally Inclined Educators

freshmen will have the opportu­ global citizens of the 21st century. that truly bring the world to children. nity to begin a teacher preparation Admitted students will participate The cohort program is designed for program infused with international in specific courses and extracurricular students’ first two years at MSU before perspectives for the first time next fall. experiences, practice teaching in in­ matriculating into the teacher educa­ Building on the success of the college’s ternational or multicultural environ­ tion program in their junior year. Visit fast growing urban education-focused ments and be mentored by faculty www.educ.msu.edu/globalcohort for program, the new Global Educators with expertise in global and interna­ more information. Cohort Program will provide another tional education. Graduates will be Eventually, global cohort students specialized—and critical—package uniquely qualified to teach abroad, for could complete their fifth-year teach­ of learning opportunities for aspir­ U.S. schools that emphasize interna­ ing internships abroad. See page 48 to ing teachers. k–12 educators are now tional study or serve large immigrant learn about one recent student’s rare expected to prepare their pupils to be populations and, generally, in ways experience.

Wilson Joins National Commission on Math and Science Education

the chairwoman of Michigan State University’s presti­ Study. “Science and math education is too important to gious teacher education department has been selected to our individual and collective futures to be left to founder. serve on a national task force for improving science, math The time for bold action is now,” said Phillip Griffiths of and technology education. Suzanne Wilson was among 22 IAS, who chairs the commission. The group will assess the prominent academics, educators, business leaders and gov­ current state of science and math teaching, identify and ernors who convened for the Carnegie-IAS Commission on analyze successes and failures and, by early 2009, report Mathematics and Science Education’s first meeting last fall. findings and recommendations. The group represents a partnership between the Carnegie Visit www.carnegie.org/sub/news/advanced_study.html for Corporation of New York and the Institute for Advanced more information, including a full list of commissioners.

6 new educator upfront

FALL 2007 DOCTORAL DEGREE RECIPIENTS

recipient advisor

Curriculum, Teaching & Educational Policy Mark Anthony Hamilton John (Jack) Schwille Xue Han Lynn Paine Christine Ann Hunt Elizabeth Heilman Lisa M. Jilk Lynn Paine Suzanne Dee Knight Cheryl Rosaen Jacqueline Patricia LaRose Laura Apol

Educational Psychology & Educational Technology Erik D. Drake Raven McCrory Sean Christopher Kottke Mark Conley Michael Matthew Phillips Jere Brophy Shenglan Zhang Nell Duke

Higher, Adult & Lifelong Education Connell Alsup Marilyn Amey Vanessa Marie Holmes Marilyn Amey Na Wei Reitumetse Mabokela

K–12 Educational Administration Sakeena Ayoub Rasheed Elayan Christopher Dunbar Audra Aileen Melton Maenette Benham Krista Sherman Maenette Benham Kendall (Kellie) Terry Philip Cusick

School Psychology Sonia Ashok Patil Jean Baker

Joseph Flynn received a congratulatory visit in the doctoral candidate seating section from son Jacob immediately after his hooding last fall. Flynn, whose Ph.D. in curriculum, teaching and educational policy was conferred earlier in 2007, is an assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Northern Illinois University. Together with two colleagues, Flynn also has started contributing to a first-person column in The Chronicle of Higher Education about the satisfying, yet frightening process of becoming tenure-track profes­ sors. See the first installment (Feb. 1, 2008) of “On-the-Job Training” at http:// chronicle.com/jobs/news/2008/01/2008012901c/careers.html.

spring 2008 7 TEAM Shares Multicultural Mission

when they’re not planning potential volunteer opportunities, Tomorrow’s Educators for the Advancement of Multicultural stu­ dents (team) spend much of their monthly meetings in discus­ sions about diversity. Nearly all of the aspiring teachers hope to someday serve children in urban, multicultural schools. team members are freshmen through seniors, all hungry to connect theory and training with the varied worlds of kids off-campus. “We talk about how our experiences can influence children in the future,” said president and Detroit native Cierra Pres- berry, who explains students in the group come from many backgrounds and places, but mostly from suburban environments. “We talk about how much we actually have in common—we try to include everybody.” And they take their message into the near­ est city, linking with Lansing fifth-graders as pen pals and serving as after-school tutors for the South Side Community Coalition, among other activities, during the past school year. Teacher Brad Marshall’s classroom door opened to greet eight MSU students car­ rying three boxes of donated books just before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. team members, who celebrate MLK’s legacy with local children in some way each year, had arrived to read with his Bingham Elemen­ tary School fourth-graders. In the process, they created another interactive teaching lesson for themselves rich with conversation—about leader­ ship, civil rights, family. “A lot of the kids just wanted to talk,” Presberry said. “They loved it.” For more information or to join team, write to [email protected].

above: Erin Crouch, TEAM community service chair. right: Roslyn English reads with students at Bingham Elementary School.

8 new educator upfront

Kinesiology student Jessica Haynes teaches swimming skills to Katie Frayer as part of the Sports Skills Program in fall 2007.

Special Olympics Praises TELL US WHAT Kinesiology Program YOU THINK! msu’s student-instructed sports program Olympics games, coordinates the Area 8 local he New Educator staff would like to start for local persons with disabilities was recently swimming competition and conducts statewide a conversation in these pages. Want to honored by Special Olympics Michigan. The clinics for coaches. “When I was in grade school, Tweigh in on a policy debate framed by Sports Skills Program, which has been develop­ I started the swim portion of the program, afraid our faculty? Have thoughts on the college’s ing area residents’ fitness levels and kinesiology of the water,” current teaching assistant and featured outreach efforts? Notice something students’ coaching skills for nearly 25 years, former participant Angela Glossop said while you want to see more (or less) of in the received the Outstanding Sports Organiza­ accepting the award on behalf of her friends magazine? As colleagues and friends, your tion Award in November 2007. The program is and colleagues. “Many years of patient coaching feedback is important to our students, faculty, directed by Kinesiology Professor Gail Dum- resulted in my learning how to swim, compet­ staff and administration. So send your letters mer, who, with staff and kin 465 lab students, ing in the Special Olympics . . . and eventually (to [email protected]). We hope to publish a also coaches athletes in the Michigan Special becoming a Special Olympics Coach myself.” “Right from Readers” section in the near future.

spring 2008 9 About 30 American Sign Language students, including several from the Deaf Educa­ tion Program, sign the national anthem before the MSU men’s basketball game Feb. 20 at the Breslin Center. The first-time event allowed them to practice their skills publicly while also demonstrating that MSU is a Deaf-friendly institution.

10 new educator ASL

Classroom Out of the …Into Living

MSU PROVIDES LIVING-LEARNING OPTION FOR AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE COMMUNICATORS, LEARNERS >> Nicole Geary

achael Abler signs with her boyfriend, who is deaf. She signs when she gets frustrated or excited, when she is singing and, recently, with MSU basketball fans as an audience. She feels highly prepared to teach deaf children, be­ Rcoming fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) by seeking out high school classes, camps and visits to the Michigan School for the Deaf. But the deaf education junior’s experiences are rare among peers. Hearing MSU students who study ASL—as an asset or requirement of their future careers—don’t really have readily available opportunities to immerse themselves in the language and culture of the Deaf community. Until now. .

spring 2008 11 another collaborative accomplishment: “author’s corner” Collaboration and Recruitment

rofessor Harold Johnson’s (top, right) efforts to Students must have at least a basic more closely connect deaf education researchers, ability and commitment to commu­ Ppractitioners and parents across the country nicate in ASL to live in the dedicated escalated with the arrival of Associate Professor Claudia dormitory space, open to all class Pagliaro (below, right) in fall 2007 and one of their levels and majors. However, those pur­ first joint projects. In January 2008, the two scholars suing degrees in deaf education will launched a wiki in collaboration with the editors of the be especially encouraged—along with prestigious Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education peers studying social work or com­ and their publishers at the Oxford University Press. municative sciences and disorders—to Called “Author ’s Corner,” the Web site features a consider the chance to gain awareness short, non-technical summary of a recent journal article, of other disciplines and better under­ written by the authors themselves. Visitors to the wiki stand the life experiences of individu­ can then ask questions, make comments and share als who are deaf or hard of hearing. experiences to which the authors will respond, creating Johnson proposed the ASL residen­ a threaded discussion. Each month will feature a new article, with previous tial option in collaboration with fac­ articles and discussions kept in an accessible archive. “This allows teachers, ulty from the College of Social Science parents and other researchers more immediate access to the latest thinking,” and the College of Communication explains Pagliaro, the wiki’s first author. “Claudia’s doing great research and Arts and Sciences. The group drafted sharing it across the country and around the world, not just with other scholars plans, which soon won administrative and researchers, but with lay people as well,” says Johnson, adding, “There’s approval, as a partnership with poten­ absolutely nothing like it anywhere else in deaf education.” tial to enhance both their individual Check it out at http://jdsde-author-corner.wiki.educ.msu.edu. programs and the university’s overall efforts to support an inclusive, diverse student body. Starting with the fall 2008 semes­ “Evidence-based outcomes show

ter, the university will offer students that living-learning programs enhance TIONS the opportunity to live in a residence the student experience in significant hall environment where ASL is the ways,” said MSU Provost Kim Wilcox. primary mode of communication. “We are pleased that the collabora­ This housing option will be located tive and interdisciplinary approach to in Snyder-Phillips Hall, which also will establishing the ASL residential option become a hub for many academic and has resulted in Michigan State’s ability cultural events focused on deafness— to provide this unique educational

bringing together students who are opportunity.” COMMUNICA MARKETING H&FS BY PROVIDED IMAGE deaf and hard of hearing from across Many organizations familiar with The newly renovated Snyder-Phillips Hall. campus with others who use or study the needs of students and the Deaf the language. community were consulted to make ASL is the third most common the project viable, including MSU’s tional Deaf communities that MSU language in the United States, follow­ Resource Center for Persons with Dis­ is a Deaf-friendly environment—and ing English and Spanish. However, abilities, the Michigan School for the that the university’s deaf education MSU’s Living-Learning option will be Deaf, the Michigan Division on Deaf program is worth pursuing. Pagliaro the only such environment among and Hard of Hearing and Michigan and Johnson believe the prospect Michigan’s public universities and one Rehabilitation Services. will help recruit more deaf students, of the most unique in the nation, said “People who are deaf or hard of particularly those interested in math professor and Deaf Education Pro­ hearing, unfortunately, often feel like and science, and produce more highly gram co-director Harold Johnson. ‘outsiders’ on most college campuses, qualified educators. “This gives us a cultural and not fitting in or being viewed as “This creates a natural, interactive linguistic setting that will welcome ‘disabled’—we want to change that learning environment where residents individuals who sign and allow here at MSU,” said Associate Professor and those who choose to participate in students to develop their ASL skills Claudia Pagliaro, who joined the Col­ activities can come and immerse them­ above and beyond what can be done lege of Education as Deaf Education selves in ASL and broaden their under­ through coursework,” he said. “We’re Program co-director last fall. standing of Deaf culture,” Pagliaro said. moving ASL out of the classroom and She said the ASL living option will “Our deaf education students will be into living.” show the local, national and interna- getting a better sense of the children

12 new educator ASL

they are preparing to teach, which can cate in and appreciate ASL. A limited for more information . . . only have a positive effect.” number of reserved rooms, available in both men’s and women’s sections, • About the ASL residential option, contact Coordinator Marta Belsky at will be equipped with visual alerting [email protected]. Facilities and Activities systems and other accommodations • About the Deaf Education Program, visit www.educ.msu.edu/deafed. upon request. Snyder-Phillips was selected because it Meanwhile, the College of Educa­ is fully accessible and was recently re­ tion’s own ASL instructor Marta “The best way to learn any lan­ focused as an on-campus community Belsky has agreed to serve as a full- guage is through continued use in a that values language arts and culture, time coordinator, handling admis­ fun and relaxed environment,” said housing the Residential College in the sions and planning activities such as Kyle Callahan, who applied for the Arts and Humanities. guest speakers, social gatherings and program as he pursues a deaf educa­ The building’s newly remodeled captioned movies. Snyder-Phillips also tion major next school year. “This will and constructed spaces, including a could eventually serve as a convenient give both hearing and deaf students theater and three-story cafeteria, offer location for some ASL courses. A alike a place where they can live or go ideal wide-open surroundings for grand-opening celebration will be held to where ASL isn’t considered strange, students to comfortably communi- in September. but rather celebrated and encouraged.”

spring 2008 13 YOUR VIRTUAL TICKET TO CHINA

YONGYONG ZHAO, MSU LAUNCH ONLINE VIDEO GAME FOR TEACHING CHINESE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE >> Andy Henion

China’s rise as a global force players interact with one another in a is fueling an appetite for a deeper virtual world. It creates an immersive understanding of the nation’s culture Chinese environment where players and language—a hunger that will can visit markets, read newspapers, only intensify with the 2008 Summer watch television, chat and trade with Olympics being held in Beijing. other players and even find employ­ Yet Yong Zhao, University Distin­ ment as if they lived in China—but guished Professor of educational psy­ with the tools to help them decode the chology and educational technology, language and decipher the culture. said there remains a lack of engaging The goal is to fare well and ad­ outlets to learn about China—partic­ vance socially and economically, with ularly for the younger generation that players advancing from “tourists” to relies so heavily on technology. “residents” and finally to “citizens” of Zhao, a Chinese native, is creating modern China. At the different stages, a ground-breaking online video game players encounter quests, have ac­ intended to fifill that gap. The interac­ cess to learning materials—including ttiveive ggame,ame, cacalledl zon/New Chengo, live Chinese tutors—and are able to went lliveive earearlierl this spring as the first organize and participate in social of iitsts kinkindd on the market. activities. “There“T is a general increase Zhao said the game is both practi­ andand demand for more cal and engaging. Among the many opportunitiesopp to learn activities players can complete in the aboutab Chinese culture and tourist stage are ordering a taxi, ex­ language,”lan Zhao said. “This changing currency and checking into gamegam offers a vicarious, a hotel in China. virtualvirtu a experience of China.” “Games are supposed to be fun Technically,ech zon/New and educational,” Zhao said. “With this ChengoChhengo is a “massively multi- one, we have struck a good balance.” playerplayer onlineon line role-playing game,” or As executive director of MSU’s mmorpgmmorp g, in whichw a large number of Confucius Institute, which is based in

14 new educator ZON , PHOTO BY KURT STEPNITZ BY PHOTO UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

in other china-related news . . .

SU’ s Confucius Institute was honored as a 2007 Confucius Institute of the Year, one of only four institutes in the United States and 20 world­ Mwide to receive the designation. Executive Director Yong Zhao accepted the award in recognition of providing exemplary opportuni­ ties to learn Chinese language and culture on Dec. 11, 2007 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The Chinese government organization serving as a worldwide headquarters for Confucius Institutes, Chinese Language Council International the College of Education, Zhao and his “zon/New Chengo creatively (or Hanban), presented the first-time staff work to meet the ever-growing uses new technologies to provide distinctions to highlight the most demand for Chinese education in the opportunities for more people to successful China-related education United States. learn Chinese and Chinese culture programs around the globe. “MSU, through our Confucius in a more engaging and motivating Awards were presented during the Institute, has been a leader in meet­ fashion,” said Xu Lin, director general Second Confucius Institute Confer­ ing the increasing interest in Chinese of Hanban. “Hanban is very proud to ence, where leaders reiterated a goal language and culture by providing be able to support such innovative to increase the number of existing innovative instructional programs approaches to make learning Chinese Confucius Institutes from 210 to 500 by that are accessible to people,” said more fun and relevant.” the year 2010. Carole Ames, dean of the College of Because the game is Web-based, Visit http://confucius.msu.edu for Education. “This game boldly goes to players can log on and play from any more information. another frontier in learning that, tech­ computer with an Internet connec­ nologically, has the potential to reach tion. And, unlike some online games, our largest audience yet.” players pick up where they left off. “A new generation of learners has Zhao started working on the game The game is geared for players of emerged,” Zhao said. “And this genera­ in 2001 as a dual project for the U.S. all ages, though Zhao envisions creat­ tion of learners—we call them digital and Chinese governments. Although ing specialized versions—such as one natives—they live on computers, they that effort didn’t pan out, he contin­ for young students and another for live in video games. We are reaching ued refining the concept and several businesspeople interested in conduct­ a generation of people who are more years later Chinese officials again ing commerce in China. used to new technologies.” offered their support. Initially, the game will be offered Ultimately, Zhao sees the game as The Chinese Language Council free of charge. Eventually, a small another way for MSU to help shrink International, also known as Hanban, monthly subscription fee may be the globe. has provided more than $1 million charged. “We are here to serve the public for the project. The game is being Zhao expects the game to garner in­ and, in this case, to bridge the gap developed by Zhao and his staff at terest from the global audience of the between China and the United States,” MSU with the assistance of artists Olympics—which will take place Aug. he said. “That’s the and writers at various universities in 8–24 in China’s capital city—as well as ambassador role we Check it out at China. from youngsters around the world. want to play.” » enterzon.com spring 2008 15 Who Is

16 new educator SHAKRANI

Sharif Shakrani

A PUBLIC FACE FOR THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND CHAMPION FOR FAIR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES — HE IS A SCHOLAR, A SERVANT . . . A STAR >> Nicole Geary

He soared to some of the highest and, unintentionally, became an even studies based on the passing comment levels of this nation’s educational brighter star. of a colleague. landscape before ever entering aca­ As co-director of the Education Most of all, Shakrani is a servant, demia. Policy Center (epc) at Michigan State in the way every land-grant university Michigan’s meap, the country’s University, Shakrani has emerged a intended. first standards-based state test, is still spokesman, a go-to guy for rational, He testifies before Congress and marked by curriculum-conscious revi­ researched statements when policy de­ trains new state legislators, he meets sions made under his leadership. cisions in Michigan’s school districts for coffee with the state superinten­ In Washington, our “Nation’s create public questions and contro­ dent and talks to teachers in their Report Card,” the naep, evolved into versy. schools. a more rigorous and credible compass The reporters, the interviews, the “Some people might see him as a for academic progress while he helped cameras come often. He graciously maverick,” says Detroit News education oversee it. and candidly explains implications for columnist Amber Arellano. “But he is Even today’s top accountability real classrooms, free of bias and un­ focused on what works, not on pleas­ model itself, No Child Left Behind, afraid to admit when he doesn’t have ing any one ideological group. has a few successfully argued imprints all the answers. “He’s a public intellectual—a pub­ from Sharif Shakrani. Always asking questions himself, lic servant in the very best sense.” Over two decades in govern­ Shakrani embraces his university sur­ ment, this diplomatic mathematician roundings as a scholar, happily seek­ became a person of powerful insider ing out chances to interact with other “Educational Mercenaries” expertise, a quiet champion for the experts at MSU. and Math Genius student achievement-improving po­ The professor of measurement and tential of high-quality assessments. quantitative methods writes regularly Shakrani was born in 1945 in Grand Then, in 2005, he returned to the on topics varied far beyond testing, Syria (now Lebanon), as the youngest familiar campus of his alma mater and he sometimes launches significant of seven children. His father was a .

spring 2008 17 diplomat representing Iraq’s then- write, speak and listen effectively,” he from the National Institutes of Health royal government. said. “Without these skills, you can’t to study her, comparing Addams’ They were, he says, “a family of learn math—or science or history, nor book, Democracy and Social Ethics educational mercenaries.” With the can you be a good learner or a good from the beginning of the 1900s, with fortunate support of financial means, teacher . . .” Alexis de Tocqueville’s 1835 work, no one stopped short of earning a Democracy in America, and the writings master’s degree in their chosen public of Thomas Jefferson. service-related fields. Shakrani spent A World View and the Stop The topic didn’t have anything to his childhood never living in one on a Road Trip do with his work for the Michigan country for more than three years at Department of Education at the time, a time. Of course, Shakrani now fluently but it was the bicentennial of the “My parents put a tremendous speaks three languages (French, too) U.S. Constitution. The consummate value on education and when a person and spends his days contemplating student, he just thought it would be is well-educated they can cope, they how to help all U.S. children—let alone interesting to study how democracy can move to other places,” he said. every Michigan high school student— has changed over three centuries. “They can advance in society.” attain graduation and higher academic For his part, Shakrani seemed performance. destined for a career path coated in He still is a world traveler; he has Ambition and American numbers. He memorized the 12-by-12 served as a consultant to the U.N., Jor­ Principles multiplication table by age 7. Today he dan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and now— can sail through any Fiendish Sudoku with epc co-director Bill Schmidt—to After all, Shakrani says he could have puzzle in one hour or accurately China on large-scale assessment. returned to the Middle East, where prescribe grade- and content-specific Those journeys happen when he’s not his roots and many relatives remain. teaching practices with quick analysis back and forth between our nation’s But he was attracted by American of a whole school’s recent test scores. capital and the Lansing area. democracy, the idealistic ambition for He developed the mathematical He first made East Lansing home all people to be treated equally and on model, projecting population growth as a graduate student fine-tuning their own merit. and vehicle volume, that led to the psychometric skills; an mqm profes­ It drives his own professional planning and design of Michigan’s sor recommended Shakrani for his ambitions, applied to the broadest Interstate 275 in the 1970s. first government job when the state directions of U.S. education today. However, back in high school dur­ of Michigan came calling within the “Actually, No Child Left Behind is ing the early 60s, Shakrani’s love for College of Education. really a manifestation of democracy,” numbers was nearly overshadowed by Before anything else, MSU’s cam­ he said. “The underpinning . . . is that these precepts for democracy are not being “He’s a public intellectual—a public realized.” So he works toward big-picture so­ servant in the very best sense.” lutions, studying and speaking about our academic shortcomings, seeing less-than-stellar English language arts pus was to Shakrani just a stop on a them for himself. Like most people, abilities. He had landed, with his Ara­ road trip, an urging of his undergradu­ Shakrani says, he aches at the thought bic language, in the bottom quartile of ate roommate on their way to the East of a child not having opportunities to an aptitude test in Long Island (while Coast. be successful. dad worked for the United Nations) “I thought it was the most beauti­ Unlike most people, however, he’s and, luckily, he also loved to read. ful thing I’ve ever seen,” Shakrani in a position to influence change— “If I didn’t do that, I probably said. “The flowers, the open land, the perhaps now more than ever. He’s ac­ would not even have been able to go buildings.” cumulated expertise here and abroad, beyond high school,” he said. It wasn’t He spent senior year at Rockford free to share from his MSU post until much later, while conducting College in Rockford, Ill., plotting a without allegiance to one government longitudinal achievement studies for passage to Spartan country. unit or political party. the federal government, when he truly Interestingly, Rockford’s claim “He’s in a unique position to see understood that math talents alone to fame is a Nobel Laureate named education from the perspective of the won’t cut it. Jane Addams who lived in the same world, not just the U.S. or just Michi­ “The biggest contributing factor dorm room as Shakrani some 60 years gan,” said Ed Roeber, a former mde to success in school is the individual before him. colleague and now fellow professor in language skills: the ability to read, Later, he received a fellowship the College of Education. “His work is

18 new educator SHAKRANI

valuable because he is thorough in his freedom to be able to do what they about sharif shakrani preparation on any topic on which he wish to do.” will write or speak.” The Michigan Merit Curriculum age: 63 And Shakrani gets into the deep is just one of many matters affecting title: Co-director, Education Policy Center at MSU, and professor, measurement details of local education. He pre­ educators, children and their fami­ and quantitative methods pared a paper arguing the high school lies that Shakrani and the epc tackle education: B.S., Mathematics, Rockford College, Rockford, Ill.; M.A., Testing and curriculum is most effective when through presentations and reports. Measurement in Mathematics, and Ph.D., Measurement and Evaluation, policy specifies the subject areas and With eyes and ears on research, the Mathematics Education, Michigan State University standards to be mastered. He did that center’s mission is to identify the past positions (selected): Deputy executive director, National Assessment well before Michigan’s stringent new impact of policy on achievement Governing Board, Washington, D.C.; director, Design and Analysis Division, graduation requirements were pub­ for policymakers and the public— National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, licly proposed, then testified before sometimes through the media—and to Washington, D.C.; state director of curriculum, assessment and accountabil­ the Legislature almost weekly until assist the teachers and administrators ity, Michigan Department of Education, Lansing, Mich. they were enacted. on the ground. family: Married, one son, two grandchildren Michigan had placed a mandate Shakrani is just as poised with the on what students should know and governor as he is with an individual be able to do, making it one of the principal scraping for Adequate Yearly “Why can’t we do equally as well most directive states. What about local Progress answers. for some children . . . as we do for oth­ control, you might ask? How does he find time to advise ers?” he said. “It’s a moral imperative, Shakrani goes right back to re­ doctoral students and conduct his that if there is such a student, that search, and American principles. own studies with so much demand for they not be denied the opportunity. “Democracy implies freedom to face time? “I don’t watch TV.” “The system should not be a hin­ make choices,” he said, noting that And, in the same matter-of­ drance.” many students move from school to fact but brilliant and hopeful way, school. “When each place makes a dif­ Shakrani explains his impetus above TheT Education Policy Center at Michigan ferent choice, they deny the kids the all test results, laws and touchy topics. » StateS University www.epc.msu.edu spring 2008 19 CLEARING the CONFUSION

Christopher Ray Matthew Diemer

20 new educator COLLEGE INSIDER

FACULTY MEMBER, STUDENT LAUNCH COLLEGE PREPARATION GUIDE FOR STUDENTS >> Nicole Geary

spring 2008 21 That’s how many students the ing with the k–12 Outreach office. Assistant Dean Barbara Markle called average public high school coun­ the first in a series of meetings that selor in Michigan advises, accord­ eventually led to Diemer, and a gen­ eral consensus. ing to a recent estimate. 362. Rather than focusing only on Among them, there are teens who need class schedules fixed and enhancements to MSU’s master’s de­ gree program for counselors, officials emotional breakdowns averted; whole groups that require testing decided to take a direct, practical oversight or even lunchtime supervision and, yes, help preparing for approach. “We want to be more proactive,” life after graduation. said Richard Prawat, who chairs the When can there be time for conversations about college specifics? Department of Counseling, Educa­ tional Psychology and Special Educa­ What if, say, student No. 203 never had an adult urge her to consider tion. “For a lot of kids, it’s a mystery going, or, worse, No. 19 is motivated but doesn’t know where to start? really, finding out about financial aid, applying to college. So we thought The counseling scholars at Simon—hear frequently. something really explicit would be Michigan State University’s College The pressure for students to suc­ helpful.” of Education have come up with an ceed has been intensifying in Michi­ answer, a comprehensive resource for gan, with the passage of more rigorous navigating the enormity of postsec­ high school graduation requirements “Like . . . social capital ondary education planning. and an economy that, policymakers sitting right next to you.” “College Insider” is an interactive, say, is crying for more college-edu­ step-by-step guide anyone can now cated workers. Of course, college preparation tips access on the Web (www.educ.msu. We rank 35th in the nation based exist in many places: through Inter­ edu/collegeinsider). It’s a tool especially on number of people age 25 and older net links, on the lips of older friends intended—in today’s world of rising with a bachelor’s degree or more, ac­ and tacked to the walls of high school academic expectations and wan­ cording to 2005 U.S. Census Bureau hallways. Often, in-school “every­ ing support for meeting them—to data. thing-you-need” handouts amount empower those youth who may not Meanwhile, Michigan ranks fourth to overwhelming stacks of stapled otherwise see college or university highest in the number of students papers. degrees in their future. high school counselors must handle. “It takes a really motivated kid to “Ideally, we could clone ourselves The 2008 Michigan High School go through all of that,” said Diemer, and do this one-on-one with kids,” Counselor Survey, released by the who developed expertise on what says project coordinator Matthew Joyce Ivy Foundation in February, drives underrepresented adolescents Diemer, an assistant professor of showed counselors spend more than to succeed during a three-year inter­ counseling. “Instead, we’re trying to 70 percent of their time immersed in vention project in Boston’s public fill in the gaps that schools, families tasks other than college planning with high schools. and communities can’t meet. students and their families. He has spent most of his five years “It needs to come from some­ In what ways is MSU working to post-Ph.D. exploring career develop­ where.” alleviate the crunch on counselors? ment in diverse populations. He’ll While public schools’ financial and soon publish a large-scale, longitu­ human resources falter, couldn’t the dinal study showing lower-income Why not MSU? university be doing more? youth of color who were more aware Simon recognized the challenges of sociological barriers became more That’s a question university leaders— practitioners face and laid a challenge engaged with career preparation and including President Lou Anna K. on the College of Education, start­ attained higher-paying, higher-status

22 new educator COLLEGE INSIDER

jobs in adulthood. value for M.A. counseling program had a wealth of support from their So he and master’s student Chris­ trainees. parents and, in Diemer’s case, because topher Ray, selected for an indelible Colleagues elsewhere in the he is a first-generation college student energy and talent for understanding country, including the University himself. and engaging youth, set out to realize of Oregon’s Ellen McWhirter, see “There are very few kids who are the university’s goal by designing potential in College Insider despite put on this earth and know they’re College Insider within a social capital its Michigan focus. The associate going to college,” Diemer said. “It’s framework. They organized the guide professor of counseling said she plans not easy. Today, I think there are a fair into academic, financial and social to share it with local Latina high number of kids who are prepared but sections and aimed to provide infor­ mation that might be absent from the worlds of lower-income, first- “School counselors in this state are over­ generation and youth of color. whelmed . . . They’re doing good work but It’s simple. College Insider, chron­ ologically ordered and tailored for stu­ there is no time except managing crises for dents in their junior and senior years, quickly takes users through a tour of a lot of people.” the necessary information they need to consider and apply for college. school students; her research with don’t know any details.” There are big-picture month-by­ them highlights the need for easy-to­ “The idea is to get it in their hands; month timelines and a number of access resources that pull together to put more information at their worksheets, such as one used to com­ fragmented information. fingertips,” said Ray, who actually had pare students’ current grades and act “I absolutely want to get it in the a counselor tell him he would never scores with what’s average at “safe,” hands of not only students but educa­ attend his undergraduate alma mater, “realistic” and “dream” colleges. tors as well,” McWhirter said. “(Diem­ Morehouse College. “We don’t have There are basics about the fafsa er’s) work has brought him into close everything a student is going to need, along with a link to the federal contact with high-risk students who but we covered as many bases as we financial aid form and specifics about are most in need of this; it’s going to could.” this-state-only opportunities such as speak to the young people for whom And College Insider’s success, of Lansing’s hope Scholars program and it’s written.” course, will be difficult to quantify. the Michigan Promise Scholarship. With MSU’s name, however, the hope Teens can access and keep a is that it will be not only well-received printed version or go to the Web site Beyond theory . . . straight but widely used, easing the already whenever they approach, or miss, to students heavy burden on high school coun­ another milestone. selors. “It’s almost like having the person As scholars, Ray and Diemer could The best case scenario is that a with social capital sitting right next to have been tempted to pursue their large number of teens find it early in you,” said Ray, who recently com­ project as a theoretical enterprise. their high school career and then see pleted his internship in an urban “That would have been the easy thing and take proper steps toward a college middle school. to do, but not the most useful,” Di­ career because of it. If the easy-to-ac­ And that’s just for students. The emer says. cess, easy-to-digest guide can raise the pair also has developed a shorter, Instead they were intentional self-expectations of even just a few user-friendly module for parents and a about taking it beyond their academic students, Diemer and Ray say, that version for school counselors. community, straight to the kinds of will be enough. Informed by their own theories students who have touched them in and the counseling, developmental their fieldwork. Check out College Insider at www. and higher education literatures, a They were passionate because educ.msu.edu/collegeinsider print version also has already added they were fortunate enough to have »

spring 2008 23 24 new educator ELL RESEARCH

REACHING SCHOOL, COMMUNITY INITIATE POWERFUL CONNECTIONS TO CHINESE FAMILY WITH OUT HELP FROM MSU SCHOLARS >> Nicole Geary

“ efore, he wouldn’t even talk,” she whispered and, with notebook in hand, watched 6-year-old Richmond run over to ask the librarian a question. A minute later, the room’s only Chinese child also volunteered be­ fore anyone else to pass out bookmarks. He zoomed around to every classmate, sharing the tiny gifts and his own toothy grin. BHe and fellow first-graders were excited for the next bell, which would usher them from class into a gym full of cheers, high-fives, dancing—a pre-basketball game pep rally in this small-town school district. It was just another afternoon at H. T. Smith Elementary School in Fowlerville, Mich. and yet it was, as Richmond and his sister Rachel happily engaged in a sea of students and educators, evidence of one school year’s astonishing transformation. “Every time I turn around, I’m surprised,” said researcher Rui Niu (pronounced Ree New). The teacher education doctoral student, no longer an outsider in the building, arrived in the fall to help a team of concerned school staff reach two silent young immigrants. Research and relationships developed and, in the months that followed, truly unique and successful strategies —initiated by local teachers and embraced by “the village”—had emerged to nurture English language learners in a rural setting. With College of Education Professor Susan Florio-Ruane, Niu has documented mile­ stones of their collective changes, the kind of story that can publish in scholarly journals, hit local newspaper pages . . . and inspire bolder educational collaboration in any Ameri­ can community. .

spring 2008 25 A member of lattice (Linking like a dance. Without the relationship, “Serendipity happened.” All Types of Teachers to International this kind of research falls pretty flat.” Cross-cultural Education), Niu was As primary investigator, she The pair of scholars was considering known by some Lansing-area educa­ watched as Niu and nearly everyone options for a Literacy Achievement tors for giving presentations about her in contact with the children—the cur­ Research Center, or larc, project that native Chinese culture, specifically for rent and former classroom teachers, would shed new light on how teachers helping Haslett, another local suburb, the principal, the physical educa­ learn, and what they need to learn, to organize exchange trips between its tion teacher, the media specialist, teach English language learners. high school students and students the music teacher—cautiously came Meanwhile, the staff at Smith El­ from China. together. It would be a case study in ementary, located about 30 miles from So a small circle of Smith teach­ how mainstream teachers learn to in­ MSU’s campus, had been confronted ers sought her out as a consultant. tegrate ELLs for Niu’s dissertation and for the first time with the challenge The assistant principal at Fowlerville a decidedly more formalized effort of teaching English language learners, High School, Garth Cooper, happened for the school to connect with this or ELLs. They were entering the third to know Niu as a fellow TE doctoral family of non-native newcomers, and year of struggling to help Richmond student. He assured them that she had perhaps others yet to arrive. and Rachel, 8, overcome shyness and the expertise and facilitated some of Their teachers had been taking academic setbacks in their new envi­ the initial interactions. extra care with them in class, and the ronment. “And the circle just kept getting school had found possible resources Then, as Florio-Ruane says, “seren­ bigger,” said Florio-Ruane, who has for them, such as an interpreter and dipity happened.” Technically speak­ engaged in many ethnographies that tutors. ing, that occurs when “chance meets require building relationships with “But nothing (had) worked,” Niu the prepared mind.” educators in the field. “They’re kind of said. The children weren’t speaking.

26 new educator ELL RESEARCH

Rachel sometimes sorts through notes both the parents and teachers during A bridge to be built and goody bags from her best friend, visits in the home and restaurant. The Hannah Kubiak, if she hasn’t been to group also watched videos of current Less than three months later, signs her house in a few days. The Kubiaks best practices and visited an experi­ of change were surrounding second- have been integral in making the enced teacher’s urban classroom to see grader Rachel, who, for example, had Zhangs comfortable in the commu­ how culturally diverse students can be been unwilling to venture from the nity ever since an insight from the integrated into a mainstream setting. wall during gym class, and Richmond, school secretary linked them together. From a research standpoint, Niu once seemingly afraid to speak up Many people contributed in was the participant observer. To her during morning share time. unexpectedly powerful ways to the subjects, she was the bridge they “Now he shares all the time, academic and social well-being of a couldn’t yet build themselves. whether it’s his day or not,” said his little girl and boy, but they say they “We didn’t really have an outreach first-grade teacher Sharon Staton, couldn’t have done it without the to the family before Rui,” said Tupy. adding he’s a strong reader. “That was intervention from MSU. “We have learned so much from her.” always the case but now he’s willing to Florio-Ruane and Niu had framed sit and talk with me about the book.” a plan that included ongoing data Outside of school, what was collection and a series of four guided before an empty back section of the learning activities with 10 Fowlerville “That’s what makes family’s Chinese restaurant is now a school staff members. “literacy corner” the siblings cling to. Niu could comfortably follow the community.” It’s overflowing with books and learn­ —and help uncover—the world of ing activities to fill long hours they Rachel and Richmond because she Before having discussions with the sometimes spend there after school. is Chinese herself, able to navigate family, the teachers didn’t really That was Staton’s idea. linguistic and cultural barriers. She know, for example, that the children . Some stories on the shelves come could demonstrate best practices as a from trips to the public library with fellow educator, one who has studied their dad, Tong Zhang. He decided he ELL extensively. should take them there—stepping out­ She understood the educators’ side his cultural comfort zone— after learning curve while taking them school media specialist, Gail Tupy, through their own interactive in­ suggested it. troduction to the language, and she And then there’s the fun stuff. calmed down anxiety coming from

Best friends: Hannah and Rachel Top reader: Richmond

spring 2008 27 Professor Susan Florio-Ruane and doctoral student Rui Niu School Secretary Janet Simon Teacher Sharon Staton Principal Jim Kitchen

had been separated from their parents, alone with the problem. It mobi­ “It’s just everybody, learning from arriving in the United States one at a lizes the media specialist, the gym each other,” Becky Kubiak said. “It’s time. Instead, they had remained in teacher . . .” Florio-Ruane said. “Every­ amazing . . . to me, that’s what makes Fujian, China with grandparents until one shares,” added Niu. the community. the China Gourmet restaurant was School secretary Janet Simon, who “Out of all the families, this one established in Fowlerville. knows something about the needs of needed help in a different way.” It wasn’t until the educators went every Smith student, is no different. to the business, the only Chinese eat­ She noticed that everywhere Han­ ery in town, that they realized the kids nah Kubiak went during first grade, were spending a lot of unstructured Rachel was with her. And Hannah, “We want this to time in a sterile environment, and also as it was, happened to have a little that it was a key place for picking up brother—Aaron—about the same age have a future.” English outside of school. as Richmond. “As we met, we could see where “That seemed like it could be a Niu officially finished her data collec­ things weren’t really connecting for natural fit,” Simon said. “It was just tion in January 2008. She started writ­ Rachel and Richmond,” Staton said. hooking up two families.” ing her dissertation but continued her “I was lying awake at night thinking But, as Niu and Florio-Ruane can weekly visits to Fowlerville, a daylong about them and it came to me that attest, it was much more. Through excursion through dinnertime. they needed something to do at the what she guessed would be a welcom­ “The change has been big and the restaurant. ing connection with the Kubiaks, kids, they really love her,” Tong Zhang “But it didn’t come on my own; Simon was setting up the Chinese says. “When the teacher (Niu) is here, it came because we had been sharing siblings for a series of significant they are both happy.” our concerns.” learning activities through socializa­ Rarely do young researchers The educators had to arm them­ tion—movies, a trip to the petting stumble upon such an overwhelm­ selves with deeper understanding, farm, trick-or-treating and more. ingly heart-warming experience. But shedding all assumptions, before they While the team of adults contrib­ scholars could easily dismiss it just the could truly begin initiating strategies uting to their education expanded, so same, a study of one family, one place, that would work. did the children’s exposure to mean­ one school year. They had to recognize it wasn’t ingful contexts for learning English, Why is it significant? simply language, but rather a misun­ beyond the triangle of home to school All case studies within communi­ derstanding of educational expecta­ to restaurant. ties, Florio-Ruane argues, carry value tions between home and school not The two families celebrated for helping us accumulate understand­ yet communicated that was holding Thanksgiving dinner and then Chinese ing of general problems. But Niu’s them back. And, they soon realized, New Year. Mr. Zhang shared Chinese setting, using an ethnographic case they had to do it together. cultural lessons with other Fowlerville study, highlights characteristics not “This doesn’t put the teacher all students in school presentations. often focused on in today’s teacher

28 new educator ELL RESEARCH

education literature on ELLs: the rural added Niu. strategies with colleagues in the school environment, the presence of a Already, they had interest from school district’s upper elementary and tonal non-alphabetic language and an members of the College of Education’s secondary grade levels. acute, unfiltered ability to see change Detroit Area Elementary Team, who A further, larger study of the com­ up-close. influence the practices of many aspir­ munity’s role also is essential, they The most interesting study ele­ ing teachers faced with multiple ELL say, because more breakthroughs oc­ ment, however, is the nature of the challenges. They planned to discuss curred in the small Fowlerville school teacher-initiated professional develop­ Fowlerville’s organic convergence of community than they anticipated, ment and change that occurred, information and ideas directly with more than what can be covered in one followed by community involvement. the educators involved—over dinner research plan. They feel the past school year has been at the Zhang’s restaurant. “These are low-tech, high-touch just a beginning, and they hope to Niu led a session on ELL for interventions thought up by people grow the project in useful ways. teachers attending the 2008 Michi­ on the scene and enabled by Rui,” “We want this to have a future,” gan Reading Association conference. Florio-Ruane said. “When you have a Florio-Ruane said. “The close study of Florio-Ruane and Niu presented a network of people who proactively what happened here could help us at­ paper at the American Educational get to know children and their family, tempt to support or encourage similar Research Association (aera) annual they basically bridge second lan­ learning in other communities.” meeting in March. guage learning and support a natural “Not only for Chinese children but Next, they hope to examine how process. for all children, with other languages,” their subjects share their newfound “This is what we really need.”

spring 2008 29 Improving math and science abilities by . . . EMPOWERING

>> Susan Pettit Riley, PROM/SE PARENTS Director of Communications

michigan state university’s and Science Education) surveyed more including four years of math and prom/se project is launching “Math­ than 2,000 households with school- three years of science, by helping to ematics Counts & Science Matters,” a age children. “The survey found that ensure a solid foundation for students new outreach program to parents of parents felt higher math was impor­ in earlier grades. Project consultant children in grades k–8. tant to their child’s future success,” Terry B. Joyner remarks, “If we stress The program partners MSU educa­ states University Distinguished the importance of math now, stu­ tors with parents, teachers, schools Professor William Schmidt. “However, dents will be more encouraged to take and community organizations to we also found that parents, especially higher level math courses later during coordinate mathematics and science those with lower incomes, did not their high school and college careers.” programs, and lays the foundation for know where to get extra help if their Building on similar efforts sur­ success in school. A pilot project is un­ child was struggling with math, or rounding literacy, the program derway in the Lansing School District how to work with the school to ensure hopes to draw attention to the need with plans to expand the program to their child took higher level courses.” for building strong math and sci­ other districts in Michigan and Ohio. Mathematics Counts & Science ence skills through social marketing. Last year, prom/se (Promoting Matters supports the new Michigan “Social marketing involves applying Rigorous Outcomes in Mathematics high school graduation requirements, marketing strategies to create public

30 new educator PROM/SE

understanding around an issue and cept. Other materials include a mini- math and science education not only to ultimately change behavior,” said poster called the “Path to Success” in our students, but in their parents Susan Pettit Riley, prom/se Direc­ (below) which outlines steps parents as well,” says Carolyn Stone, parent tor of Communications. “Parents are can take to support learning through­ involvement coordinator for the Lan­ the greatest influence on their child’s out the school year. The project also sing School District. academic success. We want to help has developed an extensive Web site PROM/SE is a comprehensive research parents raise their expectations for with downloadable materials and links and development effort to improve their child’s learning in math and sci­ to community and Web resources for mathematics and science teaching and ence, and arm them with tools to help students and parents. learning in grades K–12, based on assess­ them along the way.” Trained parent volunteers will ment of students and teachers, improve­ The program has developed Parent be visiting PTOs, schools and com­ ment of standards and frameworks and Guides detailing important math­ munity groups to give presentations capacity building with teachers and ematics concepts that children should that highlight why math and science administrators. master by the end of each grade. These are important and local resources for To download parent guides and guides are written in parent-friendly parents and schools. “We hope this other helpful resources, visit www. language with examples for each con­ program will instill the importance of promse.msu.edu/MCSM.

© 2008 MSU PROM/SE spring 2008 31 FUTURE OF THE FACULTY MEMBER Austin AT THE Forefront

if you are a faculty member, Ann Austin is your advocate. A renowned professor of higher, adult and lifelong education, she’s been boldly exploring—and illuminating—critical issues within the academic workplace during 17 years at MSU. One of her latest books, Rethinking Faculty Work: Higher Education’s Strategic Imperative with Judith M. Gappa and Andrea G. Trice, was hailed in prominent reviews for its compre­ hensive policy analysis and recommendations. According to Mary Taylor Huber in Change, the book “provides an exception­ ally lucid analysis of the gap . . . between academic careers in the golden age and the reality of faculty appoint­ ments today.” Meanwhile, Austin con­ tinues as co-principal investigator with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, or cirtl, a cross-institutional and Na­ tional Science Foundation–funded effort to improve how future faculty are prepared in particularly high-priority areas—science, technology, mathematics and engineering. Here, she tells New Educator Editor Nicole Geary about today’s professor, respect and grooming graduate students.

36 new educator FACULTY

You have written about many in, they are sometimes called, fixed- and my colleagues and I are not in Q aspects of the professoriate. What term or renewable appointments. In any way trying to suggest otherwise. does your recent book tell us about many departments, it’s hard to know; But now, institutions need a full array the profession that makes it critical people work very closely and these ap­ of policies that will really address the reading for all concerned about the pointments are almost invisible. diversity of faculty they have and the future of higher education, as some Third, my colleagues and I argue range of work faculty do. reviewers say? that we’re seeing some interesting One of the areas where many changes in how faculty members colleges feel they want to do better is The thesis is that faculty members view work . . . As newer faculty work-life policies. So institutions are A are the heart of a college or uni­ members come into the academy, looking at their leave policies related versity, doing the day-to-day work of their thinking has been influenced by to various personal circumstances. the institution, fulfilling its missions. broader society. One shift has been They are trying to look creatively at My colleagues and I became inter­ the gender roles. The “ideal worker professional development opportuni­ ested in writing this book because we type” used to be, post–World War II, ties in order to maintain the vibrancy believe there are significant changes someone who was a man and who of faculty members . . . I think they happening right now. We felt it would could really devote themselves, from try to do really well but I think the be helpful to analyze those changes early morning well into the evening, diversity of faculty and the changing and then ask the question of how can to their work. There was typically a nature of work is leading many uni­ universities and colleges best support spouse at home managing that part versities and colleges right now to say faculty members. Addressing and of the family life. What’s occurring let’s see if we can be more comprehen­ supporting faculty work is really a now is that many in our society . . . sive, more creative. strategically important issue. don’t fit that description. Fourth, we’re seeing changes in In your book, you give leaders like What are some key characteristics the nature of faculty work. I think the Q provosts and deans solid recom­ Q of the current, or maybe I should best example of this has to do with mendations, including six essential say future, faculty member? the prevalence of technology . . . My elements faculty need in today’s work­ career has been long enough now place. What are those? One thing we know is that we’re that I can remember the years when A getting a more diverse faculty. We I didn’t have a computer and I know The core really has to do with re­ certainly are seeing an increase in the the years, in the last 10 or so, when A spect. An institution might ask: Are proportion of women; there’s been a I have. The e-mail, the opportunity we creating an environment where all steady increase in the last decade. Of to teach online, the immediacy of faculty members, regardless of their course, there are fields where women communication . . . these are creating appointment-type—this is where it are not as well represented, in some of new expectations for how you teach, becomes important, experience their the science fields, for example. We’re how you interact with your students, work as one that’s embedded in a very seeing, in terms of faculty members of where you do your work. You can do mutually respectful relationship? And color, a much more modest increase your work at home or across the coun­ then, if you think of it almost like in the representation . . . but all of us try, just as easily as in your office. And a wheel, around respect applaud that progress. that means changes, for example, in we identify five other We’re also seeing that faculty mem­ how faculty members relate to their essential elements. One bers are becoming more diverse in the students and colleagues. of them is the notion of nature of their appointments. This is For several decades, we’ve had appointment equity, not a pretty important part to understand. more faculty than places for them, but that everybody receives It plays out differently at different we’re now seeing a lot of retirements. exactly the same salary institutional types, but overall, across So there are quite a lot of opportuni­ but rather that, in what­ the country, the patterns are shifting ties for new faculty. This is a strategic ever position one is in, from predominantly tenure-track posi­ time for institutions to be thinking the faculty member feels tions toward a greater proportion of about how they attract and retain they are appropriately faculty in non-tenured-track positions. excellent faculty. remunerated, the benefits An interesting statistic is that, of new, are appropriate . . . full-time faculty positions . . . more So how have universities actu­ We also talk about than half are now being filled annu­ Q ally kept pace with this changing academic freedom. It’s one, ally by people who are not going into professional? historically for many the tenure track. Even in the major decades, that has been closelyelyy research universities, we’re seeing a I really believe universities and connected with what it meansans ttoo be a growing proportion of people who are A colleges value faculty very much faculty member. Respecting academicd i .

spring 2008 37 to which members of the institution ways than those of us who have been feel that they’re in a community where faculty members, in my case, for more there are respectful, collegial and sup­ than 20 years. We need to ask, are we portive relationships. It’s challenging helping them understand the range in an environment, as most of our of work they’re going to do? That universities and colleges are, where includes research and teaching but people can easily work at home, where also advising, interactions with the we’re all very busy, where people are community, an ability to work with a of different generations . . . These broad public . . . and an ability to col­ things challenge community and yet laborate. With the increase in inter­ we really need a sense of community disciplinary work, doctoral students to make work meaningful. across all disciplines need to learn how to work with colleagues across Wow, there are so many changes disciplines, how to work as part of a Q and expectations among faculty team, how to resolve conflicts. today. What would you say is the definitive message coming from re­ search about the future of their work?

One part is that it’s strategically freedom is part of what ensures the A important for a university or quality, the excellence of research and college and its leaders to think of teaching. So we argue that all faculty the faculty members as a critically members, even if they’re in one of important resource. Connected to these newer appointment types, need that is a recognition that the faculty to feel a sense of autonomy that’s ap­ are becoming more diverse in many propriate for the work they do. ways. We applaud that diversity but A third critical ingredient is bal­ it requires the university community ance and flexibility . . . especially for the to think, how do we really support younger generation of Ph.D. students this diverse group . . . One of the who are considering being faculty metaphors we use in the book is that members . . . They use words like “in­ of a team sport or a baseball game, tegration” and “balance” when talking for example. To have the game go re­ about what they want in their work ally well, everybody has to work well and in their broader lives. But also together. Everybody is not doing the very senior people who have been in same thing but you need an environ­ the faculty ranks for a long time real­ ment in which each player is well ize they need some flexibility because, prepared, is well supported and under­ perhaps, there is an elderly parent stands their role. who needs some care. Professional growth is another es­ Of course, before they’re faculty, But why stem in the project? One sential element. For example, we’re Q they are graduate students get­ answer is that, in our country at large, being asked to speak to external ting a taste for the academic work­ there are many people recognizing audiences and explain our work, to place. You’re also studying efforts to that maintaining our research and use technology in creative ways, to enhance their experiences through our cutting-edge expertise in science, engage in international work . . . all cirtl. The project focuses on improv­ engineering and math is a priority. these sorts of things, for some, are ing future faculty members’ abilities Our government is encouraging atten­ new endeavors. To really help people in the stem areas. Why? tion at many levels of education . . . do their work at the level of excellence The National Science Foundation the faculty members and the institu­ First, I very much believe that, in is funding many projects related to tions want, there must be professional A doctoral education, those of us enhancing the quality of teachers in growth opportunities that are easily who have the privilege of being fac­ these areas. accessible to people. ulty members need to ask ourselves, The last essential element, that I what do future faculty need to be able Tell me more about the cirtl think is really important, is collegiality. to do and know. They’re going to be Q project. What has the team A lot of that is situated in the extent asked to enact their work in different completed—and learned—so far?

38 new educator FACULTY

We began with three institu­ Howard University, the University of about the erickson chair A tions—the University of Wis­ Colorado at Boulder, Texas A&M and consin at Madison, Penn State and Vanderbilt. Penn State has concluded nn Austin is the first person to hold the Dr. Mildred B. Erickson Michigan State. Our goal during the their work with cirtl so there are six Distinguished Chair in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education, funded by first five years was to develop what institutions now continuing for three A a gift from Bruce Erickson. In this position, she chose to sponsor and we call a prototype experience, which more years. We’ve been able to create coordinate a yearlong Colloquium on the Changing Professoriate. The inaugural would include a variety of programs this cross-institutional network and symposium this spring, “Cutting New Paths toward Faculty Development,” fea­ that an institution might use. We’re that’s opening up the opportunity tured a keynote workshop on mutual mentoring by Mary Deane Sorcinelli, asso­ trying to develop strategies that will for learning from each other. Each ciate provost for faculty development at University of Massachusetts Amherst. help doctoral students develop their institution is taking the cirtl ideas There also were discussion sessions addressing cutting-edge issues in faculty teaching expertise in addition to and implementing them in practical development. Austin and her advisory board look forward to hosting additional excellent research expertise. We don’t ways. We have regular meetings to nationally recognized scholars and leaders to explore opportunities, changes and see this as a trade-off . . . We would share what we’re learning on own challenges occurring in faculty careers and the academic workplace. Visit www. argue they need not only to be superb campuses. We have opportunities for educ.msu.edu/ericksonchair for more information and to join the conversation. researchers but that those who move doctoral students to visit each other’s onto faculty roles need to be excellent institutions, which we think helps teachers. They are going to be prepar­ prepare them for understanding the ing young people who will themselves broader work world they will enter. different types. And our hope, in the contribute to our scientific expertise We have seed grant opportunities broadest sense, is that if this network and enhance the ability of our whole for doctoral students and faculty of prominent research-oriented country to be appropriately prepared who want to engage in study of their universities can engage in some and knowledgeable in science and teaching. serious thought and action around engineering. It’s very much an action project strengthening doctoral education, we cirtl is guided by three pillars but there’s also a robust research actually have the potential to have and we’ve tried to embed these pil­ endeavor that my colleague Jim a strong impact on a whole number lars into the national dialogue about Fairweather and I have led and I will of institutions where these people doctoral education. One focuses on continue now . . . cirtl has, as one are ultimately going to go and teach. what we call teaching-as-research; example, an ongoing longitudinal We believe the materials that we’re that’s the notion of helping faculty study of cirtl participants. We’ve developing—course syllabi and other and doctoral students learn how to been following a group of doctoral resources, workshop designs—and the bring their research skills as scien­ students at Madison and now we’re ideas we’re developing will enhance tists into their teaching, so that they seeking funding to continue follow­ the whole national dialogue. actually inquire about their teach­ ing them as they move into their ing and their students’ learning. The careers. We’re interested in what is other pillar we call learning-through­ the impact on a doctoral student if he diversity and this has to do with our or she participates in these new kinds heavy focus on recognizing that of professional development oppor­ diversity in our classrooms and in tunities and then, as they move into our higher education institutions is a their careers, does their participation source of richness for learning. Our in cirtl or in an activity like cirtl third pillar is the notion of learning­ make a difference when they actually through-community, that is, creating become faculty members. an environment in which faculty and students come together to address What are the long-term, perhaps issues around teaching and learning. Q nationwide, implications of the That’s important because otherwise cirtl work? faculty members or students are sort of on their own in a culture that We’d really like to create a “na­ doesn’t fully support that. A tional faculty” in the stem fields who are prepared to be excellent What’s happening with cirtl teachers as well as superb research­ Q now, and what’s next? ers. Future faculty are prepared at the research universities, that’s just In the past two years, our plan, by definition, but they go out to the A which we fulfilled, was to ex­ 4,000 or so higher education institu­ Learn more about the Center for the Integration of pand the network. So we now have tions in the country, that are of all » Research, Teaching and Learning at www.cirtl.net spring 2008 39 FACULTY&STAFF NEWS

Angela Calabrese Barton, associate cational psychology, is a co-author of BOOKS professor of teacher education, is a Vouchers and Public School Performance: co-editor of Internationalisation and A Case Study of the Milwaukee Parental Maenette Benham, professor of k–12 Globalisation in Mathematics and Science Choice Program, published in 2007 educational administration, is the Education, published in 2007 (Springer). (Washington, D.C.: Economic Policy editor and a chapter author of Indig­ The book also contains a chapter by Institute). enous Educational Models for Contem­ doctoral graduate Loyiso Jita. porary Practice: In Our Mother’s Voice, Mark Conley, associate professor of Volume II, published in 2008 (New Amita Chudgar, assistant professor of teacher education, is co-editor, with York: Routledge). educational administration and edu­ teacher education doctoral students

his professional skills with students until his recruit­ In Memoriam and teachers in the field specializing ment to MSU in 1957. in mental retardation and cognitive Remaining a profes­ disabilities. However, he also made an sor of educational Donald A. Burke, impact among colleagues in physical administration over professor of special education, assisting them to establish 27 years, Hecker education for 27 new programs statewide. The Mason, helped dozens of years, died Dec. 21, Mich. resident retired in 1991. Michigan school districts consolidate, 2007, at age 75. He educated numerous superintendents was committed to Fair funding advocate and student in school finance and pioneered serving students enrollment expert Stanley Hecker a method for forecasting student with severe impairments, working as died Dec. 22, 2007, at age 85. He was populations. He worked with former a classroom teacher before arriving a World War II veteran who served Dean Clifford Erickson in planning at MSU in 1964. Burke was known for as a math teacher, administrator and the construction of Erickson Hall and his willingness to listen and to share Kentucky state education official is an inductee of the Michigan School Administrator Hall of Fame.

the college of education grieves the loss of a genuine spirit and distin­ Assistant Dean and guished scholar, Jean Baker, who died Jan. 10, 2008, after a valiant battle with Professor Emeritus breast cancer. At age 49, she was co-director of MSU’s School Psychology Pro­ Charles L. Jackson of gram, a nationally known community of learners she helped nurture. She also Lovells Township, was an accomplished researcher who focused on factors that promote positive Mich., died Jan. 3, school climates—concepts she always seemed to model in her own life. 2008, at age 83. On Baker was the coordinator of an annual orientation session for new fac­ the faculty from 1967 ulty, a magnet for recruiting graduate students, a faculty member who cared to 1990, he was committed to serving about professionals as individuals. She understood connecting scholarship MSU students away from campus with practice and demonstrated this when, among other examples, she devel­ and in the nontraditional contexts oped Web-based video and curriculum materials for teachers and counselors of adult and continuing education. immediately after the Columbine tragedy. Jackson mixed terms as an instructor A licensed psychologist, Baker received her Ph.D. at the University of in Rome, the Netherlands, Belgium Wisconsin–Madison. She joined the University of Georgia School Psychology and Egypt with administrative posi­ Program faculty in 1993 and maintained a small private practice there until tions over such satellite operations arriving at MSU in 1999. Her caring and influential leadership style has been as the Teacher Education Center in seamless, whether she was advising an individual colleague or serving as presi­ Birmingham, Mich. and, later, all of dent of the American Psychological Association’s school psychology division. the university’s lifelong education The associate professor and Society for the Study of School Psychology courses. He retired in 1990 as the Col­ member continued to show incredible energy and efforts, counseling students lege of Education’s assistant dean of and pursuing research, despite her illness. In fact, a paper she helped author off-campus programs. Jackson later was published in a professional journal the week of her death. Her life is com­ served Michigan’s Board of Education memorated through a blog, Cooking with Jean, created by her husband, Watts as a member of the Professional Stan­ Rozell. Go to cookingwithjean.blogspot.com. dards Commission for Teachers.

40 new educator FA CUL TY

Michael B. Sherry and Steven Forbes Davis Wins MSU Lifetime Achievement Tuckey, of Meeting the Challenge of Award for Diversity Adolescent Literacy: Research We Have, Research We Need, published in 2008 MaryLee Davis, professor of higher education administra­ (New York: Guilford Press). tion, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the university at the annual Excellence in Diversity Recognition University Distinguished Professor and Awards program in March 2008. Yong Zhao is the co-author, with Col­ Davis was recognized for her genuine and long-term lege of Education Ph.D.-holders Jing commitment to sharing messages of diversity and inclusion Lei and Paul F. Conway, of The Digital in a variety of positions, both on and off campus. Pencil: One-to-One Computing for Chil­ As a past member of the College of Education’s alumni board, she has dren, published in 2008 (New York: chaired a variety of local, state and national boards and served as a liaison Lawrence Erlbaum Associates). with the state Legislature, United Way, chambers of commerce and other civic, healthcare and youth organizations. At MSU, her posts have included, among others, secretary of the MSU Board of Trustees and associate vice president for public service and community affairs. Davis serves Michigan KUDOS as public policy chair of the Executive Board of the American Council on Education’s National Network of Women Leaders. She also is faculty advisor Matthew Diemer, assistant professor to the MSU Council of Graduate Students. of counseling, is a 2007 recipient of the Emerging Scholar in k–12 Ser­ vice Learning fellowship, a program Edwards Elected Vice President coordinated by circle, or the Center of International Reading Association for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement, at the Uni­ Teacher education Professor Patricia Edwards was elected versity of Maryland. vice president of the International Reading Association (ira). She assumed the position in May 2008 and will Kinesiology Professor Gail Dummer remain on the Board of Directors for three years, eventually was chosen as the Outstanding Pro­ serving as president of the worldwide literacy organization fessional of the Year by the Adapted during 2010–11. Physical Activity Council of aahperd An expert in family and urban literacy, Edwards hopes (the American Alliance for Health, to further realize an ira slogan, “We teach the world to read,” by increasing Physical Education, Recreation and diversity among the membership and providing resources to help practitio­ Dance). She received the honor at the ners better understand literacy development and learning in other countries. aahperd convention in April 2008. This is especially important, she says, to support U.S. teachers with increas­ ingly multicultural classrooms. Anne-Lise Halvorsen, assistant profes­ Edwards also gave her Presidential Address, “The Education of African sor of teacher education, received a American Children: Voicing the Debates, Controversies and Solutions,” Lilly Teaching Fellowship from MSU on Nov. 28, 2007, during the 57th Annual Meeting of the National Reading for the 2008–09 year. Teacher Educa­ Conference in Austin, Texas. That concluded her one-year term as nrc’s first tion Chairperson Suzanne Wilson will African-American president. serve as Halvorsen’s mentor. She was honored at a Lilly Fellows reception in April 2008. Mark Reckase, professor of measure­ Study of Higher Education. She also James T. Minor, assistant professor of ment and quantitative methods, was received the Annuit Coeptis Award higher, adult and lifelong education, elected president of the National for professional excellence from the authored a special research report, Council on Measurement in Educa­ American College Personnel Associa­ Contemporary HBCUs: Considering tion, taking office in April 2008. tion in March 2008 and the Outstand­ Institutional Capacity and State Priorities, ing Contribution to Student Affairs published in 2008. The report shows Kristen Renn, associate professor through Teaching Award from naspa financial gaps exist, based on an analy­ of higher, adult and lifelong educa­ (the National Association of Student sis of enrollment data and higher-edu­ tion, was elected to the Board of Personnel Administrators) Region IV– cation funding formulas in four states. Directors of the Association for the East in November 2007.

spring 2008 41 COE MERCHANDISE Spring into Style! H

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new educator HONORS STUDENTS

Brown Carson Louw Moses Oliver Richardson A. Schmidt S. Schmidt Tai

Julia Louw, a doctoral student in School in Yokosuka, Japan for four outstanding graduates, spring 2008 rehabilitation counseling from Cape years. This school year, she’s working Town, South Africa, received two at the Isles District superintendent’s highest academic achievement awards prestigious fellowships to support office (in England) as the school im­ ■ Catherine A. DeDene, Elementary Education her studies at MSU. She began her provement and assessments liaison. ■ Katherine R. Donohue, Special Education–Learning Disabilities program in fall 2007 with a Ford She anticipates receiving her MSU ■ Kristin E. Guina, Elementary Education Foundation International Fellowship. degree through the Graduate Studies ■ Brianna N. McGregor, Kinesiology Then, upon admission, she received in Education Overseas program in ■ Samantha L. Salvia, Secondary Education–Mathematics MSU’s Nelson Mandela Fellowship for Plymouth, England in summer 2008. ■ Joanne M. West, Elementary Education the 2007–08 year. For her disserta­ Visit www.dodea.edu. ■ Allison L. Zolad, Elementary Education tion, Louw is researching how hiv/ outstanding service awards aids programs are taught to sixth- and Two doctoral students—Sarah A. Car­ ■ Sandra M. Allen, Elementary Education seventh-graders in her home country. son and Sandra J. Schmidt—received ■ Katherine F. Federspiel, Special Education–Learning Disabilities Specifically, she’s interested in how Excellence-In-Teaching Citations ■ Cierra B. Presberry, Special Education–Learning Disabilities teachers view gender roles and how during the university’s annual Awards ■ Allison L. Zolad, Elementary Education that affects their teaching of hiv/aids Convocation in February 2008. The programs. citations are awarded to graduate as­ sistants in recognition of their dedica­ Oliver, were elected to serve as aera Amy E. Schmidt of Grand Ledge, tion and success in meeting classroom Graduate Student Council representa­ Mich., is the recipient of a fall 2007 responsibilities. tives for the 2007–08 year. Brown is Outstanding Senior Award from the Carson is a kinesiology student a senior representative for Division L MSU Senior Class Council. Kinesiol­ originally from Falmouth, Mass. She and Moses is a junior representative ogy Professor Gail Dummer submitted has taught a range of undergraduate for Division G. the nomination after getting to know courses, from volleyball to “psycho­ Oliver, who was the council’s Schmidt as an exemplary student, logical bases of physical activity,” chair-elect, became chair for the undergraduate teaching assistant and and completed an assistantship with 2008–09 year at the aera annual intern. She graduated in December the Institute for the Study of Youth meeting in March 2008. 2007 with dual degrees in kinesiology Sports. She is specializing in sport and and dietetics and a 3.7 grade point- exercise psychology, with a cognate in average. She also was co-captain of the growth and motor development. Cedric Tai, completing his k–12 art education certifi­ MSU women’s diving team, earning Schmidt is a Philadelphia native cation in spring 2008, received the Students Making Academic All-Big Ten four times and pursuing her Ph.D. in curriculum, a Difference through Artistic Expression award from the university swimming and diving teaching and educational policy. She MSU in March. He accepted the honor, which recog­ teams’ most prestigious honor—the has taught social studies methods nizes efforts to promote Kevin Zielinski Heart Award. classes and the urban section of the diversity through art­ teacher intern reflection and inquiry work, during the annual Stephanie Richardson, an educational seminar, while studying approaches Excellence in Diversity technology master’s degree student, to geography education for her dis­ Recognition and Awards was named 2008 Teacher of the Year sertation. Schmidt also is actively program. Tai created for the Japan District of Department involved in extracurricular activities, a digital piece titled of Defense Education Agency (DoDEA) presently serving as president of “The Best Education,” schools. DoDEA operates nearly 200 MSU’s Graduate Employees Union. which brings to mind schools throughout the world, serving multiple concepts for children of military service members Two doctoral students in teacher educators ranging from and the department’s civilian employ­ education, Annis Brown and self-reflection to mass ees. Richardson, who has 15 years of Valencia Moses, and one in k–12 production. experience, taught at Kinnick High educational administration, John

spring 2008 43 Th eHampton E

he Department of Kinesiology has created blake mcghee called his trip uplifting. The experience not only connected the Detroit native to powerful career networking; he picked up references from an enriching alternative to studying professors and learned about scholarship opportunities that could bolster his plans abroad through its new U.S. Exchange to become a physical therapist. McGhee also established relationships with sup­ T portive peers who set the bar high—especially fellow members of his fraternity, the Program, a partnership with Hampton University Hampton chapter of Omega Psi Phi. Those personal and professional connections generated extra forged in spring 2007. As a historically black, small confidence to carry him forward. He now sees an advanced degree and, with it, another venture far from home in his future. and private college, the Hampton, Va.–based institution offers a unique contrast to MSU, allow­ he Hampton University student the beauty of Virginia and the East Coast. I was ing students from both universities to share history exchange was an enlightening expe­ awestruck. It rarely had cold days. The next thing and heritage, friendships and collegiality. rience. I picked MSU for my post­ I noticed was that everyone I ran into was very secondary education because it has polite. Hampton has a prestigious reputation a plethora of resources and a good for strict discipline, and what I admired about We asked the first MSU students to participate— reputation.T However, being an African-American the campus was that everybody wanted to be male, I wanted to have the experience of attend­ involved, whether in events or community service two 22-year-old kinesiology seniors with very dif­ ing a Historically Black College or University. projects. This helped me gain ideas about how to ferent perspectives—to summarize their semester At one time, African-Americans didn’t have set up creative programs on my campus. either the resources or the option to attend other By fellowshipping with fraternity brothers at at Hampton. universities. Being at a Big Ten university, I often Hampton, I networked and created friendships. wondered how life would be different at an HBCU. Being an active student in class, I earned two I felt obliged to take advantage of the exchange letters of recommendation from my professors at The program is offered to kinesiology students opportunity, because how many universities offer a Hampton. The experience in itself has inspired each fall semester. Contact Dianne Ulibarri, program like this? Apparently, students at Hamp­ me to apply to graduate schools outside the state ton are curious too. Many of them approached me of Michigan. I want this program to continue. I [email protected], or Jo Hartwell, hartwel6@msu. to inquire about how they could participate in a believe that it’s innovative and can build the char­ edu, for more information. student exchange program. These students’ majors acter of students who participate in it. were in nursing, business and journalism. When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was

44 new educator STUDENTS Exchange my semester: first participants reflect

elizabeth berdanier had the urge. She wanted to study somewhere other than MSU for a small portion of her undergraduate life. Trouble is, the Lansing native had already seen many parts of the world growing up in a mobile military family, includ­ ing both of the kinesiology department’s study abroad destinations (Australia and the U.K.). Hampton became one portal to multiple new experiences—sailing, tiny college classes and, most significantly, the ability to immerse in and understand different cultures right here in the United States. No matter how she pursues her interest in promoting exercise and health, Berdanier knows she’ll be bolder. She understands unity better than ever before.

thoroughly enjoyed my time while in southern Virginia. My favorite aspect of the en­ Hampton, Va. It was an extraordinary all- tire experience was living so close to the beach around learning experience. Being placed and the warm weather that accompanied it. I in such a radically different environment really enjoyed the friendliness, hospitality and forced me to look at everything in a new personal attention that a small private institution Ilight. I gained firsthand exposure to a great provided, as well as being able to better ap­ historically black university, a priceless encounter preciate MSU’s differing procedures and unique that taught me a lot about different cultures and opportunities. I am grateful for the chance I had attitudes toward race. I was the racial minority for to participate in classes not offered at Michigan the first time in my life and it had me “walk a mile State, such as aerobic dance—one course I will in somebody else’s shoes.” not soon forget. Seeing my own field of study taught from a I made lasting friendships, and I am confident different perspective, in another area of the coun­ that I am better prepared, with additional and try, really allowed me to gain better knowledge of varied resources for helping me attain my future my possibilities for potential growth and devel­ career goals. I feel that my time visiting Hampton opment. I am now confident there are different University was like being placed in the refiner’s environments where one can focus on what they fire and coming out with a beautiful and valuable love in a location that best suits them. life experience. I was astounded by the abundant natural beauty and rich history that surrounded me in

Check out Hampton University » at www.hamptonu.edu

spring 2008 45 SHERRY USES IMPROV TO HELP TEACHER CANDIDATES PRACTICE SITUATIONS, “SEE” IMPACT OF THEIR ACTIONS >> Nicole Geary Reh earsals and Realizations

laughter erupted around the circle of desks in Bessey “Can we hear a little bit of what that sounds like?” Hall. Amid the humor, many heads were nodding. Some Sherry said and, within minutes, he arranged for a pair of eyes met in subtle understanding. students to act out the scene: They are in this together. “Okay, so I was brainstorming last night and . . .” It was their last on-campus course session before, as The giggling returned as the improvising continued. interns, they would begin their turns as lead teachers in “Well, Pete, I looked at your lesson plans. . . . I don’t think this classrooms around Michigan. is going to work, but you can try it.” The room grew quiet again. On another day, the young educators might have been “What about conversations with mentor teachers?” imagining—in this safe place—their own response to an un­ their instructor, Mike Sherry, asked. “Does anyone want to ruly teen or second-guessing their assumptions about leaving share an experience?” comments on a student’s essay paper. Rehearsals, you might An immediate volunteer told of her interest in creat­ say, are regular occurrences in Sherry’s course sections. ing a poetry assignment, something her mentor initially “We put a lot of emphasis on planning and reflecting, shot down. A few others expressed frustration over feeling but in between is a sort of mysterious place,” he said. undermined when proposing lesson ideas. “That’s what happens in the field.

46 new educator STUDENTS

award-winning students to create their own play. It was a hit with the group of uninhibited middle school- The fourth-year doctoral student pushes teacher aged children, the “ultimate improvisers.” candidates to consider and, more importantly, practice what they might say and do in that mys­ relevant terious place, during unforeseen professional situations. Similarly, he thought while starting his Ph.D. His dedication to helping them develop work, teacher candidates have to react quickly realistic, on-the-spot strategies is what drives his on their own. They must think about the scholarly ambitions. implications of their actions, academically and It’s also what sets him apart. otherwise, when they’re nervous and when they In spring 2007, the College of Education are supposed to keep a lid on their emotions. presented Sherry with an Excellence in Teach­ “I really identify with some of their strug­ ing Award, the only student to receive the honor gles,” Sherry said. “They are sometimes asked to among three faculty members. do things they don’t agree with or believe in, and Beyond the innovative, often case-related they don’t know what to do.” teaching approaches he uses—such as collab­ He cautiously applied the theater concept orative unit planning by wiki and student-led while instructing his first teacher education portfolio conferences—selection committee course. They were discussing a seemingly trivial members especially recognized an impressive question: What to do about a student sleeping capacity to explain the rationale behind his in class. Threaten the principal’s office? Tap the choices. In this way, he models the kind of per­ desk? Talk after class? sonal analysis he strives to instill in future teach­ Through the exercises, future teachers get to ers. Sherry, the award program states, “provides “see” possible consequences and recognize their lessons from which we can all learn.” assumptions—before it counts with real students. “We’ll talk about it and realize the power of Uninhibited just a few different words,” said Ray Lessnau, a teacher candidate who credits Sherry for gently Sherry, 30, was sometimes dissatisfied when he creating a true sense of community. “He never first ventured into education. He was teaching makes it feel lame or hokey. He makes it feel literature at an international high school in Paris, incredibly relevant and he has helped me grow France. It was a strange and wonderful opportu­ dramatically as an educator.” nity for a French major from Freehold, N.J., and yet he felt trapped by his department’s emphasis research-rich on teaching only classic interpretations of the texts. Sherry wants to become a faculty member. He wanted to facilitate students forming Specifically, he hopes to teach pre-service their own interpretations, and convince his su­ English language arts secondary teachers and, periors that he could, but he wasn’t sure how. generally, help students use language to make Meanwhile, the self-described “theater per­ meaning from the world. son” started pursuing an MSU master’s degree in First, he hopes to describe the art of impro­ curriculum and teaching through a summer-only vising for teachers, the basis for a dissertation Graduate Studies in Education Overseas (gseo) that should fuel his next career steps. program. Mixed into his studies were books by a He’s gathering data directly from MSU particular author, Augusto Boal, whose thinking students exposed to case-based preparation forms parallels between teaching and theater. practices. Following 25 from senior year through The concept of forum theater, in which actors their first professional year, he’s relying in part stage a problem and audience members attempt on video cameras and audio recorders to analyze to solve it, stood out. how those techniques from their coursework “I thought, this sounds like what I think translate to real moments in the mysterious teaching should be, could be,” he said. “School is place—the classroom. kind of like rehearsal for life.” “When unexpected things happen, teachers Soon afterward, his Paris school needed a have to deal with them, every day,” he said. theater director. He volunteered. “How do they learn to do that and With less administrative oversight than usual, how do we, as teacher educators See more details on Mike Sherry’s teaching artifacts at he decided against a script and basically allowed help them?” » www.msu.edu/~sherrymi/Teaching/Excellence spring 2008 47 48 new educator STUDENTS

Intern Explores Teaching at Global Kindergarten STUDENT SOAKS IN RARE DIVERSITY ALONG WITH TYPICAL NEW TEACHER LESSONS DURING YEAR IN BEIJING >> Nicole Geary

pam arnold can’t commiserate with fellow fifth-year teaching interns during the school day, or even at class once a week. There isn’t a Target around the cor­ ner, no familiar Meijer or OfficeMax selling materials for a last-minute lesson idea. English is the native language of only three kids in her class. For some, it’s their third or fourth language. And they’re only five years old. She loves it. All challenges included, spending the school year at 3e International Kindergarten has been the valu­ able foreign adventure she started day-dreaming about during teacher education courses. Guiding children from learning letters to writing their first full sentences has made a future out of her fascination with young language learners. .

spring 2008 49 Arnold, a 22-year-old from Ma­ languages and, likewise, through both She found her ticket for profes­ comb, Mich., is the first College of Eastern and Western teaching styles sional work abroad as a 3e flier, picked Education teaching intern to be placed and cultures. up at one of MSU’s Child Develop­ abroad, thousands of miles from the The school represents the first ment Laboratories where she was current designated sites near De­ experiment with this Education for doing an observational study. troit, Grand Rapids and Lansing. She Global Citizenship (EGC) approach, It was just an idea, her advisor received her bachelor’s degree in child which has been duplicated since said, but could she possibly do her development last year. 2005 by at least five Michigan school required internship there? It was “It’s been an eye-opening experi­ districts with support from the U.S.­ a chance to truly test the inclusive ence, to see the growth take place in China Center and MSU’s Confucius teaching practices she had been study­ language learners from all different Institute. Fortunately, that means ing, to explore beyond her current levels and walks of life,” she said. many 3e teachers, including Arnold’s personal boundaries. “The diversity here is so prevalent it’s mentor Betty Wescott, are MSU gradu­ She went for it. impossible to ignore.” ates. They warmly welcomed her, through a new but natural partner­ ship with College of Education staff, as she encountered culture shock in A “see -if-it-works” spirit A setting to “see the world” the country and uncertainty in the classroom. Preparing teachers to work effectively 3e sits in the heart of Beijing and the Speaking in English right away, she in international and multicultural students come from 18 different na­ knew, wouldn’t be effective for this contexts is a major priority within the tions: Korea, Japan, Finland, Belgium varied group of tiny pupils. College of Education. In fact, the first and Australia, to name a few. “I had to model and imitate every­ participants of a new Global Educa­ Under an innovative model thing,” Arnold said, remembering how tors Cohort Program begin classes in developed by the college’s U.S.-China she first uncomfortably relied on body fall 2008. Center for Research on Educational language and facial expressions fore­ Officials are interested in learning Excellence, the preschoolers and shadowed in her coursework. “It felt whether teaching internships abroad kindergartners split days between necessary. I think I would have felt are viable. learning in the Mandarin and English more awkward if I hadn’t just gone in “Our college is trying to put a lot and done it.” more international focus into the Arnold, who plans to return to program. This is one way to do it,” said picking up popularity the United States in June, has taken teacher education program Coordina­ the same kind of just-do-it approach tor Sharon Schwille, who also serves as to the entire excursion—her first Arnold’s field instructor. “She’s going to overseas journey. She was homesick be extra qualified to teach k–3.” during the early fall months, missing But Arnold’s trip wasn’t automati­ family get-togethers and easy phone cally approved. calls in an Asian nation 13 hours ahead Teachers certified by MSU com­ of ours. plete a rigorous full-year clinical But, like so many MSU students, experience marked by both hands- she had come to yearn for more on experience and shared, advanced knowledge—the kind you can only coursework. capture surrounded by different To make it work, Schwille said, the people and environments. logistics had to be carefully coordi­ “I’m not scared to venture out and nated. go to new places or try new things,” Arnold took one class the summer Arnold said. “I wasn’t always like that; before and three courses online, in­ it started in college when I realized I cluding one as an independent study. he 3e school in Beijing, first developed by the college’s U.S.-China Center wanted to see the world.” Her peers in Michigan met for classes for Research on Educational Excellence, has been deemed the most As an undergraduate, the child de­ in the middle of her night. Tfamous international kindergarten in China by a prominent informational velopment major admired the diversity “It’s more difficult, not to be Web site. China Service Mall, www.at0086.com, placed the Mandarin-English among her classmates. She spent spare surrounded by people in the same multicultural immersion program at No. 1 on its top-10 listing for offering “an time tutoring English language learners situation,” she said. “It’s just a little extraordinary learning environment, evolutionary teaching methods and a and soon decided that she must, in her bit harder to stay in the mindset” of a culturally authentic bilingual education.” Learn more at www.3eik.com. future career, do her part to prepare student. students as citizens of the world. She settled in though, finding time

50 new educator STUDENTS

for outside assignments, regular live mixed class in fall 2008. “Never again will I bring their conversations with Schwille (who also “We’re definitely wanting to inter­ attention to something as silly as the visited once) and even a weekend po­ est more interns for the upcoming colors they’re using; it affects the way sition tutoring older Chinese students. school year. This is the beginning.” the lesson plays out,” she said. She found it in a popular magazine Meanwhile, she also experienced for foreigners. trial and error—and success—in the Leaders from 3e’s parent orga­ delicate business of differentiating nization, the Sun Wah Education A “profound instruction for a diverse group of Eng­ Foundation, arranged for Arnold to lish language learners. The experience live in an apartment complex three profess ional journey” reaffirmed her interest in kindergart­ blocks from the school near several ners and ignited one to learn more fellow staff members, helping her set Unfortunately, Arnold didn’t really about ELL teaching. up strong relationships. Thrilled with have time to travel in China, to see “It’s an art really. It’s not some­ the new prospect for expanding their tourist destinations beyond Beijing. thing that can be taught in one class MSU partnership, they even provided Just being with Wescott and their 13 or one semester,” said Arnold, who Arnold with free daily lunch and travel students in the English classroom every isn’t yet sure where she might teach expenses to and from Beijing. day, however, took Arnold on a pro­ next. She wants to see another part of “It provides a valuable perspec­ found professional journey, she says. the world, then another and another, tive for the school as well—how to Like any green teacher, the most if possible. best prepare teachers to meet the basic goof-ups engrained a place in “Professionally, (this internship) global challenge,” said Chief Execu­ her mind: Her mentor cringing as she has helped me really understand the tive Officer Gilbert Choy, who hopes distracted kids from math concepts importance of teaching global citizen­ to recruit additional students as 3e with a comment about their different ship and valuing other people, places expands. The plan is to add one grade colored bingo chips. Five-year-olds are and cultures,” she said. “I would tell level each year through sixth grade, 5-year-olds, no matter their cultural other prospective teachers that it’s a starting with a first- and second-grade differences. once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

spring 2008 51 YOUNG ALUMNI American Acclimation reetings and welcome to a new edition of the New Educator. As the newly appointed young alumni representative to the College of Educa­ Gtion Alumni Association Board of Directors, I would like to introduce CHINESE TEACHING EXPERIENCE LEADS TO myself. SELF-REFLECTION, ENLIGHTENMENT My name is Mitch Fowler and I am a 2005 graduate of the college, now in >> Kristen Parker, Alumni Relations Coordinator my second year as a fifth-grade teacher for Pennfield Schools in Battle Creek, Mich. I am very excited to be working closely with a group of educators who care deeply about staying connected to our alma mater; the members of the alumni board truly bleed green. During my time as the young alumni representative, I look forward to work­ From her classroom at a uni­ lege of Education in 2003 with two ing with recent graduates on how the College of Education Alumni Association versity in Northeast China, Lindsay bachelor’s degrees—one in education can help you develop, both personally and professionally. Novara has experienced several laugh and one in interdisciplinary human­ The MSU Alumni Association recently unveiled its Young Alumni Program, or cry moments. Immersed in a ities—and a specialization in Asian designed to offer MSU’s youngest graduates enticing benefits. First, I should culture that has, in her own words, studies. On top of a demanding aca­ welcomed her as an “acceptable demic regimen, Novara participated explain that by “young alumni” we mean anyone who has graduated within outsider,” Novara usually chooses to in MSU’s Buddy Program, in which the last 10 years with a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate. Membership rates are laugh. After all, it’s part of being a she mentored Chinese teaching assis­ extremely low. In fact, after your first-year complimentary membership expires, global educator. tants. She also took English Language you can retain your membership for only $25 per year for the next two years. In addition to pursuing a master’s Learning graduate classes and taught That’s a three-year savings of $85! Furthermore, as a young alumni member, degree in intercultural studies, No­ English as a Second Language classes you’ll have access to the “Young Alumni Tool Box” on the MSU Alumni Associa­ vara, 26, currently teaches oral Eng­ at Lansing Community College. tion’s Web site. There, you will be able to connect with, organize and search lish to freshman English majors and In addition, Novara spent two Ph.D. students attending a Northeast summers in China during her college for young alumni events in your area. For more information, please visit www. China university. Previously, Novara years, teaching English to middle msualum.com, where you can also sign up for membership. taught at a university in Southwest school and high school students. Recent graduates also will find comfort knowing the College of Educa­ China for two years. There, she With an impressive résumé at tion Alumni Association is greatly interested in recognizing their needs and worked with undergraduates who the time of graduation, Novara had accomplishments. We would like to hear directly from our recent graduates in order to spotlight them here in this section. We know we’ve got amazing Spartan “. . . you can’t know your own culture until ambassadors all over the world! Please send any news of recent graduates’ accomplishments to me at fowlerm@pennfield.net. Or you can contact Kristen you’re taken out of it. I view the American Parker, alumni relations coordinator, at [email protected] or 513D Erickson culture through a different lens now.” Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824. Since this is a newly created position, which is part of a newly created planned to become English teachers found her calling. She loved the program, the details are still under construction. So I welcome your ideas for within their hometowns. Chinese culture, the people, the his­ At such a young age, Novara ex­ tory and the country. But most of all, events, stories and networking tools that will help you stay connected to your udes the passion and pride of a much Novara loved the classroom. colleagues and to your alma mater. It goes without saying that these are exciting more seasoned educator. Perhaps it’s So after completing her intern­ times to be a Spartan. Therefore, I truly urge you to consider joining the College because of the incredible experiences ship at Bennett Woods Elementary of Education Alumni Association (and therefore the MSU Alumni Association) as that defined her undergraduate work School in Okemos, Mich., Novara re­ a young alumni member. at MSU. turned to China to pursue her dream Mitch Fowler, Class of 2005 Novara graduated from the Col- job, and the challenges it presented.

52 new educator YOUNG ALUMNI

Novara has a bad day or struggles with a particular student, she thinks about her student teaching experi­ ence. “I find myself in a similar role as my mentor teacher,” Novara ex­ plained. “And I think about her teach­ ing style. She taught by example, with such grace.” Novara hopes to have the same impact on her students. To have such an impact requires an appreciation of culture and of diversity, something she gained as a student at MSU. No­ vara credits the university’s focus on globalization for preparing her to be an effective global educator. The complementary values of the Chinese and American educational In December 2006, Sichuan Province presented Novara with an award to recognize excellent foreign teachers. systems are the future of education, Novara said. And she stands prepared. “It’s surprising how much we’ve As a foreign teacher, Novara has about her teaching successes. seen an American interest in China, overcome obstacles. For 95 percent of “Some of my freshmen students in the language, the culture, the his­ her students, being a foreign teacher lacked the confidence to speak Eng­ tory,” she said. “It’s an interesting presents no problems. But the truth lish, but by the sophomore year, they thing that’s happened recently.” is, she’s an American teacher, trying had no worries,” Novara said. “It’s While Novara doesn’t know what to acclimate to the Chinese culture. neat to watch them progress in their her future holds, she will be forever “The challenges within the class­ confidence. It’s fun to watch.” changed by her Chinese teaching room are cultural challenges,” Novara And while teaching is a rewarding experience. said. “I still have a lot of growth. I still profession, the rewards often come “This experience has shaped who need to learn how to teach within in bits and pieces. For Novara, some­ I am and who I will continue to be,” this environment, because it’s impor­ times it’s seeing a struggling student she said. “Whatever I do, I know that tant for me to show that I care about smile. And sometimes it’s watching I will combine my interests related to the culture.” a student’s expression as he or she China and cross-cultural education.” In the process, Novara has learned finally “gets it.” one of life’s most important lessons, These moments of inspiration lindsay novara one that she perhaps never would are what drew Novara to the field of have learned in a typical classroom. education. She grew up understand­ Novara’s students also are her friends, and she enjoys “I’ve learned that you can’t know ing the importance of quality educa­ sharing American traditions—such as this Thanksgiving your own culture until you’re taken tors in a student’s life—regardless of party—with them. out of it,” she said. “I view the Ameri­ a student’s age. Novara’s parents are can culture through a different lens both educators, and she remembers now.” them sharing unforgettable moments But cultural differences aside, they experienced with students. officials at Novara’s school consider “Being an educator allows us a her a successful educator. In fact, chance to invest in people, it allows they nominated Novara for an award us to be part of their lives and their created by Sichuan Province’s De­ worlds,” she said. “When you look partment of Education to recognize back, it’s the relationships that are excellent foreign teachers. remembered.” In December 2006, she received Case in point: Novara often thinks the award, along with about 40 other about her mentor teacher at Ben­ foreign teachers within the province. nett Woods, Dianna Long. Under her occupation: English Teacher, Northeast China For the nomination, Novara’s school guidance, Novara built confidence in education: Bachelor’s degrees, Education and Interdisciplinary Humanities, MSU officials submitted information the classroom. Sometimes now, when

spring 2008 53 ALUMNI NOTES

College of Education Alumni Association Honors Four Alumni

the msu college of education Danish, a previous chair of Vir­ lished 18 books and monographs and Alumni Association bestowed onto ginia Commonwealth University’s 94 chapters and articles in reputable four alumni its prestigious alumni psychology department, is the founder journals. awards. They were presented at the and director of the free 4 vets pro­ In 2007, Danish received the Soci­ college’s annual spring Awards Recep­ gram. The program grants free services ety of Counseling Psychology Lifetime tion, which was held April 18 at the to war veterans while also providing Achievement Award for Prevention, Kellogg Center. training to meet their needs. As a and he was appointed to the Virginia sport psychologist, he has developed Governor’s Commission on Physical Steven Danish, Ph.D., director of effective programs that teach life skills Fitness and Sports. He is a fellow of Virginia Commonwealth University’s through sport. One such program, three divisions of the American Psy­ Life Skills Center and its counseling Going for the Goal, earned him the chological Association and a fellow of psychology doctoral program, received National Mental Health Association’s the American Psychological Society. one of two Distinguished Alumni Lela Rowland Prevention Award. Awards. He received his doctorate in A lead researcher in the field, Dan­ Van Mueller, Ed.D., professor emeritus counseling psychology from the Col­ ish’s work has been funded by more at the University of Minnesota, also lege of Education in 1969. than $4 million in grants. He has pub­ received the coeaa Distinguished

Catherine Pavick to Lead Global Education Initiative

the international facility Management Association in professional development,” Pavick said. “By expanding (ifma) recently tapped Catherine Pavick, a 1994 College of ifma’s educational resources internationally, broadening Education master’s in educational administration graduate, the scope of ifma’s core competencies and working with to head its education department. the ifma Foundation’s Recognized Degree Programs, it is In January, the much-esteemed international trade my goal to advance ifma’s educational activities worldwide organization named Pavick director of education, identify­ to greater levels of influence and quality.” ing her strong background in education and association Pavick will use a combination of her experience and her management. ifma, based in Houston, is the world’s largest education to lead ifma in its global education efforts. And international association for facility managers—profes­ she’s well prepared for the mission. sionals who oversee the building operations of a business “The MSU College of Education is committed to leading and who manage the services within the building. ifma by example,” she said. “In my new position, I will continue certifies facility managers from various disciplines, con­ to learn from and embrace MSU’s international involve­ ducts research and provides educational programs. ment in order to accurately identify and address different Previously, Pavick served as executive director of the learning styles around the world.” Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. In her capac­ Pavick sits on the College of Education Alumni Associa­ ity there, she developed and managed the association’s tion’s Board of Directors, and she plans to continue her national education programs. At the same time, Pavick involvement. She brings to the board a unique perspective, worked with state and federal regulatory agencies to estab­ as an alumna who has used her degree to pursue a nontra­ lish fair business practices and to develop public policy. ditional career in education. As ifma’s director of education, Pavick will do similar “I think most folks would agree that when you hear work, albeit globally. She will position the association’s education, you think k–12 or higher education,” Pavick said. certification programs as the premier education programs, “But many people don’t realize the unlimited opportuni­ while developing, managing and administering the interna­ ties of working with association education programs. As tional expansion of professional development programs. many associations struggle to identify succession plans, “As the premier facility management organization in future graduates may want to explore this as another career the world, ifma understands the vital role education plays avenue.”

54 new educator ALUMNI

Danish Mueller Kelly Gorman

PORTRAIT PROVIDED BY DAN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY, WWW.DJCUSTOMPHOTO.COM

Alumni Award. He received his Ed.D. 1987 College of Education graduate, re­ received the Outstanding Alumni in educational administration from ceiving his master’s degree in science k–12 Administrator Award. In 1987, the College of Education in 1964. education. he earned his bachelor’s degree in el­ Mueller served as chair of the Since 1985, Kelly has been teaching ementary education from the College University of Minnesota’s Department a science lab class for first- through of Education. of Educational Policy & Administra­ fifth-graders. Parents and colleagues As superintendent of North tion from 1972 to 1981, advising more alike respect Kelly for his creative Carolina’s largest school district, he than 150 doctoral students. Because teaching methods. For example, he leads 157 schools, 138,000 students and of Mueller’s expertise in the field of leads nature hikes and brings mobile 18,500 staff members. A true change education finance, he co-founded the planetariums into his classroom. agent, Gorman’s immediate atten­ American Education Finance As­ When a student achieves the title of tion to improvement has resulted in sociation. Four of his advisees were “super scientist,” Kelly calls him or her increased student performance in the recognized by that organization for with his praise. areas of biology, history, civics and outstanding dissertation research. Kelly has been actively involved economics. Since 1978, Mueller has served with Grand Valley State University’s Shortly after arriving at the district as coordinator of the Institute for (gvsu) science education program, in July 2006, Gorman created the Educational Leadership’s Minnesota where more than 500 teacher educa­ Achievement Zone, which provides site of the Education Policy Fellow­ tion students have observed his extra resources to 11 low-performing ship Program, a role in which he has teaching. At gvsu, Kelly also served schools. He has rallied support to overseen the development and growth as a biology instructor and research improve all schools within the district, of more than 300 fellows. Mueller associate for a National Science as evidenced by the passing of a $500 has published more than 100 articles Foundation initiative to improve million construction bond—an initia­ and chapters and he sits on the Board science education. Since 1997, Kelly tive that failed in past attempts. of Editors for the Journal of Education has been the DataStreme local in­ Gorman is the previous superin­ Finance. structional leader, teaching 12-week tendent of the Tustin Unified School Mueller has acted as a consultant graduate courses sponsored by the District, in Tustin, Calif. Under Gor­ to school districts in 10 states and he National Oceanic and Atmospheric man’s five-year administration, the held a full-time assignment with the Administration and the American district experienced its first-ever suc­ Minnesota Planning Agency, directing Meteorological Society. cessful bond general election, which a series of school finance studies. Because of Kelly’s long-standing resulted in $108 million for school Prior to arriving at the University commitment to science education, in improvements. of Minnesota, Mueller served as su­ 1992 he received the national Presiden­ In 2007, the Public Relations perintendent of the Ashley, Mich. and tial Award for Excellence in Science Society of America presented Gorman Ithaca, Mich. school districts. Teaching. And in 1987, Grandville with its Pegasus Award, which is given Public Schools named Kelly its Teacher to an individual—outside the public Tom Kelly, science specialist for of the Year. relations profession—who demon­ Grandville Public Schools in Grand­ strates superior knowledge and use ville, Mich., received the Outstanding Peter Gorman, Ed.D., superintendent of public relations to foster improved Alumni k–12 Teacher Award. He is a of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, community relations.

spring 2008 55 ALUMNI NOTES

Beilock Gardner Strom Webb Williams

Charles Webb, Ph.D., vice president Award from the North American In February, Boyce Williams, Ph.D., for university development at MSU, Society for the Psychology of Sport & released Preparing Effective Teachers of is leaving his position to return to his Physical Activity (naspspa). The award Reading: Putting Research Findings to alma mater, Spring Arbor University. is granted to young scholars who are Work for Student Learning. The book He will become the 29th president of in the early stages of their scientific shows educators and k–12 administra­ the university June 1. careers. tors how a higher education initiative Under his direction, MSU exceeded The society recognized Beilock’s led to the improvement of reading a seven-year $1.2-billion fundraising outstanding research on skilled per­ skills among poor and minority campaign by $239 million. Webb has formance. She is especially interested children. served MSU for 32 years, working in a in behavioral performance measures, Williams is vice president, insti­ variety of development, fundraising physiological measures of stress tutional relations for the National and alumni relations roles. He was di­ and neuroimaging techniques. She Council for Accreditation of Teacher rector of the MSU Alumni Associaton will present her research activity at Education. She is a two-time graduate from 1982–95. naspspa’s annual conference in June. of the College of Education, receiving He received his doctorate in educa­ Beilock is an assistant professor in her master’s degree in counseling in tional administration from the College the University of Chicago’s Depart­ 1975, followed by a doctorate in coun­ of Education in 1982. ment of Psychology. In 2003, she seling in 1982. received dual doctoral degrees from Sian Beilock, Ph.D., received the 2007 MSU—one in kinesiology and one in The Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Early Career Distinguished Scholar psychology. Medical Center recently welcomed Thad Strom, Ph.D., to its team. He will work in the Post Traumatic Stress Dis­ In September 2006, Thailand’s min­ order Clinic, and is pursuing research ister of education presented Boonre­ on the health, high-risk behaviors ang Kajornsin (left) with the National and return-to-work factors in combat Excellence Award, recognizing her veterans. outstanding teaching abilities and her Strom is a 2006 graduate of the commitment to improving the quality College of Education’s counseling of Thailand’s educational system. A psychology doctoral program. 1980 College of Education doctoral graduate, Kajornsin received her Ph.D. Northcentral University, an online in measurement, evaluation and educational institution, appointed research design. Clinton Gardner, Ph.D., as its third Kajornsin is a leading researcher president. on improving school quality in Thai­ He is the former president of land. She currently works as an associ­ Argosy University, in Phoenix, Ariz. ate professor at Kasetsart University In 2002, Gardner received his doc­ in Bangkok, where she also teaches torate in higher education administra­ courses on quantitative methods. tion from the College of Education.

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Experience the

APPLICATIONICAT O / INFORMAFO TION N wwwww.educ.msu.educ .msu.edu/ difference. onlineedlineed y email [email protected] tel 517 355-1825 fax 517 432-2352 DEVELOPMENT DIGEST >> by Michelle Mertz-Stoneham

i first met eldon and Kathleen a first draft of an endowment agree­ Murphy in the summer of 2005. As ment, or essentially their instructions alumni and donors to the College of to the college about how they wish the Education, they had received biannual interest income from their gift to be issues of the New Educator magazine used. Following some revisions, The for years. However, a particular article Kathleen and Eldon Murphy Scholarship GIVING caught their attention, initiating a in Education was finalized with signa­ conversation between the two of tures from MSU and both Eldon and them. While Eldon and Kathleen did Kathleen in July 2005. BACK not consider themselves wealthy, they The following spring, April 2006, did resonate with the profile showcas­ we formally recognized the first TO THE ing an MSU alumni couple who had recipient of their scholarship, Amanda established a named endowed fund to Howe, at the College of Education COLLEGE OF provide financial support for future Awards Reception. Eldon and Kath­ educators. With a required minimum leen were seated with Amanda, an EDUCATION of $30,000, payable over five years— Honors College senior in elementary or established by way of a planned education with an integrated science gift—they felt that was possible for teaching major, and her family. The them as well. Prompted by a phone event became an annual opportunity call from Kathleen, we scheduled some for the Murphys to get to know the time to meet over lunch and discuss recipients of their generous gifts and, how endowment works at MSU. at the same time, personify philan­ Meeting with donors is the best thropy for our students who, we hope, part of my job. Why? Because they will reach back to support the next typically are alumni or friends of generation of educators. The Murphy the college who are grateful to their Scholarship will continue to pro­ university for what they perceive was vide financial assistance to students “given” to them and wish to find a way enrolled in the College of Education’s to “give back.” As lifelong educators, elementary, secondary or special edu­ Eldon and Kathleen wished to give cation programs in perpetuity. back by providing financial support You, too, may wish to explore for students preparing to become options for establishing a named teachers. Of particular interest to endowed fund in the College of them was the opportunity to di­ Education. Your gift to the college— rectly assist current and future MSU including future gifts by way of students. Just as importantly, they bequest—will provide the core or wanted to have a positive impact on principal for the fund, with the inter­ to make a donation to an endowed fund the hundreds and thousands of lives est income providing the annual fund­ the recipients of their scholarships ing to support what you wish. In the To make a donation online to an endowed fund established with the College of would affect over the course of their case of the Murphys, it is scholarships Education or to view a complete listing of funded endowments in the College of careers. In this way, their gift to the for aspiring teachers. For additional Education, see the College of Education Web site at www.educ.msu.edu. Simply college could have a ripple effect from information, contact the Develop­ click on “Endowed Funds” under “Giving.” generation to generation. ment Office in the College of Educa­ Based on our conversation, I wrote tion at (517) 432-1983.

58 new educator DEVELOPMENT

eldon and kathleen murphy are retired educators who spent their careers teaching in the public schools of Michi­ gan with a break to teach two years in Eritrea—which was part of Ethiopia at the time—as Peace Corps volunteers. Between them, they have four MSU degrees. Kathleen received her B.A. and M.A. in elementary education and Eldon received his B.A. and M.A. in art. The Murphys grew up in Hillsdale County, Mich. Kathleen taught in Lansing School District, Reading Community Schools and Hillsdale Community Schools. Eldon spent his entire career teaching for Camden-Frontier Schools. The Murphys have spent their lives trying to make the world a better place and they believe that education is the basis for improvement. Therefore, they established The Kathleen and Eldon Murphy Scholarship in Education to help and encourage competent young people to pursue careers in k–12 education.

Join the 2008 Leadership Circle !

The Leadership Circle is distinctive to the College of Education and recognizes individuals who are dedicated to supporting the efforts of the college through annual gifts of $1,500 or more. Membership benefits include:

• The opportunity to select a recipient of the Crystal Apple Award • Invitations to College of Education events, colloquia and conferences • Special communications on research and publications • A commemorative pin

Contact the College of Education Development Office at (517) 432-1983 for information about joining the 2008 College of Education Leadership Circle.

spring 2008 59 Honor2006–07 Roll of Donors

he College of Education gratefully expresses appreciation to the following donors who made GaryGary & Martha NorthNorth The followingfollowing individuals GGoldenbergoldenberg gifts to the college between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007, or who have established endowed GailGail & Jim Nutter mademade donationsdonations betweenbetween FlorenceFlorence & PaulPaul BilgerBilger funds or deferred gifts to the college. For more information on giving, please contact the Devel­ TimothyTimothy & Karen O’Donovan $100 andand $1,249 duringduring thethe BarbaraBarbara Birchner opment Office, 518 Erickson Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1034 or (517) 432-1983. D.D. John & Christine A. OgrenOgren fiscal year.year. RogerRoger & Paula BjornstadBjornstad T LoisLois A. ParschParsch RosalieRosalie BlackBlack KiahKiah PenelopePenelope Peterson $100–$1,249$100–$1,249 WilliamWilliam BlackBlack Theh 2006–07 College ll off Edu­d Michaelih l A. & Sandra d S. Clark l k Briani & Lisa i Hawkins ki Roger M. & Kimi L. Pitzer i Charleshl & Peggy Blackman l k cation Leadership Circle is Marilyn H. Cochran Mary E. Heilman Jim & Linda Pivarnick Margaret & Roger Ackerman Brooke & James Bleicher made up of individuals who William F. & Harriette C. Cook Eleanor F. Heusner Joyce & Jim Putnam Carol & John Adams Judy Hoofnagle Bloch & H. supported the efforts of the Sharon & D Brant Cotterman Dr. & Mrs. Michael J. Homes Douglas & Carol Rearick Patricia & Darryl Albright Spencer Bloch college in one of two ways: Neil & Elizabeth Cullen Fred & Margie Hubacker Dr. & Mrs. Richard Robertson Penny Allen-Cook Jane Blomeley annual members who made William A. & Jane R. Dittmore Regina & Victor Inzunza Hazel Roller Richard Allington Walter Blomeley a gift of $1,250 or more, and Dr. & Mrs. William Durr Dr. Charles L. & Rita Anne Dr. Herbert C. Rudman Catherine Allmand Pardon & Ann & Thomas Blomquist lifetime members who have Timothy P. Dykstra Jackson John & Sharon Saltzgaber Scott Pardon Gary & Sandra Bloomfield provided sufficient support to Patricia A. Edwards Jim & Claudia Jackson Daniel Schultz Dr. Robert C. & Barbara J. Fermin & Mary Blue an endowed fund. Lifetime Rhonda K. Egidio William & Carol Johnson John & Sharon Schwille Amble Paul & Kathy Bobb members are denoted below Ben & Susan Emdin Gary & Barbara Jones Patricia J. Shiley Susan Anderson Charlene Bodary in italics. Howard O. Emorey Mr. & Mrs. J. Lee Juett Frank M. & Ernestine D. Susan Anderson & Jeff rey Phyllis Bodell Dr. W. Bruce Erickson David & Marcia Kapolka Simmons Smith Murl & Donna Bogert The Leadership Circle Mrs. Mary Everett & Mr. Don Dr. Patrick Keating Mary Smith Paul & Jeanette Appel Gregory & Sandra Boggs $1,250 + Everett Carole G. Kenyon Ronald Stead & Rita Lippincott- Gary Apsey Barbara & Kenneth Bol Robert L. & Jayne Ewigleben Mr. Terence K. Kett Stead Eldon & Jeane Armer Donald & Claire Bolger Marilyn Amey & Dennis Brown Edna M. Felmlee Rod & Joan Kinghorn Nancy Stein Lori & Scott Ashmann Olga Bonfiglio & Kurt Cobb Carole Ames Ellen J. Ferency Dr. Paula R. Knepper Rick Stiggins & Nancy Malaika Askari-Tamu John & Kathryn Borgert Mr. & Mrs. Wayne J. Albers Joseph M. & Jean E. Flake Elba Santiago LaBonte & Roger Bridgeford Sally M. Atkins-Burnett Patricia & Clayton Borgman Alvin & Irene Arens Richard D. & Suzanne C. LaBonte Louise E. Stilwill C. Danford & Randi Austin John & Martha Borkowski Sally M. Atkins-Burnett Fleming Ruth & Larry Lezotte Jacqueline D. Taylor, Ph.D. Janet Babcock Ann & Charles Bowden Merleyn & Raymond Tessier Richard & Linda Babcock Carol Bowden Elanore M. Thompson Elizabeth Bacso Donald & Susan Boyer Gerri Tobia Edwin & June Bailey Patricia Brammer Judge Thomas & Helen Van Bruce & Paula Baker Crystal & Jack Branta Tiem, Sr. David & Susanne Banks John Brazier Dr. John R. & Janet M. Charles & Susan Bares Gerald & Mary Breen Verduin, Jr. Leona Barnhart Helen S. Brembeck Dr. James C. & Rachel M. Sandra & Richard Barrett Thomas & Julie Brenner Votruba Victoria & John Barrett Constance Brigham Patricia & Jerry Wagner Michael Barry & Linda Kurt Brinks Ingrid Wallach Bair-Barry Fredrick Briscoe Chuck & Philippa Webb Kathleen & Michael Bartley Ralph & Shirley Brissette Norma Jean & Bert Weening Linda Bartusch Susan & Kenneth Broekema Dr. Janet A. Wessel Julian Bass Mark E. Brower Eileen M. Wilson, Ph.D. Jean Baumann-Rudolph & Deborah Brown Disbro Margaret & Hazen Wilson Terry Rudolph Dorothy & Ray Brown 2007 Crystal Apple recipient Bruce Harte (second Dr. John H. White, Jr. Karl Beach & Teresa Workman Edward Brown & Judith Taylor from left) with his wife, Janice Harte, and donors Woodrow Wilson, Jr. & Shirley James & Patricia Beadle Perry & Addie Brown Shamsdokht Shams and Shahriar Ghoddousi. A. Wilson Thomas & Lynn Beard Judith Brubaker Dottie E. & Jack D. Withrow Jane & Gary Beaudoin Susan Brundage Roger & Nancy Bandeen Drs. W. Clark & Lani Ford Kay Lovelace Taylor Yong Zhao & Xi Chen John Beck & Ann Austin-Beck M. Joan Brunger Joe L. Byers & Lucy Bates- Donna Forrest-Pressley Mary Lundeberg David G. & Francine Zick Melinda Beckwith Norris Bryson & Carol Coff man Byers Michael R. & Margaret R. Foster Walter C. & Patricia J. Mack John & Virginia Bell Bryson Dr. & Mrs. Glenn D. Dr. John & Joanne Fuller Jean Maday Frank & Celi Benavidez Bishop L. Buckley, Jr. Berkheimer Shahriar Ghoddousi & Sarah J. McCarthey, Ph.D. Between July 1, 2006 and Carlton & Henrietta Bentz Anthony & Helen Buday John C. & Katherine K. Bolger Shamsdokht Shams Susan L. Melnick June 30, 2007, more than Nataly Berckmann Thomas Bunn & Mary Cassandra L. Book Betty Giuliani Wendy & Gary Merkey 5,600 alumni and friends Sallie & Stephen Berg Kennedy Betty Borland Melody & William Glick Michelle Mertz-Stoneham made gifts to the College David & Mary Berles James & June Burchyett Robert & Patricia Boyd Helen Goldhammer Hilda Mitchell of Education. While space Eric Best Karen Burgess Irene Brooks Daniel & Deb Gould Henry J. & Betty Montoye prohibits acknowledging Deborah & Timothy Beuthin Lorene & Earnest Burnell Jere & Arlene Brophy Sonya Gunnings-Moton Eldon & Kathleen Murphy every donor, we are truly Hervey & Joyce Beutler Kendall & Lana Burns Mary Ann Chartrand Mary Lee & Wayne Gwizdala Judith Mynsberge grateful for every gift, Shirley Bibbings Steven & Barbara Bursian Dr. Elaine Cherney John & Beth Haubenstricker Sigurd & Sheila Nelson regardless of the amount. Enid Bienstock & William Dr. & Mrs. Lowell Butman

60 new educator Terrence Kett with 2007–08 Kett scholarship recipi­ ent Deborah Johnson and his daughter, Dianne.

PatriciaPatricia GothamGotham Nancy Heider Diane Hunt George GrahamGraham Louis & Jean Hekhuis William & Elizabeth Hunt JohnJohn & MarjoryMarjory Graves Nancy & Jeff rey Helder Richard & Virginia Huntington JudithJudith GreenbergGreenberg Frederick & Kimberly Murvale & Catherine Huston W.W. GreeneGreene Heldmeyer Peyton & Betty Hutchison Beverly GregoryGregory Alda Henderson Nancy & Robert Imes JudithJudith & Jerome Gregory Lynne Hensel Clelio & Ann Improta NancyNancy & GeraldGerald GreveGreve Laurie Hepinstall Lola Jackson TammyTammy GriffinGriffin Judith Herriff Nan Jackson & Vernon Mesler BettyBetty Griffis-KorzennyGriffis-Korzenny & FFelelipe Susan Herzberg & John Biles Sally & Harold Jackson KorzennyKorzenny Mr. John & Dr. Martha Hesse Alice Jacobs Loretta & Edward GrobeGrobe Keith & Beth Hicks Ursula Jacques DorothaDorotha & RoRossss CadCadwalladerwallader AletaAleta Day JackJack & BeulahBeulah EnderleEnderle MargeryMargery Guinther J. Russell & Barbara Hicks Denise Jenkins MarMaryy & JacJackk CairCairyy Ms. JulieJulie DeCampDeCamp JudellJudell Engelman RalphRalph & Marianne Guitar Gail Higaki Gerald & Mary Jennings Nancy & Nicholas Camillone Cheryl DeLanoDeLano MarthaMartha & John EnglandEngland SusanSusan GumpperGumpper Clarence & Kay Higby James Jennings MarMaryy & Marc CamCampbellpbell Thomas D. & BeverlyBeverly E. Terri EudyEudy & Adam ForbesForbes V.V. Fred & CarolleeCarollee GunnellGunnell Gracie Hightower Patricia & Gilbert Jernigan Judith & Kenneth Carpenter DeShetler Martha Ewing Mark Gunther Ann & Robert Hill Arthur & Patricia Johnson Arthur & Diana Carroll Vincent DeWitt Arlene & Vladimir Fajnor J. Gurdin & Rita Jeremy Linda Hill Carla Johnson Charles & Lou Carscallen Leslie DeWolfe Gail Farwell Denise Gustafson Richard & Janet Hillaker Gunnard & Anne Johnson Dr. & Mrs. James W. Carter Maureen & Douglas DeYoung Cecilia & Lawrence Faw Susan & David Gutierrez Leslie & Van Hindes Mary Johnson Joy Carter Betty DelDin Richard & Dorothy Fedelem Dr. Gordon & the Late Norman Hirose Patricia & Mark Johnson Sarah & Ricardo Chalela Lea & Ronald Demeire Robert & Patricia Fedore Norma Guyer Dorothy Hitsman Susan & Victor Johnson George & Monica Chapin William Dennis Deirdre & Dean Felton Anne Guyot Denise & William Hoeksema Edward & Carolann Jones Joseph & Victoria Chiaramonte Dr. & Mrs. Gary T. Denslow Duncan & Linda Ferguson Thomas Hadzor & Susan Ross Blair & Dr. Olga Holden Carolyn Jones Marie Chilman Hindie Dershowitz Mary & Gerald Fichtner Mary Hager William & Berchie Holliday Kaye Jones Val Christensen John Dettoni E. C. Fields Deann Green Haggard & Sam Joanne & Thomas Holman Sherren Jones May & John Chu Walter & Judith Dever Mary & Daniel Finkelstein Haggard Julie Holmes Victor & Maryetta Jones Joan & Robert Chura Janice Deverman Sandra & Fred Fishnick Judith & Keith Haines Marilyn Holmes Michael Joseph Hollis Church John & Nancy DiBiaggio Laurine Fitzgerald Mr. & Mrs. David C. Hales John & Mary Hoogstra Virginia Judge Dorothy Clark Susan Diebold & Gaenor Larry Fleming Herman & Oletha Haller Dennis Horrigan Thomas & Jane Kamlay Donald & Suzanne Cleveland Schock Bob & Gloria Floden Maria Halliday Katherine & Stephen Horvath Joann Kappeler-List Stan & Mona Cline David Dieterle Peter & Joan Flynn Judith Halvary Carroll & Mary Howard William & Debrah Katip Sharon Cochran & John Healey Thomas W. & Nancy L. Shilah & Donald Folgner Don Hamachek Linda Howdyshell & Robert Zeno & Shannon Katterle Joseph & Mischelle Codde Doddridge Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Force Thomas & Sally Hamby Rossman Eileen Kaukola Alan Coe Dr. & Mrs. Frederick T. Lynne Fountain Robert & Elsie Hammond Carolyn Howell Dara Kearns-Psarouthakis Pamelia Coe Dolehanty Karen Fox Eleanor Hanes Patricia Howell Mary Keating-Cosenza Dorothy Cofer Karen & Steven Douse Donald & Marilyn Frank Marjorie Hanna Arthur & Ruth Howson Maureen Keenan Leland & Joella Cogan Joann & Lawrence Doyle Mary Kay & David Frank Robert & R. Carol Hansen Linda Hoxie-Green David & Mary Kelly Marilyn & G. Burrill Colburn Andrea Drapp Marion Frazer Kenneth & Susan Harding Diane & James Hrabec Gerald & Barbara Kelly Keith & Kathleen Collins Steven Drexel & Amy Straith- Diana & David Fredricks Frank Conner Drexel Linda Frost Jerry & Colette Coomes Catherine & Alan Druskin Helen & Thomas Fry Eleanor Heusner with 2007–08 Heusner fellowship Jack Cooper Mary Dubois Joelle Fuller recipient Jeremy Knous and her daughter, Lynn Garrett. Patricia K. Cooper Judith & Edward Duda Betty Furtwangler Barbara & Robert Copeland Lawrence & Janet Dumas Gwendolyn Gage Dennis & Ann Couturier Gail Dummer Philip & Lois Gannon Natalie & Norman Covert Marvin Duncan & Sandra Carol & Joe Ganz Dr. Deborah L. Feltz Fields Duncan Mary Garcia Richard & Judith Cramer Gilbert & Helen Dunn Roger & Florence Garrison Henry & Iracema Crawford Janet & Earl Dunn Donn & Patricia Gates Mary Crawford-Maresca & Saundra Dunn & Mary Cleary Virginia Gawronski Pattrick Maresca John & Gail Dunning Paula & John Gaylord Nancy & Allan Croff Marilyn Dwyer Kathleen & Steven Gaynor Dr. & Mrs. Robert W. Cross Douglas & Maureen Dykstra Walter & Phyllis Geist William & Rilla Crothers Stanley Dziedzic Jane Giesel Warren Culver Gordon & Eileen Earhart Sharon Gilbert Patricia & Ernest Cummings Abdol & Mary Ebrat Phillip & Jennifer Gill George & Karen Curtis Maureen & Jack Eckhardt Marshall & Ruth Giller Philip Cusick Pamela Eddy & David Pape Paula Glazer Vornbrock & John Edward & Teresa Dadez Dee Edington Vornbrock Kenneth & Berniece Harper Robert & JoAnn Hubbard Lois & Roy Kelly Donna Dahringer Marie & Robert Edlund Erland & Janet Gleason Carol & John Harris Christine & Carl Huebner Sandra & George Kemsley Alfred & Norene Dallaire Guri & James Edoff Cliff ord & Roberta Goldstein Stephanie & Roger Harris Bonita Huerter Nancy & Thomas Kennedy Fern Daly Ronda Edwards Elizabeth Goodearl Aix & Gwen Harrison Mary & Richard Hughes Constance Kennicott Margaret & J. Lawrence Ramon & Diane Eissinger Mary Goodheart Christine Haselden John & Carolyn Huisjen Frank & Loretta Kern Dannemiller Charles Elliott Martha & Robert Goodman Nancy Hathaway Joshua & Diane Hull Mary Keroson Elizabeth Davidson Jean Elmer Jennifer & John Goodnow Sarah & Frederick Hawley Loren & M. Ann Hulsizer Julia & Gerald Kerr Neil Davis Amy & Donald Elson Stephen & Monica Gorde Dennis & Mary Hawtin Catherine Humes Robin & Scott Kerr James Davis Mr. & Mrs. Richard Emerson Roger & Peggy Gordon David & Wanda Hayes Michael & Tracey Hummer Jeanne & Rollin Keyes Dr. MaryLee Davis Michael & Barbara Emmorey Edward Gork Wendy & James Hazlett Gerald & Mary Hunsburger Drs. James & Gloria Kielbaso Laura & Michael Davis Mrs. Elmer Bell Emorey Henry Gornowicz Beverly Heck Bettie Hunt Sharon & David Kilgren

spring 2008 61 2007 Crystal Apple recipient Ann Robertson Orwin (second from left) with David Robertson, Mary Robertson and Richard Robertson.

Kison Kim Mary & Bruce Lowery Richard & Mary Kimball Elton Luckritz David J. Kirkby Eloise Lund John Klarich & Diane Cook Christina Lundberg Klarich Joan & Nathan Luppino 2006–07 Judith A. & John W. Kleeves Ronald & Carol Luteyn honor roll Robert & Beatrice Kleis Donald & Mary Lutz Cheryl Klima Alice Lyon of donors Elizabeth Knepper-Muller Marie Lyons Dixie Knoebel Kenneth & Susan MacGregor Charis Ellen & Norman Kogen Susan MacLeod Richard & Jeanne Kohn Allan & Donna Mack Margaret & Ivan Kole William & Helen Mack Wayne & Maxine McKay Tami Moskal Marjorie & Frederick Paulsen Kristen Renn & Melissa James & Jeannene Koprowski Barbara Mackey Mary & Patrick McKercher Jerolene Mosley Wilma Paulus McDaniels Paul Kreider Dr. Myron S. & Ruth Magen Donald R. & Barbara D. Van & Mildred Mueller Anne Pawlowski Thomas & Jackie Reno Albert & Margaret Krieger Donna Maher McMillan Roy & Sue Muir Willene Paxton Jon Reynolds James Kroh Sean & Jennifer Maiorano Charlene McMillan Lola Mukogawa Ardis & James Pearce Bonnie Rezmer Richard & Susan Kuiper Roger Maisner Charles & Enola McNeilly Eric Mulvany Ruth Pearson Amanda Rhoades Susan Kullberg Kathleen & Raymond Maka Roy & Beverly McTarnaghan Robert & Glennis Muncie Terra Peckskamp Karla Rice Karen Kumon-Sinclair Michelle Maksimowicz Mary Jo & Rodney V. Meade Lucius Munger James Perkins Laura Rice Margaret LaFleur Michael Maksud Kenneth & Dorothy Mechling Peter & Dorothy Murk James & Sally Perry Mr. & Mrs. Merrick A. Michael LaRue Lee & Bob Maldegen Larry Melendy Suzanne Murphy Lilia & Ronald Peters Richardson Kenneth & Wilma Lachmann Catherine & Christopher Barbara & Kenneth Mellert Patricia & Kenneth Musson Victoria Peters Mildred Richardson Marlene Lafer Malicki Joan & Gary Melvin Nicholas Myers & Ahnalee Kathleen Peterson David & Lori Richiger Leland Lahr Robert & Dow Malnati Dale Messerschmidt Brincks Lorraine Petter Ronald Rickens Mr. Richard C. & Dr. Diane Marita & Stephen Mandalari Margaret Metzger Gunder & Marliss Myran Margaret Phillips Shirely Rickens L. Laing James & Cynthia Mapes Beatrice & David Meyers Mitsugi & Marjorie Nakashima Melody C. Pierce, Ph.D. James & Judy Riley Priscilla Lake Ann-Marie Mara Sandra Michelsen Thomas & Carolyn Nally Robert & Donna Pierson Edward & Mildred Roach Marla & Dale Lambert E. Leslie Marhoff Donna & Stephen Michelz Robert & Diane Nanna David & Susan Pinter Suzanne Roberts Mary Lampel Bill Marklewitz Barbara Mieras Carole Nast Lauren & William Piontkowski Thomas W. & Aubyn J. Roberts Thomas Lampel Karen Maroda James & Carol Miles Catherine Natzke Wallace Piper Jeanette Robertson Stephen & Mary Laske Gregory & Kelly Martin John & Joyce Millar Shelly Naud Frances Piper Frank & Joyce Rocco Janet Lauster James Mason & Eve Roeser Anita Miller Janet Navarro Kathleen & William Pistono Ann Rollins Kay & Robert LeFevre Edward & Roberta Masters Carol Miller Mary Neely Steven F. Politowski Ronald & Marilyn Rolph Ronald & Joy Leach Sharon S. Maxwell Sandra & Thomas Millman Polly Nielsen Chloe Polzin Alma J. Rombouts David Leahy Richard & Dorothy May Robert Minetti & Wendy Baker Bruce Noble & Amy Noble Ann & David Pontius Janet & David Ronk James & Mary Ledbetter William & Karen Mayes Lucile Missimer J.T. Wros Marilyn Potter Carol Root Lois & John Lee Mary Mayne Kiyoto & Susan Mizuba Susan & Jeff ery Noel Anne & C. Jack Potts Carol Rorick Andre & Donna Leeds Hugh McBride Lauralie Moeller Cheryl Noonan Ruthann Powers Robert Rosa James & Kathleen Lefler John & Michaela McCabe Connie & Donald Debra & Jeff rey Norman Robert & Susan Pretty Carole Rose Charles & Elinor Lentz Diann McCants Moeschberger Kenneth & Nona Nunnelly Daniel Price Dennis & Gretchen Suzanne O’Shea William Price Rosenbrook Julie Olian Robert & Marilyn Price Candice & Richard Rosowski Jeffry Nickerson and his sister, Susan Howell (far right), with 2007–08 Sally & John Olszewski Lynda Pride Joseph & Mary Rossmeier Nickerson fellowship recipients Olga Santiago and Ruthie Riddle. Robert Orosey Cynthia & Paul Pringle Marcia & Bruce Rowbottom Frank Osage Susan Prior Ginger Royston & Richard Margie & Larry Osborn Julaine Pritchett Chulski Isamay & Robert Osborne Duane Proctor Thomas Ruane & Susan Priscilla Osler Cook & William Maurice & Marian Prottengeier Florio-Ruane Cook Wayne & Carol Pyke James & Elizabeth Rudnick Barbara Otis Cynthia Pyle Marcia Ruhling Kenneth Overley Janice Ralya Nancy & Peter Russ William & Beatty Owen George & Kathleen Randall Mary Russo-Joseph & Harold Patricia Ann Packowski Robert H. & Andrea G. Rander Joseph Bill & Loyce Page Cathy J. & Ronnie E. Rapa Meshack Sagini Ellen & G. Douglas Paige Gary Raphael & Catherine Linda & David Sam Charles & Patricia Painter Westphal Raphael Marcia Sammis Elizabeth & Dominic Palazzolo Eltrude & Gregory Rasmussen Thomas Sampson & Nancy Joan & Terence Palleschi Mary Rasor Wonch Laura & Jack Pardo Lyman Rate & Jane Beckwith Marcus Sanborn & Nicole Mary & James Paris Rate McMillan Sanborn Robert & Amy Lerg Carol & Gary McClellan Glenn & Margaret Moll Mr. & Mrs. James D. Parish Jennifer Rauh Margaret Sanders Debra Levin Caroline McCollom Joan Mollon Lois Parker Tenko & Albena Raykov Dr. Peter Savage & Mrs. Sandra Elizabeth & Lance Lewis Christine McCormick Judith & Thomas Monroe Olga Pascalenos Joe & Marlene Raymer Savage Gail Lewis Deborah & Mark McDaris Thomas & Marylyn Moon Merrie & Howard Patch Doris Raymond June Schaefer Geraldine Linsemier Linda McDonald David & Nancy Moore Mr. & Mrs. Herbert D. Thomas & Nancy Raynes Sue & James Scheib Dency Lippert Thomas & Barbara McDonald Patty Moore Patriarche Francine & Brendan Reese Dr. Kimberly D. Schenarts Wayne & Terry Lobdell Mary McIntee & Ronald Leonard Morrison Colleen Patten Gretchen & Jerry Reeves Elizabeth Schensky David & Judith Love Chmielewski David Morrison Glenn & Juliet Patterson Steven & Jacalyn Reimink David & Michele Schinderle Kimberly Lowder Judith & William McIntyre Aryc Mosher James & Barbara Paul Kathleen Reinhard Ruth Ann Schmidt

62 new educator DEVELOPMENT

Janice & Carlos Schmitt Ross & Dianne Stephenson Robert C. Ward, D.O. & Helen Mr. & Mrs. Bradley C. des Walter C. & Patricia J. Mack Eileen M. Wilson, Ph.D. Barbara Schoen Katherine Stephenson E. Ward Lauriers Ms. Jean Maday Mrs. Margaret S. Wilson Heidi Scholl Nancy Stermer Richard & Corinne Warmbold Dr. Donald W. Maine Patricia & Wallace Schroth Carole Sternaman Dolores & Paul Warnshuis Ronald Markert, Ph.D. Terrell & Norman Schuiling Margaret Steward Debra & Mark Warwick Deferred Gifts Barbara Wenger Markle & Associations, Victoria & Robert Schuler James & Phyllis Still Gregory & Lynn Waters James E. Markle Corporations Marvin & Marcia Schultz Christine Stiller Gwendolyn Watkins Mr. Eduardo P. Arano William & Karen Mayes & Foundations Jean Schumaker Marc & Cathy Stiner Michael & Margaret Watson Alvin & Irene Arens Mrs. Mary Ellen Morrison Avner Segall Shawne Stone Richard Weatherman Ms. Elizabeth M. Bacso Judith D. Mynsberge & George American College of Sports Wendy Segel Catherine Stonehouse James & Vera Weaver Larry & Gerri Barber A. Mynsberge Medicine Elwood Self Barbara Stoner Dianne & John Webb Denzil M. & Mary Jean Bell Dr. & Mrs. Sigurd O. Nelson Athletes with Disabilities Hall Sandra Setzler Jerry & Barbara Stonewater Norman & Barbara Weber Glenn & Dolores Berkheimer Ms. Linda M. Pidutti of Fame Ada Sexton Jack & Geraldine Story John Wechter Ms. Julimarie Betwee Marilyn M. Potter, Ph.D. Blaising & Hofstee, P.C. Judith & Peter Shagena Douglas & Norma Stuart Ellyn Weihl Cassandra L. Book, Ph.D. Joyce & Jim Putnam The Boeing Company Rebecca Shankland William Stubbs Maureen Weiss Shirley A. Brehm, Ph.D. Robert H. & Andrea G. Rander The Broad Foundation Bettie Shaw Henderson Mark & Vonda Style Donna Welch Mr. David F. Burkholder Mrs. A. Laurice Reid Carnegie Corporation of Marilyn R. & Francis L. Shearer Patricia Sullivan Shelley & Thomas Welch Ms. Camellia A. Bush Wilsie Michael W. & Ann Snyder New York Herbert Sheathelm & Beverly Robert Super Lennie & Henry Wells Dr. & Mrs. James W. Carter Rishell Handicapper Advocacy Kelton Sheathelm Mary & Claude Sutherland Lisa Wells Michael A. & Sandra S. Clark Dr. & Mrs. Richard Robertson Alliance, Inc. Steven Sheldon & Brenda Manfred & Rose Swartz B. Caryn & Gene Welter Dr. Robert & Elaine Conner Dr. Laura Rauner-Rolph & W. The William & Flora Hewlett Neuman-Sheldon Evan Sweetser Thomas Wenger Francis J. & Colette J. Coomes Patrick Rolph Foundation Suzann Sherk Connie & James Sylvester Attila Weninger Janice & Monte Shettler Laura Tafelsky Kathleen M. Werle 2007 Crystal Apple recipient Carl Taylor (second from left) with his Rene Shingles Thomas & Mary Taft Mary & Michael West brother, Virgil A. Taylor, and donors Gary North and Eldon Nonnamaker. Dr. John Shinsky Thomar Taylor & Janet Suriano- Patrick & Darlene Weyburne Duane & Christine Shugart Taylor Michael & Mary Whaling Catherine Sielke Jacqueline D. Taylor, Ph.D. Bobbie & James White Jerry Sill Jane Taylor George & Shirlee Whitson Rebecca Sill Robert & Virginia Taylor Nancy Wigton Jan Silverstein Stephen Tenniswood & Peggy Wilczak Pamela Simon Charlene Linderman Peggy Wilkins Joyce Simons Mark & Kendall Terry Susan & David Wilkins David & Wendy Sipka Richard Thill Shirley & Edwin Williams Katherine & John Skarbek Arthur Thomas Willie & Marva Williams Lois & Richard Skibins David & Dorothy Thomas Penelope & Ronald Wills John & Janis Sklepkowski Ann Timm B. David Wilson Edwin & Suzanne Skrelunas Ronald & Lei Tobias James & M. Patricia Wilson Robert & Sandra Sliva Wayne & Sharon Torgeson Nancy & B. Wilson Rosalie & Gilbert Small George Toskey Nancy & David Wind Bryan Smith Richard & Peggy Townsend Joe & Sandra Winger Alfred & Ruth Smith Lloyd Trinklein Marilyn & Amos Winsand Arlene DeYoung Smith & George Trumbull Duane & Vicky Winter D Brant & Sharon K. Janet & David Ronk Houston NFL Holdings, LP Lance Smith Dr. Janet E. Alleman-Trumbull Frank & Giny Wippel Cotterman Dr. Kathleen P. Ryan Lumina Foundation for Eryka Smith Elizabeth Tucker Leona Wisniewski Dr. Philip A. Cusick Mr. Lee Roy M. Schiefler Education, Inc. George B. & Mary Elizabeth Kathryn Tuer Brian Wolcott & Dorothy Walter B. Erickson, Ph.D. John & Sharon Schwille The Markerboard People Smith Richard & Kathryn Turcotte Spitz-Wolcott Mrs. Susan R. Farmer George B. Smith & Mary McGraw-Hill Companies James Smith Darlene Ursel Carol Wolfe Mr. Peter G. Finney Elizabeth Smith The Andrew W. Mellon Jean & John Smith Judith Van Meter Kalfred & Donna Wong Dr. David A. Fitch Mrs. Mary W. Smith Foundation Marjorie Smith Suzanne Van Wagner Eileen Wood Joseph M. Flake & Jean Ms. Nancy M. Smith Michigan Association of School Maureen Smith Richard & Beverly VanBrandt Ron & Gaye Woodward Parochelli Flake Mrs. Barbara Bentz Spivack Boards, Inc. Margaret Smith-Burke Margaret VanGrouw Sandra & Gene Wriggelsworth Walter & Phyllis Geist Mr. Wesley & Dr. Elaine Michigan Association of School Josephine Smolcich Lori VanHouten Shirley Wydra Betty L. Giuliani, Ph.D. Stephens Administrators Kathy & William Smyser Collene & Alan VanNoord Jack & Patricia Wykoff Mary & Charles Hansen Rick Stiggins & Nancy Michigan Education Gordon Snow Harry & Mary VanSweden James & Anna Yantz Carol & John Harris Bridgeford Association Miriam & O. Dennis Sohn Eleanor & Peter Vance Rod & Joyce Yates Ms. Claudia A. Heineman Mrs. Kathryn Swarthout Michigan Rehabilitation Robert & Sienna Sowatsky Candace VandenBerghe Catherine Yeotis Keith & Beth Hicks Thomas & Mary Taft Association Laura Sparling Anne VanderWoude Marilyn Ylioff Richard A. & Gail M. Hill Mrs. Cynthia N. Thoen Michigan State Bar Foundation Robert & Mary Spencer David & Beverly Vandergoot Keith & Esta Yoder Ms. Sandra J. Hoover Deborah & Warren Thomas Reading Recovery Council of Edward Spink Drs. Dean & Gayle Wiles Alyson & Richard Young Wayne & Leah Hoover Daniel J. & Kathy L. Thorsby Michigan Kriss Sprinkle Elmer & Marlene Veldheer Lena & Kenneth Young Mr. Ted T.V. Johnson, Jr. Ms. Gerri Tobia Sun Wah Education Victoria & Paul Staff Lizabeth Venie Laverne Youngblade Mr. Randall J. Kilpatrick William & Susanne Webb Foundation Julie Stahl & Joseph Pasek James & Laura Verplanck Janet Yurenka Mrs. Judith A. Kleeves Dr. Janet A. Wessel The Spencer Foundation Carl Stamm Lisa & Robert Vogt Mitchell Zainea Paula R. Knepper, Ph.D. Mrs. Peggy A. Wilczak W. K. Kellogg Foundation Donald & Norma Stanbury Mary Vrbanac-Detwiler & Susan & Jerome Zake Livix Family Trust Paul & Catherine Williams G Robert & Lawrin Standing James Detwiler Brenda Zales Leo & Sally Stebleton Suzanne & James Wade Donna & Thomas Zeiger Lynda Steenrod Kathleen Walker Edith & James Zeitz Linda Stephanides George & Joyce Wallman Keith & Lois Zook Mr. Wesley & Dr. Elaine Judith Walton Tresa & Stephan Zumsteg Stephens Elizabeth Warber Lowell Zurbuch Thank you!

spring 2008 63 GREAT FOOD GREAT MUSIC GREAT ALUMNI & FRIENDS

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION HOMECOMING

October 4, 2008 • Demonstration Hall Field • Join us for all the fun two hours before the Spartans take on Iowa! ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

2007/08 Board of Directors

OFFICERS ■ Gary Bredahl, Ph.D. ■ Janet Prybys STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ■ Kathryn Rodgers, President School Improvement Consultant, Southern Mentor of Mentors and MDE Teacher ■ Karen Ames Retired Principal, Fowlerville Community Regional Education Board, Okemos, MI Quality Grant Coordinator, MSU College of Graduate Student Representative Schools, East Lansing, MI ■ Joseph Chiaramonte Education, East Lansing, MI ■ Jacqueline Anne Dalby ■ Janice Colliton, Secretary Director of Dealer Learning and ■ Nancy Stein Undergraduate Student Representative Retired Assistant Superintendent, Development, Steelcase, Grand Rapids, MI Retired Special Education Teacher, Farmington Public Schools, Farmington, MI ■ Wendy Darga Bloomfield Hills Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI ALTERNATES ■ Sue Gutierrez, Treasurer Teacher, Hart Middle School, Rochester ■ J. Kelli Sweet ■ Shelagh Gannon Assistant Principal, Forest Hills Eastern High/ Hills, MI Executive Director, Michigan Council for the Transition Coordinator, Troy High School, Middle School, Ada, MI ■ John Jobson, Ph.D. Social Studies, Kalamazoo, MI Troy, MI Assistant Dean of Students/Director of ■ Patricia Trelstad ■ Gunnard Johnson DIRECTORS Residential Life and Housing, Hope College, Assistant Superintendent, Okemos Public Retired Superintendent and Consultant for ■ Jan Amsterburg, Ph.D. Holland, MI Schools, Okemos, MI the Michigan School Board Association, Lake Superintendent, Gratiot-Isabella Regional ■ William Mayes ■ Margaret Weber Odessa, MI Education Service District, Ithaca, MI Executive Director, Michigan Association of Teacher, South Haven High School, South ■ Carol Arens School Administrators, Lansing, MI Haven, MI College Supervisor, College of Education, ■ Catherine Pavick Wayne State University, Detroit, MI Director of Education, International Facility YOUNG ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE ■ Bersheril Bailey Management Association, Houston, TX ■ Mitchell Fowler Senior Program Associate for High School ■ William Price, Ph.D. Teacher, Pennfield Dunlap Elementary Innovation, Learning Point Associates, Professor, Leadership & Counsel, Eastern School, Battle Creek, MI Lansing, MI Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI It is a bird with wings so blue they are almost violet on a branch lined with purple flowers that are nearly pink and it is gone before I really know that I have seen it, but I have. I know I have.

“Jay in a Redbud Tree” by Laura Apol, MSU associate professor of teacher education, from her 1998 book of poems, Falling into Grace (Sioux Center, Iowa: Dordt College Press).

College of Education NONPROFIT ORG. 518 Erickson Hall U.S. POSTAGE PAID Michigan State University EAST LANSING, MI East Lansing, MI 48824-1034 PERMIT #21

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