The Evergreen State College Master in Teaching Program THE CONNECTION
SPRING 2015 ▪ Volume 14, Issue 2
Congratulations Class of 2015! Teaching and Learning as Social Transformation: Connecting Campus and Classroom
Teacher Education MiT Faculty 2013-2015 Program Coordinator Programs Director Sunshine Campbell Roberta McGill Patrick Naughton Lester Krupp
Chris Sharp Newsletter Adviser
Certification & Michi Thacker Loren Petty Advising Specialist
Maggie Foran Newsletter Staff
MiT Faculty 2014-2016 Victoria Caswell Field & Community Jon Davies Kaitlyn Frasier Relations Officer Phyllis Esposito Amber Stredwick Loren Petty Sonja Wiedenhaupt
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Congratulations 2015 Graduates!
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Jonathan Levy- Dannie Parke Kelly Poff-Wesley William Simmons Elizabeth Chapin Angela Hannah Virginia O’Leary Wolins Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary
Kathryn Megan Olsen David Wall Schuessler Kathryn Govan David Buitenveld Katherine Gates Enger Sonja Elofson Visual Arts Visual Arts Visual Arts Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Elementary The 2015 Evergreen Master in Teaching
Graduating Cohort Andrew Beagle Jamie Collins Sara Beith Social Studies Social Studies ML Humanities
Andrea Tiana LaCross Michael Moore Brandon Bennett Barranger Toby Syrett Kelly Cowgill Julie Banken
English English Elementary & Elementary & Elementary & Elementary & ML Math & ML Language Arts Language Arts Spanish Visual Arts ML Science Spanish Humanities
Anna Marie Heather Ann Jessie Sage Stan Strasner James Ayers Clark Tashi Langton Claiborne Crystal Pate
English ML English ML Science Biology, Science & English Language Arts Humanities & Language Arts Science, & Earth and Language Arts Elementary & ELL Middle Level Space Science Mathematics The Connection Page 3
Graduate Student Graduation Speaker: MiT’s David Wall David Wall is graduating from the Master in Teaching program with a K-12 visual arts endorsement. During his time at Evergreen he has served in two student teaching placements, collaborated with his peers to develop masters level curriculum and co-taught with faculty at South Puget Sound Community College. Before entering the program David worked in the field of visual arts in many roles. These roles included studio assistant to several commercial artists, designing and implementing public works projects and developing his own body of work. Before Evergreen, David received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in mixed media from Western Washington University, and an Associate of Arts from South Puget Sound Community College. He has accepted a position teaching middle school art in his home county of Grays Harbor. He looks forward to serving his classroom by uniting it with the local community. Below is the speech he gave at Evergreen’s 2015 graduation ceremony. ______My classmates and I have gone through a lot in our time here. Much like you, we have stressed over papers and readings, organizing For me, it has been schedules and meting with faculty. These are the troubles of a student. impossible to remain in Theses are the struggles of a student. Through out this time we have remained individuals, but we have shared in a common experience. my own bubble. My The experience I’m talking about is that of emerging ourselves classmates have into academics. Choosing to put the real world on hold in order to become my closest focus on an interest, a passion. We all have our own reasons to have done this. Some have known they have a passion in their field for years friends, and our now, for decades. Others are still developing an understanding of the friendships have been field they just devoted so much time and effort to. intertwined with our During this time we’ve often neglected the world around us to education. develop an understanding of our field. We sit here today ready to enter back into that world, but first we meet as a group to reflect on our process, and to look toward our future. So what was our process? Our experience at Evergreen has been a unique one in the world of academia. The learning has been set largely through the lens of our peers. We have spent our nights, our late nights, sometimes our early mornings, reading and writing, to prepare ourselves for the conversations that would take place in our classrooms. For me, it has been impossible to remain in my own bubble. My classmates have become my closest friends, and our friendships have been intertwined with our education. We have learned a great deal from our faculty, but we have also learned from each other. I have learned so much from my peers. David and his Intro to Art class students from As an educator I believe this is the truly wonderful his fall student teaching at Capitol High aspect of the Evergreen experience. This institution School. They are at the mural he co-created in draws together individuals from a wide range of Aberdeen entitled “Nirvana and Aberdeen”
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experiences, introduces them to each other and places them in an environment where they can share ideas. Where they can share in their learning. As I say this I cannot help but think of those members of our cohort that are not here today. Though they will not be graduating with us today, they are still members of our cohort because of their willingness to share themselves in this experience. Because of their passion to learn and to teach. We are all leaving this school with a passion, with the holly ideals of our field. I would expect that most of us hope to take these ideals, this passion, with us into our respective fields. And as we enter those fields We are all leaving this the expectation is that we apply those feelings to our practice. school with a passion, Incorporating our education of theories into the world of application, two concepts that do not often stand beside each other. I feel that we with the holy ideals of will succeed in this feat, because I know the level of skill and dedication our field. coming out of this school, and it is great. However, as ideals and passions are put into practice they can become items of everyday life, so ingrained in our practical systems that we no longer recognize them. I would like to take this opportunity to warn against this. When ideals become norms, when passions are repeated, the spirit of our desires withers and looses effect. I would guess that many of the graduate students here have experienced this since the time we left our under-graduate programs. Do not allow your I am not talking about simply not continuing to practice in your field. What I have seen, what I have experienced, is the process of becoming forgetful passion to degrade through the fog of continued practice. During this program I visited the into simple classrooms of many teachers, some from Evergreen and some from other institutions. And while I was disappointed to see some educators who practice. Continue seemed to have never had a passion for their craft, I was saddened to to nurture that witness those who once had a deep passion but had allowed it to slip passion so it can away, replacing it with a sense of accomplishment. continue to nurture We have all spent a great deal of time and effort to develop our passions here at Evergreen. As we move out of this supportive environment we must your practice. find new avenues of inspiration, consistent methods of remembering high ideas and inspiring new passion. There are many was to do this, aspects of your education that you can take with you. Whatever your choice, I encourage you to stay interested, and to stay adaptive. Do not allow your passion to degrade into simple practice. Take a moment to ask yourself how you will keep in touch with these ideals. Congratulations class of 2015, and remember to continue nurturing your passions, so in the future, they will continue to nurture you.
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Teachers in Action: Year 2 Cohort Present Master’s Papers
By Newsletter Staff On March 13, 2015 the 2013-2015 Cohort presented their Action Research Projects and resulting Master’s Papers at The Evergreen State College. The Action Research Projects were completed during the Fall 2014 student teaching placements on a variety of subjects. Some of the subjects included the Type of Mindset of Students (growth versus fixed, based on Carol Dweck’s work), How Utilizing the Math Teaching Technique of Number Talks Can Increase Student Autonomy, and even How Dialogue Journals Can Be Utilized to Develop Relationships and Teacher- Student Communication. Ross Phimister, a 2014-2016 Cohort member, says he really enjoyed the opportunity to see the work that was presented. “It was exciting to see theory and inquiry put into practice. I attended multiple presentations that discussed group work across several different subjects and grade levels,” Ross says. “The presentations provided evidence of the power of well crafted group tasks to engage all students. As I move forward in my own practice I hope to utilize group work in the same way.”
These presentations were the result of many hours of data collection, sifting through research, and finding best practices and recommendations from the resulting information. The MiT students wrote their Master’s Papers based on
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the information from their Action Research Projects. Amber Stredwick, a 2014-2016 cohort member, says she could see the passion of the second year students. “What was exciting for me was being able to see theory and action directly happening at the same time, and for teachers to be researchers” Amber says. It was obvious from the presenters’ stories that they cared for and were invested in their students learning, and used their research to find best practices to utilize with and for students. It was intriguing to hear about their experiences student teaching, and how it has shaped and formed their own identities as budding teachers, and what that may look like for me as well. “
The presentations were open to the public and enjoyed good attendance, including members of Evergreen’s Professional Educators Advisory Board. Many current students in the MiT program found the research intriguing and plan on integrating it into their future practice. First year student Ana-Claudia Magaña says that she particularly liked getting a preview of what was coming next in her education. "I felt it was worthwhile to see the speakers' presentations because it gave real insight as to what kinds of things to expect for Year 2” she says. “Although the presentations were rooted in studies and data collection, they nevertheless gave insightful descriptions into problems that educators face, such as ensuring that students get to speak their minds or distinguishing journal writing as a viable method of communication with the educator in a safe space”
The complete list of all paper titles and authors appear on the following pages.
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2015 Master’s Paper Titles
Title Author
Encouraging a Growth Mindset Ayers, Jim
Reflective Journaling in a Math Class Banken, Julie
Using Authentic Discussion to Promote Participation and Equity Barranger, Andrea
Culturally Relevant Issues and Controversial Discussion in a High Beagle, Andy School Social Studies Classroom
Critical Media Literacy and Controversial Issues in the Middle Beith, Sara School Social Studies Classroom
Using Science Vocabulary Index Cards to Promote Bennett, Brandon Academic Spanish
Math, Mindset, and the Transition from Elementary to Middle School Buitenveld, David
Increasing Mathematics and English Language Proficiency Through Chapin, Beth Groupwork
Using Number Talks to Support Student Autonomy Clark, Anna Marie
Democracy and Citizenship Through Classroom Discussion in High Collins, Jamie School Social Studies
The Facilitation of Groupwork Roles During First- Grade Mathematics Cowgill, Kelly Instruction
The Relationship between Assigning Competence and Students' Elofson, Sonja Perceptions of their Mathematical Abilities
Exploring Equity in a Mathematics Classroom Through Cooperative Gates, Katie Task Design
Increasing Student Use of Content Specific Vocabulary Through Govan, Katy Formative Assessment in a Visual Arts Classroom
Student Engagement Through Interactive Read Alouds of Gunn, Lindsey Multicultural Literature in an Elementary Classroom
The Impact of Sharing Time on Community- Building and Access to Hannah, Angela School-Based Literacy
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2015 Master’s Papers Titles
Title Author
Selecting Short Stories Based on Students' Interests to Foster Cognitive Lacross, Tiana Engagement
Evaluating Group Work and Its Implications on Science Discourse Langton, Tashi and Peer-To-Peer Interdependent Relationships
Literature Circles and Elementary Students' Ability to Express Multiple Levy-Wolins, Jonathan Perspectives
Structured Inquiry Learning and Generative Discourse in Middle Claiborne, Heather School Science
Student Assets and Teacher Expectations as They Affect Students' Moore, Michael Engagement in High School English
Fostering Student and Teacher Communication Through Dialogue O'Leary. Virginia Journals
Students' Experience with Groupwork in an Algebra Intervention Olsen Enger, Megan Classroom
Social and Emotional Skill Development Through Groupwork in the Parke, Dannie Primary Grades
Student-Centered Discussion Structures in a Secondary English Pate, Crystal Language Arts Classroom
Fostering Mathematical Learning Through Groupworthy Tasks in an Poff Wesley, Kelly Elementary Classroom
Write, Listen, Speak: Journaling and Discussion in a Secondary English Sage, Jessie Classroom
Visual Narrative: A Vehicle for Exploring Art in a Middle School Schuessler, Katie Classroom
What Are My Students Talking About? Cooperative Learning and Simmons, Billy Authentic Discourse
Fostering Critical Multiculturalism Through Read-Alouds in a Primary Strasner, Stan Classroom
Using Number Talks to Address Status and Self-Efficacy in a Syrett, Toby Fourth-Grade Classroom
Identifying Creative Thought in the Visual Arts Classroom Wall, David
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Race to the Finish: Year Two Students Take Part in Mock Interviews By Newsletter Staff
Mock interviews are practice interviews conducted by school hiring committees or actual superintendents or principals who volunteer their time to assist students to gain experience in the art of interviewing. They help future teachers to get a feel for the interviewing process. It is also an opportunity to verbalize how your background, skills and Beth Chapin, Brandon Bennett, Dannie Parke, abilities fit the Loren Petty, Angela Hannah, Katie Schuessler, job. “Our team interviewed Lindsey Gunn, and Julie Banken. amazing candidates This year, Field Experience and and their positive, Community Relations excited energy was Officer, Loren Petty, CONTAGIOUS!” arranged an all-star line-up of participants to hold Mock Interviews for the 2013-2015 Cohort on February 27, 2015. “My favorite part of my job is to hear from students who have just gotten their first jobs,” Loren exclaims. “The excitement in their voices puts the biggest smile on my face!” Loren Sonja Elofson, Katie Gates, and Beth says that mock interviews are an important part of the Chapin after their interviews. interview process– and just a stepping stone away from his favorite time of the year– the hiring process! Loren says that in previous years, students have been hired on the spot at the mock interviews. “It’s really a wonderful tool” he says. “Having the opportunity to meet with your MiT There is no secret to a students was a high successful job interview. You need to point of my week!” prepare and practice. In the final stretch of their MiT careers, the 2013-2015 cohort is well prepared to spread their wings and fly. Sue Saylor, Human Resources Coordinator for Steilacoom School District says she was incredibly impressed with the interviewees. “Having the opportunity to meet with your MiT students was a high point of my week not to mention one of the greatest ideas I’ve ever seen orchestrated” she says. “Our team interviewed amazing candidates and their David Wall, Stan Strasner and Loren Petty in positive, excited energy was CONTAGIOUS!” deep conversation.
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Thank You! We would like to take a moment to thank all of the participants in the 2015 MiT Mock Interviews.
Deena Alley Janet Hodson Jodi Petrovich Assistant Principal Director Employment Services Human Resources Director Shelton High School Federal Way School District Capital Region ESD 113
Eric Barkman Scott Johnson Marty Reid Principal Retired Principal Assistant Principal Olympic Middle School Olympia High School Black Hills High School
Joe Bremgartner Dawn Long Sue Saylor Director Human Resources Assistant Director Human Resources Human Resources Coordinator North Thurston School District North Thurston School District Steilacoom School District
Adina Brito Dave Myers Beth Scouller Principal Principal Executive Director of Human Evergreen Elementary School Black Hills High School Resources Tumwater School District Jeff Broome Serenity Malloy Principal Assistant Principal Monica Sweet Tumwater High School North Thurston High School Principal Aspire Middle School Dick Cvitanich Rick Maloney Superintendent Teacher Advancement Coordinator Terry Van Meter Olympia School District Highline School District Retired Elementary Teacher and MiT Alum Aaron Davis Carey Murray Director Human Resources Principal Tim Voie Olympia School District Bordeaux Elementary Teacher Tumwater School District Gerald Denman Janet O’Halloran Equity & Achievement Officer Teacher Sheri Warrick Puyallup School District Margaret M. McKenny Elementary Principal Oakbrook Elementary Skip Gillis Troy Oliver Field Placement Coordinator Asst. Superintendent Secondary Ed. Randy Weeks Tacoma School District North Thurston Public Schools Principal
Pioneer Elementary Linda Hahn Geoff Parks Human Resources Principal Casey Wyatt Tacoma School District Reeves Middle School Principal Olympic View Elementary Emily Hetland Ellen Perconi Director Human Resources Superintendent Patty Zech Aberdeen School District Mary M. Knight School District Human Resources Clerk Steilacoom School District
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MiT Job Fair: A Big Success!
By Newsletter Staff
A major highlight in the Winter quarter of the Master in Teaching program is the Job Fair on March 6, 2015. Usually there are between 10 and 15 school district administrators to discuss job possibilities with MiT students. These events have been key in sustaining our strong job-placement rate.
This year there were 17 School Districts, the Public Schools Personnel Cooperative, the Peace Corps and the Olympia Community School in attendance. This is by far the largest Job Fair in MiT history. “We look forward to The experience and participating next year knowledge gained as well as hiring from the Job Fair are invaluable to MiT Evergreen candidates.” teacher candidates. It is so important that they make connections with School and District Personnel. According to Loren Petty, MiT Field Placement Officer, five students signed letters of intent to work in school districts after attending the job fair. “I would say that it was a great success!” says Loren.
Amy Morley, who is with the Tukwila “We feel very fortunate to School District, be able to maintain such a says that she great working relationship thinks the fair was wonderful. “It with your school district.” was a great opportunity to meet your program's students as well as an introduction to The Evergreen State College” she reports. “We look forward to participating next year as well as hiring Evergreen candidates.”
Loren Petty cites a great working relationship with school districts as the main reason for the successful placement of teacher candidates. “We appreciate your support, effort, and willingness to participate in the success of the MiT Program,” Loren says. “We feel very fortunate to be able to maintain such a great working relationship with your school district.”
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Thank You! We would like to take a moment to thank all of the participants in the 2015 MiT Job Fair.
Bremerton School District Peace Corps Leesa Bowie – Recruitment Specialist Erin Erickson – Peace Corp Recruiter Garth Stedman – Human Resources Director Shelton School District Clover Park School District Linda Arnold – Human Resources Director Lori Liedes – Recruitment Coordinator Jennifer Deyette – Interim State and Federal Programs Director Eatonville School District Tami Soutnar – Special Education Director Denise Walters – Human Resources Darlene Eichhorn – Human Resource Specialist ESD 113 Steilacoom School District DeeDee Hill – Human Resources Generalist Sue Saylor – Human Resources Coordinator Federal Way School District Patty Zech – Human Resources Clerk Janet Hodson – Director of Employment Services Alex Clauson – Principal Salter’s Point Elementary Laurie Vallieres – Asst. Principal Salters Point Elementary Franklin Pierce School District Dr. Shaun Carey – Human Resources Director Sumner School District Brandy Japhet – Asst. Human Resources Director Marc Brouillet – Human Resources Director Neil O’Brien – Asst. Principal Ford Middle School Tacoma Public Schools North Thurston School District Skip Gillis – Field Placement Coordinator Joe Bremgartner – Human Resources Director Lisa Nolan – Director, HR Talent, Recruitment and Development Dawn Long – Asst. Human Resources Director Tukwila School District Highline School District Amy Morley – Certificated Staff Employment Rick Maloney – Teacher Advancement Coordinator Tumwater School District Olympia Community School Beth Scouller – Human Resources Director Olympia School District Andrew Schwebke – Student Learning Director Aaron Davis – Human Resources Director Jon Wilcox – Principal of Tumwater Middle School Starla Hoff – Human Resources Supervisor Dave Myers – Principal of Black Hills High School Puyallup School District University Place School District Dana Harris – Student Learning Director John Sander – Assistant Superintendent Angelo Mills – Asst. Principal of Zeiger Elementary Yelm Community Schools Judy Piger – Principal of Carson Elementary Steve Bodnar – Human Resources Director Ailene Baxter – Human Resources Director Steve Bigelow – Special Services Director
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Spotlight on: Dr. Sunshine Campbell Dr. Sunshine Campbell has been a member of the faculty in the Master in Teaching Program for four years. She brought with her a passion for field based methods education and being actively involved and engaged in local schools. This year, she has been recognized and honored for her work in these interest areas.
She was recognized by the Olympia School District for her partnership with Lincoln Options Elementary
School. She partners with the school and teachers Above: Dr. Campbell teaching a math lesson at Reeves to ground her elementary math methods course in actual classrooms with on the ground teaching. As part of the course, Evergreen teacher candidates plan and implement “Number Talks,” which are a way to learn effective math practices such as positioning students competently, orienting students’ to other’s ideas, eliciting and responding to students’ reasoning, and setting and maintaining expectations for participation.
Sunshine was also honored by the Olympia Education Association for her work at Reeves Middle School with their “Advocate of the Year” award. This award is given to a person who shows selfless dedication to their school, which is certainly true of Sunshine. She has volunteered numerous hours to better the education for all Reeve’s students by targeting math intervention to students for an hour after school once a week in the STAR program (Students Taking Academic Responsibility). In this program, students are invited to spend an hour after school to get specific help on one specific math standard with an adult volunteer for individualized specific help. Sunshine also volunteers as a member of the Reeves Site-Council as well as a board member of the Reeves Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Next year, Sunshine will be the Vice President of the PTA. Sunshine is always willing to do whatever it takes to help the Reeves community. She volunteered for three hours during State testing to provide an engaging math lesson for any student who had opted out to ensure that no instructional time was lost. When asked about the award she said: “I am honored to receive this award. As a parent, teacher educator, and former public school teacher I know the importance of active participation in our school communities. My volunteer work in our local public schools helps me stay connected to the daily experiences of teachers and their students. I learn so much from working closely with students, teachers, and administrators. This not only benefits the schools but Above: Brian Howell (2014-2016) also our future MiT students because I can draw on my working with his math buddies experiences working with teachers and students.”
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Your Expertise Will Be Missed We would like to thank adjunct faculty Michi Thacker and Lester Krupp for providing such inspiring instructional support for the MiT 2013-2015 cohort.
Beth Chapin, a graduating member of the 2015 cohort had the following to say in appreciation: “Michi was my field supervisor Fall quarter of Year 2. She was absolutely integral to my success on the edTPA and the whole experience as a whole. She was calm and full of ideas when I was struggling with reaching students who were struggling. I went to her often to ask questions and gain information from her years of experience! She made the second year of this program a much more enriching place to be!” Kathryn Schuessler, (MiT 2015) said, “Michi was my supervisor and supported me immensely during my first student teaching. I am so grateful to her for it!” She went on to say “Lester taught me about learning, development, and classroom management theories that will forever influence my teaching.” Finally, Kelly Cowgill (MiT 2015) shared “Both Michi and Lester have contributed so much to our cohort's understanding of effective pedagogy. If I absolutely HAD to choose the single most impactful information Michi and Lester shared with us, I would say that the most salient knowledge that Lester passed along to our cohort was how to use Nonviolent Communication effectively.” Michi says that “It has been such a wonderful and unexpected gift to be able to watch this group of student teachers develop into the reflective, engaging teachers that they are now. Observing them delivering meaningful lessons that promote critical thinking, listening to and reading their planning and reflections, witnessing their passion and creativity, and most of all, their persistence in the efforts to build meaningful relationships with ALL of their students gives me enormous hope during an incredibly challenging time in education.” She said that once she watches the commencement of the 2015 cohort she will “continue to be involved in public education in several capacities.” When asked about what the most memorable part of the experience for him was, Lester responded: “Most memorable for me is not a single moment but the varied processes of watching people become teachers. As I reflect on my last classroom observations of the year, I am deeply moved by the transformations I have witnessed.” Next year he will be moving on to teaching in the Evening/Weekend studies program located at the Evergreen Grays Harbor site. Thank you Lester and Michi! A Reflection: Pat Naughton’s First Year as Director This first year as Director of Evergreen’s Teacher Education Programs has been an incredible journey for me. I have observed firsthand the passion for education our candidates exude and the hard work they put into their professional development as they prepare to serve as agents of change in our schools. I have had the good fortune to host colleagues from around the state at the January meeting of the Washington Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. During that meeting, Barbara Leigh Smith, Emeritus Evergreen faculty member, introduced teacher education faculty from around the state to the Enduring Legacies Natives Cases Initiative, a project to develop culturally relevant curriculum and teaching resources on key issues in Indian country. Two months later, we co -hosted with the Washington Education Association the Future Native Teachers Initiative Symposium, an effort focused on increasing the number of Native American teachers in Washington state. More recently, in response to a request from the Director of Title II, Part A and Special Programs at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, we provided input for a professional development project on cultural competence. OSPI reached out to us because the Professional Educators Standards Board had recommended our program to them as a “great example program.” That acknowledgement from a state agency simply confirmed what I already knew. In closing, I feel quite privileged to represent our MiT program and look forward eagerly to the upcoming year as we send our 2012-14 cohort into schools for student teaching and welcome the new 2015-17 cohort. As Loren would say, “Go, Geoduck Teachers!”
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Future Native Teachers Initiative The Future Native Teachers Initiative (FNTI) held a two day Wisdom Seeker’s Symposium in the Longhouse at The Evergreen State College March 19-20. FNTI is a partnership of OSPI, the Washington Education Association, regional tribes, and Native education leaders at schools and colleges to increase the amount of certified Native teachers. Sonja Elofson (MiT 2015), member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, attended the conference and happily answered some questions for the newsletter.
What about this event was significant for you? They invited Native American/Alaskan Native high school students and college students who are interested in becoming teachers. The world needs more Native American teachers and it was awesome seeing so many people who were recognizing this.
What did you learn from this event? I learned many teaching techniques from the teachers who were leading the program, but I also learned the importance of having Native teachers where Native students live. It is important for students to have teachers that they can relate to.
How did the different perspectives of students at different places in their educational journeys affect your view of what it means to be a teacher? I heard many high school students talking about the struggle of getting by in school. It took me back to when I was in school and I never saw that light at the end of the tunnel. I had to give my testimony of how it is possible as long as you set that large goal and reach those mini goals along the way! Goal setting is one of those major things I am going to teach my students.
How did this event help you think about Native culture in relationship with schools? Culture is always going to be a part of my classroom. I want to share my culture with my students so they feel comfortable sharing theirs with me. Too often when we think about Native Americans and Social Studies we get this stereotypical image that pops up in our heads. Whether I teach in a school with a high Native American population or not, I am going to teach my students not only Native American history, but how they are still human beings walking the earth today--and they look like me!
Why do you think it might be important for teachers to be aware or share the culture of their Native American or Alaskan Native students? Each student is coming from different backgrounds. Each of these backgrounds are coming together to make one large classroom culture. Just because one of our students doesn't fit the dominant culture, it doesn't mean their culture should be shut out. Each students culture and background should be celebrated and shown in the classroom.
How do you think Evergreen was impacted by this event? Evergreen is a very accepting school of Native American students. Typical school systems have not been kind to many Native American students. The alternative programs and grading is very attractive to Native Americans. Personally, my younger brother is a Freshmen here and he is thriving in his education more than ever! I am hoping that by recognizing an event like this we will be recruiting more Native American teachers. Our teaching programs, as of late, have not been very diverse and I hope to see that change over the years.
Do you think having this event at Evergreen changed the dynamics of it? Many of the students I showed around campus grew to love Evergreen. For some of the students it was their first time being on a college campus. It gave them a small taste of what it would be like to be a college student. Those students who I heard talking about struggling in high school seemed to perk up and ask a lot of questions about how to get ready for college. It was an amazing experience and I am glad I got a chance to be a part of it.
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Extending the Role of a Teacher Leah Baugh (MiT 2012), is using her MiT degree to work as an educator in a non-school setting. We asked her a few questions about her current role as the Program Manager & Learning Specialist for Lehman Learning Solutions in Seattle.
What is it like to work with such a broad age range of students? It is awesome - I'm never bored. Right now, most of my students range from middle school to college-aged, but in past months I've had days where I've gone from working with a 7 year old to working with a 55-year old. How did you get involved with this organization? After graduating from MiT, I wanted to take a year to work one-on-one with students before working in the classroom. I found this job through a posting on Craigslist - that's it! After six months at this job, I decided working one-on-one with kids was my true path in education. During a session, I can connect with and meet the needs of my students. It's that simple and it's very rewarding. How do you think MiT prepared you for this line of work? MiT prepared me VERY well for this work. Not only did it give me a huge toolkit of strategies for literacy, lesson- planning, and assessment - it gave me a mindset that lets me meet every student and their family with a positive attitude. I sometimes encounter other teachers who, when reaching a plateau or regression in progress with a student, will foist all responsibility for failure on the family or the student themselves. They'll say, "Oh, they clearly aren't practicing enough", or "that parent is making it impossible." Those statements may be partially true, but my student is still my responsibility and I need to own up to how I've contributed to or hindered their progress to know what needs to be done next. MiT engrained in me that mindset of responsibility, and it's made me a stronger teacher, manager, and person. What is a particularly interesting situation you have found yourself in that what you learned in the MiT program may have helped you work through? One of my first clients at this job was a 7-year old girl who was very sweet and imaginative, and very ADD. Her energy was infectious when she was playing, but when she was faced with something academically challenging, that energy transformed into acute anxiety. I started using metacognitive strategies and mini- lessons from Brainology, Carol Dweck's program that teaches about the brain and developing a growth mindset (both things I learned from MiT). We had one day where we talked about neurons and made a paper neuron. Another day we listed in a T-chart the things that helped her focus and hurt her focus. One breakthrough day I printed out two cartoon girls who looked like her. One girl was sad, and the other was happy. I told her that both of them didn't do well on a math test, and had her fill in thought bubbles for both of them. The happy girl had thoughts like, "I don't know this yet" and "This is so hard but my neurons are growing!" When I finished with her a few months later, her anxiety was still there, but she was learning that she had other ways to think about it and manage it. I recently talked to her mom, and she said that her daughter will occasionally take out the cartoons and read them over to help herself feel better. That is two years later! It doesn't get any better than that. :) Do you have any advice for classroom teachers based on your experience? Make your expectations for assignments crystal clear. That means giving them directions in writing and providing examples and non-examples. The same goes for expectations with behavior. When a student doesn't meet your expectations, do not lay on a guilt trip or try to shame them. There are certainly times when a student needs to be called out for poor behavior and given a consequence, but continued shaming and guilt-tripping for a behavior that is not within their control (i.e., they do it over and over, in spite of consequences), is devastating to a student, and clouds the issue of what is really getting in the way. If you have a student where this is happening, ask them (or their parents, or yourself), "what is getting in the way?" Keep asking that question until you get to a specific obstacle, and then try to problem-solve. Also, do not ask a student, "Do you need help?". They will not say yes. Ask "Where are you stuck?"
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Cindel Tobias: Winner of Evergreen’s Distinguished 2015 PK-12 Educator of the Year Award
No one seemed more surprised than Olympia High School math teacher, Cindel Tobias, when she found out that she had won the Distinguished PK-12 Educator of the Year Award. “I found out via e-mail and had to read the e-mail a couple times before it really sank in,” she says. Ms. Tobias says she had no idea she was nominated, but that she strives to make her classroom a place where students feel like they can come as they are, learn something, have fun, and get to know some classmates.
Cindel Tobias (MiT 2010) in her classroom Matt Grant, Olympia High School Principal, enthusiastically at Olympia High School recommended her for this award, and says Ms. Tobias does everything a teacher should do to make her students successful. “Simply put, she is one of our best” he says. “Students and staff have enjoyed and profited from such a talented, team-oriented, and knowledgeable educator.” Building relationships and listening to students is what Ms. Tobias credits as helping her students to get over the “I’m bad at math” stigma. In addition, she diligently works to get to know her students’ interests. “I found through trial and error that when students are engaged, they are much less likely to behave in ways that disrupt the learning environment,” she says. “When students are bored, that's when the not so good behaviors show themselves. It also took a while to figure out what high school students like doing (what would be engaging).” She energizes her classroom by using interactive games and by keeping lesson plans fluid and flexible. Mr. Grant says that she develops lessons where her students are at the center. “Cindel’s students are often the ones sharing their knowledge and explaining deep concepts in class,” he says. “She also continually checks for understanding and adjusts when students just aren’t “getting it”. She promotes the simple phrase ‘mistakes are okay, giving up is not.’” Mr. Grant also says that she is able to find bridges for our students that come from different cultural backgrounds, socio economic status, learning styles and unique interests. In addition, Mr. Grant says that in her first years at OHS, Cindel worked with TOGETHER Thurston County to promote student leadership in health education. She took several students that showed leadership potential to workshops with students from other schools. These students who came from very diverse backgrounds were able to come back to OHS equipped to take on “Simply put, meaningful topics in the school climate. The Evergreen State College Distinguished PK-12 Educator of the Year Award is given she is one of once a year and is selected by the MiT’s Professional Educator Advisory Board. our best” Teacher Education Programs Director Patrick Naughton says that members of the PEAB bere impressed by Mr. Grant’s description of multiple examples of Ms. Tobias’ work with students, especially students who struggle in math. Dr. Naughton also says Ms. Tobias’ efforts to champion good citizenship in her school, promote diversity and her work on a Restorative Justice program further confirmed that she is an exemplary educator. Ms. Tobias received her award on May 12 at the College’s award recognition dinner.
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National Board Certified Teachers
Congratulations to all of our Evergreen MiT Alums who earned National Board Certification this year! The Staff and Faculty of The Evergreen Master in Teaching Program commend the newly minted NBCTs on their dedication in continuing to improve their craft. We know that the students in your classroom will continue to benefit from you as incredibly skilled, dedicated educators. Our best wishes for your continued success!
Joanna Barnes (MiT 2010) Pleasant Glade Kai Liikane (MiT 2006) Silver Ridge Elementary School, Lacey Elementary School, Silverdale
Frank Casey (MiT 2006) Clover Park High School, Wade Jerdee (MiT 2002) Lochburn Lakewood Middle School, Lakewood
Lorri DeFoor (MiT 2009) North Thurston High Joshua Parker (MiT 2007) Shelton High School, Lacey School, Shelton
Robert Gandy (MiT 2009) Mercer Middle Seattle, Jerry Price (MiT 1995) Ridgeline Middle Seattle School, Yelm
Alaina Hellum-Alexander (MiT 2010) Mercer Dawna Rosenberg (MiT 2001) Park Middle School, Seattle Lodge Elementary School, Lakewood
Aimee Beth Leggett (MiT 2006) Timberline High If we inadvertently missed listing you, School, Lacey please let us know!
David Hunter (MiT 2011) Wins Geographic Education Award David Hunter (MiT 2011) was recently honored for his work Zombie-Based Learning. He received the Outstanding Support for Geographic Education Award from the National Council for Geographic Education. This award goes teachers who contribute to geog0.raphic education outside of the formal classroom. The Newsletter Staff caught up with him to ask him a few questions. What do you think has contributed to Zombie-Based Learning being such a phenomenon? I think it has two parts that have made it pretty successful and kept people excited about it. First, it has a catchy concept. The idea of geography projects to survive the zombie apocalypse helps get people’s attention. Second, and what I think is most important, is that it was designed with both teachers and students in mind. It’s got the academic depth that teachers want and need, but it’s got room for students to get engaged and explore their own ideas. How does it feel to have been recognized nationally for your curriculum? It feels great to know I’m going in the right direction. I really wanted to make a geography curriculum that captured real-world geographic skills. As a teacher, I was frustrated with finding instruction that was still based on memorizing or at best researching facts about a location. Real geographic thinking is very interdisciplinary and asks some really big questions about how we live in our world. To receive this award from the National Council for Geographic Education, an organization that really promotes real-world geographic thinking, is a great honor. What advice would you want to give a first year teacher to make their year easier? Prepare to be a teacher-leader right away. Keep your humility, but step up. Don’t rely on other people’s systems if they don’t work. Find the beauty in every student and teacher.
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Alumni News Wayne Au, Ph.D, MiT 1996 Wayne Au, Ph.D, MiT 1996, is the recipient of UW Bothell’s 2015 Distinguished Teaching Award. Au is an associate professor in the School of Education Studies. Au’s achievements in multicultural education directly benefit student learning at UW Bothell. He has been instrumental in calling attention to ways in which the curriculum and co-curriculum, through mindful and sophisticated consideration of diversity, robustly support student experiences inside and outside the classroom. As chair of the Diversity Council, Au’s leadership has earned the respect and admiration of faculty, staff and students. The nomination by a student was accompanied by support letters from fellow faculty and undergraduate students, included a collective letter from this year’s Academic Transition Program (ATP) class. The year long academic preparation program is designed to provide assistance geared toward historically disadvantaged, low-income and first generation college students.
Kelli Fisher, MiT 2005
Kelli Fisher, MiT 2005 and a teacher in Lopez Island School District at the Decatur School, one of the smallest schools in the nation, was recently invited to the June Writing Institute by the Columbia University Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project. During this workshop, teachers will discuss topics such as the central role of curriculum development and planning in the teaching of writing, helping students write well about reading, and methods of holding our students accountable for doing their best work. Joanna Tovar Barnes, MiT 2010
Joanna Tovar Barnes, MiT 2010 and a teacher at Pleasant Glade Elementary in Lacey was the recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for K-12 teachers. She will be spending a few weeks in Madrid in the summer of 2015 as part of this exciting opportunity. She will be studying in a program called Authors in the Prado about historical diversity.
Alexandria Haas, MiT 1994 Alexandria Haas has been named principal of McMicken Heights Elementary. Alexandria comes to Highline from Mercer Middle School in Seattle where she served as literacy assistant principal. This is her twentieth year in education. She spent her first decade as an elementary teacher in East Los Angeles, and later served as an ELL/Title coach in the Northshore School District and as a literacy coach in Seattle Public Schools. She graduated with her master’s in teaching from The Evergreen State College and received her master’s in educational administration and leadership from California State University, Los Angeles.
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Alumni News Heather McCarthy, MiT 2002 Heather McCarthy , MiT 2002, will be the new Assistant Principal at Lakes Elementary for the North Thurston District in Lacey. Previously she worked in the Tenino School District as a 5th grade teacher and Dean of Students. “Ms. McCarthy is a strong communicator… and has exhibited the willingness and ability to provide building leadership in the new teacher evaluation system, reading instruction, academic interventions and other endeavors,” said Tenino Superintendent Joe Belmonte. Heather earned her educational leadership certification from Western Governors University. Victoria Benson, MiT 2005 Victoria Benson, MiT 2005, a first grade teacher at Lacey Elementary School, was awarded the Cause for Applause award from the North Thurston School District for excellence in teaching and for her dedication to developing in her students an immense interest in learning. Her nominator for the award said she has “the perfect blend of strictness and kindness,” as well as an amazing ability to connect with her students. She is completely dedicated to help her students strive toward excellence and skillful at setting goals and aligning a plan for her students ensured success. Her number one priority is doing what is best for her students, and that’s truly what makes an excellent teacher. Cory Nunlist, MiT 2013 Linda Huyck, MiT 1998
Cory Nunlist [left], MiT 2013, who teaches at Tumwater Hill Elementary in Tumwater had a big send off from his school before flying to Boston to take part in the Boston Marathon. Linda Huyck [right], MiT 1998, a River Ridge High School English teacher and Timberline’s head cross country coach, became a first-time women’s Capital City winner (3:14.35) at her first Capital City Marathon since she ran it in 1997-1999. She viewed her hometown marathon as an opportunity for a re- emergence onto the marathon scene. Her previous marathon was in 2008. Linda also mentored an MiT Student Teacher, Jessie Sage this past spring.
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Alumni News Kasinda Starmer, MiT 2012 Kasinda Starmer, MiT 2012, has recently been awarded the "Teacher of the Year" for Chinook Middle School in the North Thurston Public Schools! Kris- ten Rue, Principal of Chinook had this to say: Kasinda stepped into the role of professional development (PLC) leader part way through this year. She has done a great job so far in the role! This year, Kasinda stepped up and served as one of our assessment coordinators. Given that this was the first year of SBAC test administration, that was no small task. Her perspective, as a teacher, was invaluable. She helped other teachers in the building un- derstand why and how we arrived at the testing decisions that we made, and helped us achieve our goal of transparency with the process. Most importantly, Kasinda does a great job in the classroom. She puts a lot of time and effort into her planning, as well as feedback to students. Christina Vernon, MiT 2014 Christina Vernon, a first year 6th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Lochburn Middle School in Clover Park, has been selected for a leadership role next year. She will be one of the AVID (Advance Via Individual Determination) Coordinators at her school. She will be flying out for training in Florida this summer, and is very excited to take on this opportunity! Gretchen Williams, MiT 2004 Gretchen Williams, a teacher at Clover Park High School, does something a little bit different with her MiT education. She teaches a Career and Technical Education (CTE) class on forensics where her students solve mock crimes. In this process students are studying the evidence in order to draw justifiable conclusions and discuss them with their peers. . Ms. Williams has six years of forensic experience, three years as a Reserve Deputy Coroner with the Thurston County Coroner’s Office, and more than 10 years of laboratory experience in various science areas. Ms. Williams says “I try to make their work mimic the actual work of a death investigator and crime scene analyst... The students use each other as resources to solve the problems, which is a truly important skill for everyone to learn.” Vanessa Banner, MiT 2002 Vanessa Banner has been selected as the new principal for Technology, Engineering and Communications (TEC) High School. For the past 12 years, Vanessa has been with Tacoma Public Schools, where she served as assistant principal at Meeker Middle School and Jason Lee Middle School. In addition to teaching language arts and social studies at Jason Lee, she was the language arts department chair, athletic director, and AVID site coordinator. Previously, she served as a teacher and athletic coach Gault Middle School. Vanessa has a bachelor’s degree in history from U.W., a master’s in teaching from The Evergreen State College in 2002, and principal certification from Pacific Lutheran University.
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Alumni News Joe Boyer, MiT 2012
Joe Boyer, a teacher at Clover Park High School, is March’s Lakewood Rotary Educator of the Month! He is making a profound impact on his students through encouraging his students’ unique perspectives to shine through in his American Literature, American History and AP Human Geography classes. He says “I love it when my students have gone through five or six drafts and they can tell that an assignment’s very well written. They tell me, ‘You’re going to like it!’” Elisabeth Avnet, MiT 2005 Elisabeth Rene Avnet (previously Wakcher), was recently awarded the Herbst Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. At Kittredge School in San Francisco, where Mrs. Avmet teaches, the administration conveyed their joy: “We are proud to announce that Ms. Avnet has been awarded The 2015 Herbst Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. The Herbst Foundation recognized Ms. Elisabeth for engaging students in critical and creative thinking, inspiring the joy of learning resulting in higher levels of academic achievement, all the while challenging students to do their best work so they may achieve more than what their expectations might be. Congratulations Ms. Elisabeth! This award is richly deserved.” Thank you for the difference you make Elisabeth! Nikki Dunbar, MiT 2012 Nikki Dunbar (MiT 2012), Language Arts Teacher at Pacific Middle School, was presented with The Ducky Award this past May by her Superintendent in Highline School District. In their announcement, the Superintendent had the following to say: “Nikki is passionate about the teaching profession, her students, and her colleagues... Nikki is like a sponge—absorbing any knowledge that could help improve the lives of her students… Her passion is contagious and her desire to improve the educational lives of our students is inspirational.” Betsy Perkins, MiT 2001
Betsy Perkins, music teacher and librarian at Meadows Elementary School in Lacey, gains inspiration as a musician from her young students. She has composed some songs especially for her Meadows students, and would “love to write a big children’s musical.” She inspires her students every day with music and they love her enough to have helped Thurston Talk compose an interview with her.
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Featured School: Lochburn Middle School
Pictured: Alumni: Kecia Betts, MiT 2001, Wade Jerdee, MiT 2002, Justin Brooks, MiT 2006, Eugene Bradshaw, MiT 2006, Christina Vernon, MiT 2014, Student Teachers: Julie Banken, MiT 2015, Crystal Pate, MiT 2015, Sara Beith, MiT 2015, and Principal Josh Zarling
In Spring Quarter, three student teachers and five alums worked together at Lochburn Middle School in Lakewood, part of the Clover Park School District. The Alums shared some wisdom with the new teachers:
“I would expect by now they have heard that they will work hard. And that, in the end, it will be worth it. So I would tell them to find one thing: it might be running, or dinner time with their children, or Saturday morning at the farmer's market- and guard that. Set that aside for themselves and enjoy it. Because you have to have something to balance you out.” -Wade Jerdee
“I think I was well prepared for my profession. I would say my biggest challenge has been learning how to balance my career and personal life. Two, I believe we all needs space to learn and grow and Lochburn Middle School is definitely a place to do both! Teaching is not for wimps! You must have a spirit of perseverance, stick-to-it-tive-ness and second chances!” -Kécia A. Betts
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Above: Crystal Pate (MiT 2015) student teaches in a 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies class
Above: Sara Beith (MiT 2015) student teaches in a 7th Above: Julie Banken (MiT 2015) student teaches in a grade Language Arts and Social Studies class 7th grade Language Arts and Social Studies class
Above: Christina Vernon (MiT 2014) teaches in her 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies classroom.
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THANK YOU! We would like to thank the following Schools and Teachers for hosting our second year student teachers:
Clover Park School District Rochester School District Mark Cloud— Clover Park High David Suguitan— Rochester High School Kecia Betts— Lochburn Middle School Justin Brooks— Lochburn Middle School Wade Jerdee— Lochburn Middle School Shelton School District Dennis Selberg— Oakbrook Elementary Brent Conklin— Oakland Bay Middle Bob Trondsen— Shelton High School North Thurston School District Karly Nelson— North Thurston High School Tumwater School District Linda Hyuck— River Ridge High School Laura Chevalier— Bush Middle School Anne Schaadt— Aspire Middle School Kristie Hodges— Tumwater Middle School Ray Nelson— Chinook Middle School Katie Baydo-Reed— Komachin Middle Tacoma School District Ashley Rupp— Evergreen Forest Elementary Alisa Farias— Lincoln High School Amada Lang— Horizons Elementary Pam Gazale— Stadium High School Victoria Benson— Lacey Elementary Therese Tran— Bryant Middle School Dusti Trickle— Olympic View Elementary Nancy Haddigan— Truman Middle School Joanna Barnes— Pleasant Glade Elementary Olympia School District Kate Hudson— Reeves Middle School Bill Sebring— Reeves Middle School Katy Beattie— Garfield Elementary School Amy Koster— Garfield Elementary School Martha Manley— Lincoln Options Elementary Laura Cummings— LP Brown Elementary Spencer Olmsted– Pioneer Elementary
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THANK YOU! We would like to thank the following Schools and Teachers for hosting our first year practicum students:
Clover Park School District Shelton School District David Molten— Mann Middle School Sue Barnard— Choice High School Melissa Glaser— Mann Middle School Reva Fowler— Shelton High School Alicia Hall— Mann Middle School John Hildenbrand— Shelton High School Michelle Leingang— Park Lodge Elementary Joshua Parker— Shelton High School TJ Serroanne— Park Lodge Elementary Peggie Bartsovsky— Oakland Bay Jr. High J.R Oakes— Oakland Bay Jr. High School North Thurston School District Pamelia Valentine— Oakland Bay Jr. High June Dhamers— Aspire Middle School Danielle Beamish— Bordeaux Elementary Ali Whisnant— Aspire Middle School Diane Satak— Bordeaux Elementary Lisa Ackerson— Woodland Elementary Kristen Friedlander— Bordeaux Elementary Ryann Buswell— Woodland Elementary Nicolette Oliver— Woodland Elementary Steilacoom School District Diane Rivas— Woodland Elementary Kelsey Bochenek— Steilacoom High School AirIca Keller— Steilacoom High School Olympia School District Kathi Watts— Capital High School Tumwater School District Linda Smith— Olympia High School Tammy Baker— Bush Middle School Brian Wright— Olympia High School Richard Florek— Bush Middle School Jodi Boe— Washington Middle School Leanne Mueller— Bush Middle School Candyce Burroughs— Washington Middle Kylie Cusack— Washington Middle School Erik Foit— Washington Middle School
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