VOL 14 2015 Congratulations December 2015 Graduates! UNRAVELED Pages 4-5

Meet Our New Faculty Member Nivischi Edwards Pages 8-10 TEACHER CANDIDATES: They Do Make a Difference By Krystal Bishop, Ed.D.

Education majors Amy Flores, Bianca Labrador, and Shaina Vargas Da Silva

I graduated from the Teacher Education Program (TEP) at Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University) in 1975. I returned in 1996 as a faculty member. There are not many similarities between my preparation and the preparation of teacher candidates today. This article will focus on one of the outstanding differences—field experiences. My field experiences were limited to a few classroom visits to schools in metro Chattanooga and an eight-week student teaching placement in one school. (Continued on page 3) “I Am the Way” From the Statue Dean’s Desk

Have you been to Southern’s campus in the fall? It really is spectacular. Colorful foliage makes a gorgeous setting, but having our building full of students is what truly makes it come alive! Thanks to recent renovations, our classrooms, computer lab, John and conference rooms have McCoy, Ed.D. served both our students For the faculty The student, and those from other departments whose and staff of the School distracted by her classes meet in our building. of Education and personal struggles, One of our crown jewels is the Teaching Psychology, Summerour searches for answers, Materials Center (TMC). This unique space Hall is a second home. then realizes that Jesus is holds numerous items available for check out, As renovations began, at her side saying, “I am and functions as a workroom, with everything we wanted to mark our the way.” Because this from lamination to color printing and commitment to leading message applies to us Ellison die cuts. Highly valued by our own faculty and students, the TMC also serves the students to Christ and all, room was left on the community-at-large. Both public and private preparing them to serve bench for others to sit school teachers as well as homeschooling others in their chosen with Christ at their side. parents visit the TMC to take advantage of its field. It was from this It is our prayer many resources. Last but not least, it boasts desire that the “I Am the that all who enter what we think is the best view on campus Way” statue was born. Summerour Hall will from a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows A statue was experience Christ’s that overlook the campus and surrounding commissioned of a love in every classroom, mountains. Stop by sometime to work, play, or just enjoy the view. student reading the hallway, and office. In this edition of Unraveled, we’re also Bible and pausing By echoing the truth happy to highlight our newest professor, to contemplate John that He is the Way, we Nivischi Edwards, Ph.D. who joined the 14:6, which says “Jesus endeavor to help each faculty of our MS Counseling program this answered, ‘I am the way student find fulfillment: fall. Professor Edwards comes to us from and the truth and the academic, professional, Japan, having worked as a private contractor life’” Jesus is seated emotional, and spiritual. with the U.S. Department of Defense. We alongside the student on feel fortunate to have coaxed her into coming stateside and joining our team. a bench near the main - John McCoy, Ed.D. entrance of Summerour Hall.

Phone: 423.236.2765 UNRAVELED is the official UNRAVELED Fax: 423.236.1765 newsletter for the School of Volume 14 Editor: Hayley Baker Email: [email protected] Education and Psychology at Website: southern.edu/edpsych Southern Adventist University. 2 Education Preparation Practical Teaching Experience (Continued from page 1)

Today teacher candidates spend hundreds of every spring. She expressed an appreciation for being hours in classrooms prior to 16 weeks of student exposed to fresh pedagogical strategies. Shirley Zanes, teaching. Every EDUC course offers opportunities for principal and teacher at Misty Meadows, likened this candidates to be in classrooms. These field experiences to “feeling like I become reconverted to education have become a hallmark of the quality preparation and teaching. It is refreshing. I am invigorated as I see teacher candidates receive at Southern Adventist current practice from candidates who are learning it University. right now.” Like other teachers in our partner schools, Before acceptance into the TEP elementary she shared that she often incorporates the ideas education candidates observe in numerous classrooms, into her own repertoire. Teaching is transformed as interview teachers, present author studies, and work cooperating teachers are exposed to evidence-based with small groups to lead children into a relationship and creative teaching on an ongoing basis. “The with Jesus. As they continue building their pedagogical involvement of teacher candidates helps teachers stay repertoire they collaborate to teach writing in focused on what really matters” said Zanes. multigrade classrooms, tutor students who struggle Nikkia Hampton, principal and teacher at Avondale with reading, and implement SDA School shared that she literacy and math strategies in appreciates the opportunity to small-group instruction. These “The way candidates watch her students as candidates experiences culminate in a three- live their lives and are teaching. She is able to see week immersion experience in the what strategies engage and inspire junior year. Secondary education demonstrate their her students, giving her a better candidates have similar experiences sense of ways she can engage them with observations, interviews, and spirit of devotion adds during her own instruction. “I like teaching experiences in the content remarkably to the value having the privilege to model my areas. teaching as well as being able to see We are frequently reminded that of our partnership with my students so engaged while the the most critical preparation for candidates are teaching. I love it.” teaching happens in the classrooms Southern Adventist She continues: “I feel that coaching of our partner schools. Teacher University.” teacher candidates reinforces the candidates express appreciation idea that teachers must always for the opportunity to interact be purposeful and intentional. with teachers and students in Coaching is an additional form of actual classrooms. But what about the teachers and professional development.” administrators in our partner schools? How do they Zanes expressed that the greatest impact of field feel about having teacher candidates? What is the experiences does not even relate to the content and impact? I interviewed several administrators and pedagogical strategies. “Few of my students talked teachers, hoping their responses will affirm those who about careers or college but with Southern Adventist have completed our programs. University candidates coming on a regular basis the Teachers and administrators alike shared that one kids are looking at college themselves. They now have a of the greatest benefits to teachers and students is bigger world view.” Hampton shared a similar insight. having an extra set (or two) of eyes, ears, and hands. “The kids in our school are excited to spend time with This allows for more differentiation of instruction. But young people who are in college, who have made a are there additional benefits to cooperating teachers commitment to continuing their education. This is and students? Callie Stewart, vice-principal at Apison so important to our kids. And our kids are especially Elementary, acknowledges the impact of early field drawn to the young male candidates who come. The experiences but added: “When student teachers are in male role model is so important.” the classroom there is an additional level of expertise. Ron Hughes, principal at Apison Elementary, Cooperating teachers collaborate with student teachers summarized the interview with a concluding to craft instruction based on assessment data. The observation. “The dispositions demonstrated by longer exposure has a positive impact on teaching and candidates from your faith-based program are key. The learning.” way candidates live their lives and demonstrate their Kelly Klein, a third-grade teacher at A. W. Spalding, spirit of devotion adds remarkably to the value of our hosts junior elementary candidates for three weeks partnership with Southern Adventist University.” 3 Photos courtesy of Southern’s website School of Education and Psychology December 2015 Graduates

Name: Ronald Arroyo- Name: Clayton Name: Teresa Bennett Watson Belgrave Major: M.S. Ed. Major: M.S. Major: M.S. Clinical Outdoor Education Instructional Mental Health Hometown: Sunrise, Leadership Counseling FL Hometown: Hometown: Stoughton, Future Plans: Teach Williamston, SC MA for the Lord using His nature.

Name: Angela Boothby Name: Diana Clemons Name: Diego Major: M.S. Outdoor Major: M.S. Literacy Constante Teacher Education Education Major: PE Secondary Hometown: Gobles, Hometown: Avon Park, Education MI FL Hometown: Calhoun, GA Future Plans: To find a job in my field.

Name: Dorlin Duran Name: Andrew Lechler Name: Monic Lindsey Major: M.S. Clinical Major: Liberal Arts- Major: Liberal Arts Mental Health Education Education Counseling Hometown: Apison, Hometown: North Hometown: Woodside, TN Chicago, IL NY Future Plans: Get married and pursue a Doctoral degree.

Name: Ricardo Lowe Name: Adele Marsh Name: Erin Messinger Major: Psychology, In- Major: Liberal Arts Major: Liberal Arts dustrial/Orginazational Hometown: Wausau, Hometown: Portland, Hometown: Bermuda WI OR Future Plans: Go on Future Plans: To teach Future Plans: To teach! to graduate school grades 3-6 at Green and work in a human Bay Adventist Junior resources center. Academy.

Name: Cheyenne Name: Katelyn Name: Roselin Prado Meyerpeter Pettijohn Major: Spanish Major: Liberal Arts Major: Liberal Arts certification Hometown: Centralia, Hometown: Apopka, Hometown: Altamonte MO FL Springs, FL Future Plans: Marry Future Plans: Find a Future Plans: in May and work as a teaching position in the Eventually go for my Kindergarten teacher! Chattanooga area. master’s in Spanish education.

4 Congratulations, Graduates! “Let us pick up our books and pencils. They December 2015 Graduates are our most powerful weapon.” — Malala Yousafzai Name: Isabel Perez Name: Layly Ramirez Name: Amy Risinger Major: Liberal Arts Major: Psychology, Major: Psychology, Hometown: Clinical Clinical Austin, TX Hometown: Ooltewah, Hometown: Future Plans: TN Chattanooga, TN Apply to get a Future Plans: Get a Future Plans: Go for teaching position. master’s degree then my master’s in Clinical my Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling. Forensic Psych

Name: Heather Rice Name: Ashleigh Name: Jeremy Major: M.S. Instruc- Sciulli Steinkraus tional Leadership Major: Liberal Arts Major: M.S. Outdoor Hometown: Hometown: Teacher Education Orlando, FL Ooltewah, TN Hometown: Dade City, Future Plans: Future Plans: To FL School Administra- look for a job. tion.

Name: Reneze Name: Gerald Tary Name: Jessica Trejos- Trim Major: English Tirado Major: M.S. Clini- Education Major: Music cal Mental Health Hometown: Education Counseling Columbus, NC Hometown: Jesup, GA Hometown: Long- Future Plans: Estab- Future Plans: Start my wood, FL lish my direction in private music studio, Future Plans: the footsteps of Jesus. get a music teaching Obtain a Ph.D. job, and start a family.

Also Graduating: Bruce Boggess - M.S. Instructional Leadership Dori Boggess - M.S. Literacy Education James Goff - M.S. Outdoor Education Katherine Kapudjija - M.S. Outdoor Education Nina Kesselring - M.S. Literacy Education Heidi Ruckle - M.S. Literarcu Education Mark Torsney - M.S. Instructional Leadership James Reynaert - M.A. Outdoor Education

If you would like to receive future Unraveled newsletters electronically, please email uas@ southern.edu and request to be put on the list.

5 NEW FACULTY Nivischi Edwards

Dr. Nivischi, professor of graduate studies in Counseling.

ivischi Edwards was born at Florida Hospital College. After on to her students the importance in Jamaica where she her time in Florida, she worked as a of their calling to be counselors and N lived until the age of 11 Military and Family Life Counselor impress upon them the ability they when, along with her family, she with the Department of Defense have to be a positive influence in migrated to New York. After living in Brooklyn for middle school and where she was able to work within someone else’s life. Queens for high school, Nivischi the United States and internation- When Edwards is not teaching went to Syracuse University for ally in Germany and Japan. she enjoys any activity that is out- undergraduate studies. While Professor Edwards felt led to doors, but only when it is warm! there she obtained her BA in the field of counseling due to the She especially enjoys water sports Psychology before entering the positive influence her high school and running. In her spare time she program at Andrews University for her MA in Community guidance counselor had on her. also enjoys board games and spend- Counseling. Professor Edwards She recalls her mother saying that ing time with good company. She earned her Ph.D. as a Counselor even as a young child, Nivischi strives to daily become the woman Educator and is a Licensed Mental would set up her dolls and teddy that God has called her to be and Health Counselor, Nationally bears in a circle for group counsel- has a personal/professional goal Certified Counselor, and Distance ing sessions. Not only did she feel of positively impacting the lives of Credentialed Counselor. led to her profession, but she felt all those with whom she comes in Edwards has worked in a variety led to join the faculty at Southern contact. We are very excited and of settings, both nationally and Adventist University. She said it blessed to have Professor Edwards internationally. She has taught with was not “what” that led her, but as a new faculty member and ap- Liberty and Regent Universities as “who”—“God did!” Edwards enjoys preciate the positive contributions well as the University of Central teaching and loves the “opportunity she is already making to our depart- Florida. While in Florida, she also to positively impact supple minds ment. worked as a Substance Abuse Treat- with information about which [she ment Counselor and as a counselor is] passionate.” She hopes to pass 6 MAJOR PROFILE: ALUMNI UPDATE Alum Starts One-Teacher School on Indian Reservation By: Mryon Madden Southern encourages students people took their lives, and at least side until Jesus comes.” to embrace its mission of service another 103 people of the same As she prepares to embark and provide assistance to those in age attempted to do the same, The on this challenging and exciting need. For an educator, that means New York Times reported. Many of journey, Howell has realized the offering students a warm smile these deaths have been attributed value of her time as an elementary and a safe space—and that’s exactly to the oppression, abuse, and education major at Southern. what one alum intends to do on a high drug usage that surround Student teaching gave her the reservation where suicide attempts children on the reservation, but opportunity to teach in a multi- have become the norm. as the number of suicide attempts grade classroom while exposing Jamie Howell, ’14, has been have increased, more causes have her to people who didn’t know working with the Dakota been considered. One such cause about God. Her experience Conference to start a one-teacher is bullying—a problem Howell serving as a missionary in Bolivia elementary school on the Pine is ready to tackle by creating a prepared her to adapt to a Ridge Indian Reservation in comfortable environment. different culture and readied her South Dakota. The conference “My goal is to give the kids a to be thrust out of her comfort approached Howell with the safe place to come to every day zone. Most importantly, her project after she spent a year if they don’t have it at home,” professors taught her how to working at Dakota Adventist Howell said. “Most of our create a safe environment where Academy. students seem to have a good students will be excited to learn “We’ve never had someone home situation, but you never through words and example, and like Jamie,” said Bill Glassford, know here.” these same professors still help her director of Dakota Conference’s Though Howell does not today. Native Ministries. “I think the believe her students will be “The professors in the Lord chose her. She was the one tempted to take their lives because education department are great,” we were looking for.” of their stable backgrounds, she Howell said. “They are always Payabya Adventist Mission knows they might be affected by willing to answer any question School will be held in the family or friends who have already that I have. If I need help with converted two-car garage under committed suicide—another something, I can call them or Howell’s apartment. Though the suspected trigger for the numerous email them or text, and they’ll accommodations may be small, suicide attempts. help me if they can.” Howell believes the school could “They tell the kids that life is a Editor’s Note: be a beacon of light to its students. lot better on the ‘other side,’ and The work that Jamie is doing is Since December 2014, the many kids want that better life so a perfect example of the overlap number of suicides among young they commit suicide,” Howell said. that exists between Education and people ages 12 to 24 on the “As a Christian, I can help them Psychology. We are proud of all reservation have spiked. Between understand that you aren’t going our graduates who have a heart December and May, nine young to find out what’s on the other of service and go on to make a difference in others lives. 7 P.O. Box 370 Collegedale, TN 37315-0370 [email protected] southern.edu/edpsych 423.236.2765

MASTER’S DEGREE IN COUNSELING Let Us Help You Help Others

The counseling program at Grounded in Christian Principles. Southern Adventist University The training you receive at Southern will is focused on Christ, the be grounded in Christian principles but Wonderful Counselor. designed to prepare you for work in a Scheduled for Your Convenience. variety of settings. Classes are held in the evenings to Call or visit online to fi nd out accommodate your work schedule. how you can get started. Designed for Your Success. Master of Science in Counseling Southern’s program prepares students for • Clinical Mental Health Counseling state licensure and provides practical • School Counseling knowledge and clinical experience.

1.800.SOUTHERN • southern.edu/graduatestudies