Eastern Michigan University

Issue No: 619
December 20, 2004

We impact the way America learns.

Index | Next | Previous | Print Version

Monday Report is published by the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Previous issues of Monday Report are at http://www.emich.edu/coe/monday. Send items and comments to alane.starko@emich.edu.

NOTES FROM THE DEAN’S DESK

It is hard to approach this time of year without becoming a bit reflective. I believe educators are fortunate in that way—we have “New Years” every time the semester ends. This has been, on the surface and in many real ways, a challenging year for Eastern Michigan University. But just under the surface—and away from the cameras—many good things have been happening. In his holiday message, President Willis reminded us of many of Eastern’s high points fall semester. Items particularly meaningful to the College of Education included:

·        The Princeton Review named EMU one of the "Best Midwestern Colleges," and our College of Business one of the "Top 143 Business Schools" in the country;

·        Kaplan Publishing named EMU, "One of the best buys for your tuition dollar;"

·        Black Issues in Higher Education ranked EMU first among Mid-American Conference schools and fourth among Michigan universities in the number of degrees granted to African-American students;

·        Our post-baccalaureate program for students in the College of Education was featured in the "Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Teacher;"

·        Eastern received a $1 million gift from alumna Dee Brehm to support scholarships for students studying special education;

·        EMU alumni won major awards such as National Student Teacher of the Year, Michigan Teacher of the Year and Michigan Superintendent of the Year.

This semester has been a good one, and next term promises to be even better, as we move forward together in exciting directions. 2005 promises new initiatives in urban education, deepening relationships with local schools, and extended conversations on applied scholarship. So, while I welcome the respite of winter break and the warmth of holiday gatherings, I look forward to our next steps with anticipation.

May all of you have a restful break surrounded (physically or electronically) by those you love, and return to January with energy for continued adventures. I think they are going to be good!

FIVE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS ARE PROPECTIVE TEACHERS

At the most recent Board of Regents meeting, the 2004-2005 Presidential Scholars were introduced. The Presidential Scholarship is Eastern Michigan University’s most prestigious award, providing four years of tuition, fees, room and board. Of this year’s twelve scholars, five are prospective teachers.

Richard Brophy is a graduate of Stevensville-Lakeshore High School in Baroda, Michigan. He originally finished high school in Liverpool, England but enrolled in Stevensville-Lakeshore after moving to the U.S. in 2002. He has come to Eastern Michigan University to learn to be an educator, particularly in English and drama.

Erika Meier is a graduate of Washtenaw Technical Middle College at Washtenaw Community College. She plans to become a missionary and already has traveled to Africa, Mexico, and China on missionary trips. Ms. Meier is studying Math Education and Spanish.

Addy (Adrienne) Mork is a graduate of Sandusky High School in Sandusky, Ohio, where she was valedictorian and a National Merit Commended scholar. Ms. Mork plans become an elementary school teacher.

Danielle Nicholls is a graduate of Saline High School. She’d like to pursue a career in either teaching Spanish or in psychology. Ms. Nicholls also has a strong interest in the performing arts.

Amelia Yunker is a graduate of Marion High School in Birmingham, Michigan. She won several awards while at Marian, including “ Most Likely to Return to Marian to Teach.” Ms. Yunker plans to become a math or English teacher.

APT SERVES THE SCHOOLS

The Association for Prospective Teachers (APT) received a $600 grant from Meijer. The project was initiated by member Paula Staebler. APT used the money, along with additional money the organization contributed, to purchase children's books for Ardis Elementary in Ypsilanti. They will also present $300 to Dr. Peggy Moore-Hart to purchase materials for the EMU Tutoring program located at Ardis.

TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS

The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) and Consortium for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching with Technology (COATT) are working together to help teacher preparation students learn more about technology. COATT is a partnership among Michigan universities, colleges, schools, and educational professional organizations aimed promoting excellence in teaching with technology.

COATT Offices currently are housed in the Porter Building at Eastern Michigan University. A cornerstone of COATT work is the Michigan Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching with Technology (MCOATT), a recognition that can be earned by student teachers at participating colleges and universities. Another version of MCOATT is available for practicing teachers. MACUL is non-profit organization dedicated to bringing educators from all levels together to share their knowledge and concerns regarding educational uses of computers and technology. One of its key activities each year is a state conference. This year MACUL is working with COATT members who prepare teachers to bring more teacher preparation students to the conference.

Teacher candidates from a COATT institution who attend the MACUL Annual Conference in Detroit, March 16-18, will receive a 50% discount off the conference registration fee. The regular student rate for the 2005 MACUL conference is $105, but would be available to eligible students under the COATT offer for $52.50. Hands-on workshops, which cost an additional $60, would be made available to students from COATT institutions at $30 each. For a copy of the flyer and additional details, visit the COATT website at http://www.coatt.org/macul/index.html.

ALUMNI NOMINATIONS DUE

Nominations for Eastern Michigan University’s Alumni Association Awards are due by Friday, January 14. A description of the awards and nomination forms can be found at http://www.emich.edu/alumni/awards/awards_a.html.

STUDENT NOTES

Marie Wolffe, a master’s degree student in Educational Media and Technology, recently published an article in the MACUL Journal. The article, "Grant Turns Fifth Graders into Tech-savvy Economists, “ was published in the Winter 2004-2005 edition. Ms. Wolffe also received an MCOATT award this year and was a winner of a 2003 MACUL grant.

IN MEMORIAM

Dorothy L. Scully, 95, died recently. According to her obituary in the Ann Arbor News, Ms. Scully taught for 35 years, 25 of those years in Manchester, MI.

OPPORTUNITY: TEAM WITH A GRADUATE STUDENT

The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education provides grants to support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education in either Learning & Leadership or Innovation.

Learning & Leadership Grants to individuals ($2000) fund participation in professional development experiences such as summer institutes or action research. Grants to groups ($5000) fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. Innovation Grants ($5000) support collaborative efforts by two or more colleagues to develop and implement creative project-based learning that results in high student achievement.

Applicants must be practicing U.S. public school teachers in grades K-12, public school education support professionals, or faculty and staff at public higher education institutions. Preference will be given to members of the National Education Association. Applications are encouraged from teachers and staff with less than seven years of experience in the profession and education support professionals.

For program information, go to http://www.nfie.org/programs/grantguides.htm

INTERESTING READING

The new series Voices in Urban Education (VUE) is published by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform and edited by Robert Rothman. The publication uses a "roundtable-in-print" format, bringing together educational stakeholders with a wide range of viewpoints to air differences and seek common ground. Information on the series and an opportunity to join in online discussion can be found at http://www.annenberginstitute.org/VUE/about.html

THEME STATEMENTS

Caring professional educators for a diverse and democratic society. (CPED²S) (Initial program)

Inquiry, advocacy, and leadership in education for diverse and democratic society. (Advanced programs)

Previous Report | EMU College of Education Home Page | Index

Print Version